Weekend villas emphasize nature and bioclimatic design for weekend getaways

In a context where quality of life is increasingly prioritized, the trend of “two homes”—working in the city center and vacationing in the outskirts—has gradually become a new standard in Vietnam. Resort villas, unlike urban dwellings, can remove many constraints in function and design, allowing the “second home” to deliver value not only materially, but also through optimized functional solutions that create intangible benefits—so that every member looks forward to returning on weekends.

The success of a resort architectural solution depends greatly on location and the surrounding landscape. To adapt to Vietnam’s hot and humid climate and reduce dependence on air conditioning, weekend villas are typically designed with a structure that can “breathe.” Front and rear setbacks are used as green buffers to improve the microclimate for living spaces. Local materials are selected not to showcase temporary luxury, but to create depth of surface and natural aging over time, with verandas and louver panels acting as touchpoints that connect people closely to the space.

KeGa Villa: communal living balanced with privacy

KeGa Villa is a private weekend retreat at Kê Gà cape in Bình Thuận province. The project, approached by T3 Architects, was designed as a retreat from the city for a large family and visiting friends, balancing communal living with privacy while fitting the local climate and natural environment.

The villa includes a main two-storey house plus three independent bungalows. Family bedrooms are located on the upper floor, with two connected rooms for children and a master suite for the couple. The ground floor is dedicated to shared living space opening directly to the garden and pool. This vertical separation allows daily life to unfold openly on the ground floor while preserving privacy and views on the upper level.

The bungalows are arranged as separate blocks within the site, providing flexible accommodation for guests while maintaining independence from the main house. Covered and protected common living areas in the main villa—especially the open kitchen and living space on the ground floor—also serve the bungalows. Together with a central garden and pool, this central living zone forms a “communication hub” for the villa.

Bioclimatic principles shape the architecture. On the ground floor, large sliding glass walls allow the main living space to open fully when in use, maximizing natural ventilation and daylight and creating a seamless visual connection between interior and exterior. When the house is unoccupied, or during strong sea breezes and windy periods, the glass walls can be closed for security and weather protection.

SuoiHai Villa: multi-dimensional interaction with nature

SuoiHai Villa is located on a site by Suối Hai lake in Ba Vì, Hanoi, set within a landscape of red sandstone that provides expansive lake views and a distant peak. The site area reaches up to 40,000 m², while the built-up area is just under 900 m², surrounded entirely by open nature.

Designed by APDI Architecture, the villa is guided by two main aims: promoting multi-dimensional interaction between people and nature (inside–outside, above–below, in front–behind) and using locally characteristic materials, since red sandstone is a natural and finite resource. The design is intended to emerge naturally from the context and blend with the wider landscape.

The house is laid out with an orientation facing the lake to maximize views. Garden structures form smaller natural “islands” that extend into the building, helping create a continuous sense of connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.

The villa is built as a single-storey volume to fit the landscape and preserve the site’s existing beauty. Large glass panels optimize internal views and are paired with carefully calculated bioclimatic solutions to maximize energy efficiency. Corridors and long verandas connect spaces and are arranged to support air circulation and comfort.

Recognition and design impact

SuoiHai Villa, with its balanced living and private spaces, is described as functioning like a small resort thanks to its amenities. The project was awarded a Silver prize at the National Architecture Awards 2024–2025.

Across both projects, the common theme is the use of spatial arrangement and material selection to create calm, private, and relaxing environments—supporting weekend retreats that reduce the friction of urban life while emphasizing comfort in Vietnam’s climate.