Architecture Interiors Residential design

V-shaped tropical modernist house in Laos by Saola Architects takes inspiration from vernacular architecture

April 23, 2020

Located on a small plot of land in the Vientiane capital, Laos, the 160m² private residence called the White House, designed by Saola Architects, boldly unfolds dynamic geometrical lines into its lush, green surroundings. Two volumes arranged in a V-shape and seemingly “floating” above the ground divide the land into different zones, creating visual effects with respect to perception of scale, position, and interior vs. exterior demarcations.

The project led by architect S. Phayouphorn is inspired by the configuration of vernacular architecture, where different elements of the house are situated on slightly different levels, and where the space underneath the house is used as a cool outdoor living area that extends into the garden.


A longitudinal pool runs along one of the sides of the land, offering a calm element reflecting colour and light onto the white volumes above, and an opening towards the tropical bathroom upstairs. Inside, exposed concrete contrasts with the white exterior, and is softened by warm wooden elements. The interior spaces upstairs are conceived so as to allow for a maximum impression of openness throughout the length of the volume.

See the full image gallery here:

Photos: Akira Sato, François Hervy

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