Floor Plans
Sun and Wind Analysis
| Project | Ga.o House |
| Architects | 85 Design |
| Structural Engineer | Scie company |
| General Contractor | Antcons |
| Area | 172 m² |
| Location | Hòa Hải, Vietnam |
| Year | 2025 |
| Photography | To Huu Dung |
Situated in a tropical climate with plentiful sunlight and rainfall, Ga.o House is a hybrid building combining residential and office spaces under one roof. More than just meeting functional requirements, the project sets out to achieve broader environmental goals: using natural and recycled materials, maximising energy efficiency, harnessing renewable resources such as solar, wind, and water, and reducing carbon emissions across the building’s entire life cycle. It represents a step forward in Vietnam’s evolving commitment to sustainable urban development.
Design Strategies
To achieve these ambitions, the structure employs a prefabricated steel frame — a versatile, low-waste construction system that simplifies assembly and enables easy recycling in the future. The layout is intentionally flexible so that rooms can adapt as needs change. Built-up area is kept compact to increase open spaces, encouraging natural airflow and daylight, which significantly lowers energy demand. A rooftop solar array produces about 11,000 kWh of electricity each year, managed by smart controls to optimise consumption. Rainwater and irrigation water are collected and reused to conserve resources.
Spatial Layout
Ga.o House has two main floors plus an attic. The ground floor accommodates office functions and a small bar serving staff meals and beverages. A landscaped front garden weaves together greenery, water features and tiered platforms to create layered perspectives, inviting interaction with the outdoors. Mature trees are positioned to admit light while maintaining a sense of privacy, and large stones salvaged from the building’s foundation are repurposed as steps and interior accents, enriching the tactile experience.
On the first floor, a private office can easily transform into a bedroom with a foldaway bed concealed behind the desk. A generous double-height void improves air circulation and allows daylight to penetrate deep into the interior. The expansive front balcony includes a cascading waterfall and a large glass fish tank; water moves between the garden pond and rooftop feature to help moderate the microclimate and add a calming soundscape throughout the building.
The attic contains a compact bedroom offering a sweeping 180-degree panorama of the surroundings. A continuous green wall rises from the ground level to the rooftop, boosting vertical greenery and indoor air quality. Portions of the roof open for adjustable natural ventilation and lighting, while the main roof area supports solar panels, air-conditioning equipment and water tanks — all reinforcing the home’s sustainability goals.
Performance
Thanks to these integrated measures, Ga.o House cuts fossil-fuel energy use by 60–80% and prevents over 8.5 tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year. Across its lifespan, it is expected to offset more than 200 tonnes of carbon — roughly equivalent to planting 3,500 trees.
Impact
Ga.o House is more than just a combined home and workplace. It’s a living example of environmentally responsible design, demonstrating how mindful architecture can advance sustainability and contribute meaningfully to the global Net Zero movement.
Floor Plans
Sun and Wind Analysis
85 Design - Architects
Address: R3, Khu đô thị FPT City, Đà Nẵng, 550000, Vietnam
Phone: +84 934 728 666
Website: https://85architecture.com/
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