Live Out Studio's Terracotta Breath House Integrates Tradition with Contemporary Design

A perforated terracotta façade modulates sunlight, facilitates ventilation, and generates dynamic lighting effects.

Live Out Studio

The Terracotta Breath house, situated in the seaside city of Da Nang, Vietnam, is a residential project by Live Out Studio, crafted to offer a serene refuge among a densely populated metropolitan setting. The design addresses the local tropical environment and the prevalent "tube house" typology in the area. By emphasising natural ventilation and illumination, the firm designed a living area that fosters a connection to nature while ensuring isolation from the busy street.

Live Out Studio

The residence features a prominent exterior of terracotta bricks, organised in a perforated pattern to function as a "breathing" skin. This brickwork performs several functions: it mitigates intense sunlight, promotes cross-ventilation, and generates a rhythmic interplay of light and shadow within the interior. The interior of the residence is structured around a central void and internal courtyards, facilitating the proliferation of flora on each floor and promoting the circulation of fresh air throughout the living areas.

The project prioritises integrity and local artisanship, combining the earthy hues of terracotta with unrefined concrete and warm timber. The minimalist interior design emphasises fundamental forms, permitting the variable natural light and flourishing plants to shape the home's ambiance.