Analysis of vernacular houses in southern Vietnam, and potential applications of the learned lessons to contemporary urban street houses

PurposeThis study examines spatial layouts and sustainable features of vernacular houses in southern Vietnam to apply the lessons learned to the development of a contemporary housing design. This study proposes hypothetical low-rise street-house models popular in contemporary urban Vietnam by applying the spatial and ecological lessons learned from the analysis.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 23 well-preserved vernacular houses in Dong Hoa Hiep – an 18th century village in the Tien Giang Province – were chosen for a 2-month, on-site investigation. During the field survey, the houses were measured to fabricate scale drawings for detailed analysis, and photographs were taken.FindingsAn in-depth evaluation highlighted unique characteristics of spatial compositions, sustainable features, and architectural components that contribute to climate adaptive strategies.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough numerous potential arrangements of the models are possible, a few examples are illustrated to validate that the assembly could help achieve a dynamic streetscape for street houses.Social implicationsFrom this perspective, vernacular houses in Vietnam are a rich architectural resource and a significant cultural heritage, because these houses have adopted sustainable design strategies suitable for the local climate and culture to ensure comfort and well-being for a long time. Perhaps, sustainable lessons drawn from Vietnam's indigenous houses are a prerequisite to developing contemporary housing in the country.Originality/valueEmploying the lessons learned from vernacular houses, this study developed three sustainable prototypical designs for the development of contemporary street houses in densely populated cities in Vietnam.