Anchor House: A Minimalist Escape in Vietnam’s Lush Jungle

Tucked away in the heart of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, Anchor House by MM++ Architects is a tranquil retreat designed for an artist seeking solace from the hustle of city life. With its sloping concrete roof, perforated walls, and a design philosophy rooted in minimalism, this 160-square-meter home is both a sanctuary and an architectural marvel.

A Seamless Blend with Nature

Anchor House is built on a narrow, vegetation-rich site, perfectly integrating with its natural surroundings. The open-air design creates a harmonious connection between the indoors and outdoors, with a large, shaded veranda serving as the heart of the home. Perforated concrete walls and a raised platform blur the lines between the built structure and the jungle, inviting breezes, natural scents, and the mesmerizing play of light throughout the day.

MM++ Architects thoughtfully approached the region’s tropical climate. The home’s design combats the intense downpours of the wet season and the sweltering heat of the dry season with extended roof coverage and naturally ventilated interiors. This careful balance makes Anchor House a comfortable and peaceful retreat year-round.

Monastic Minimalism Meets Practicality

Anchor House embraces the philosophy of “decluttering the nonessentials.” Its interiors feature raw, understated materials—exposed concrete, untreated dark wood, and subtle lighting hidden within the concrete roof. This simplicity ensures that the focus remains on the surrounding environment rather than excessive ornamentation.

The ground floor is divided into functional spaces, including a bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom, all accessed through wood-paneled walls with built-in storage. A wooden staircase leads to the first floor, which houses a study overlooking the veranda and a second bedroom bathed in natural light from high-level glass bricks and skylights.

Design That Protects and Connects

The thoughtful architecture extends beyond aesthetics to functionality. Perforated walls and angled metal panels allow ventilation while keeping rain out, ensuring comfort in Vietnam’s tropical climate. At the front of the house, a concrete terrace juts out above the parking area, offering panoramic views of the surrounding jungle—a perfect spot for moments of reflection.

A Retreat for the Senses

Described by MM++ Architects as “monastic minimalism anchored in the tropics,” Anchor House is more than a dwelling. It’s a vessel for peace, creativity, and introspection. Whether during a rainy afternoon or under the golden hues of dawn, the home provides an idyllic escape for its artist owner—and a source of endless inspiration.