The Terracotta Breath House, designed by live out studio, represents an elegant yet humble approach to multigenerational living in the densely packed urban environment of Da Nang, Vietnam. Completed in 2024, this residential project occupies a modest 722-square-meter urban plot nestled quietly in a narrow laneway, demonstrating how thoughtful design can maximize limited space while fostering family connections.
The architectural design strategically accommodates two separate households within the compact site - the parents' residence positioned at the front and their daughter's home located at the rear. This innovative layout creates distinct living spaces while maintaining family proximity, addressing the common challenge of multigenerational housing in Vietnam's rapidly urbanizing cities.
The project's most distinctive feature is a small planted courtyard positioned between the two residential units. This central green space functions as both a physical separator and a connecting element, creating a shared area that brings natural daylight, fresh air, and gentle community interaction into the daily routines of both families. The courtyard serves as the 'breath' referenced in the project's name, providing essential respite from the dense urban surroundings.
With a total built area of 241 square meters, the design team led by Van Tan Quyen Le and Thi Anh Nguyet Tran worked closely with technical team member Phu Khanh Truong and Sigma Construction to realize this vision. The project exemplifies how contemporary Vietnamese architecture can honor traditional family structures while adapting to modern urban constraints and lifestyle needs.
