ABOUT US
We like to call our home Aqua House, meaning "The Aquatic House." From the very first sketches, we dreamed of a green haven that embraces all seasons with cascading vines. We envisioned sunlight gently filtering through the foliage in every corner of the house, along the corridors and staircases. The rooftop garden was imagined as a lush sky filled with tiny, unnamed plants that remain fresh and pure after the fleeting rains of Saigon.
And so Aqua House was born.
Even now, we still feel a thrill when we unexpectedly spot clusters of lush green vines drenched after the rain, or find ourselves quietly moved as the summer sun gently filters through the small windows, soaking in the sunlight with a surprising sense of tranquility. On early evenings after work, I often leave my bike at the end of the alley and walk through the bustling market streets.
It's like a scene from a nostalgic film—leaving behind the clamor of daily life and stepping into a dreamy, serene space.
Though I've lived in Saigon for many years, it's only recently that I've come to appreciate the poetic beauty of this city that feels so familiar. This poetry unfolds in the small alleys, with their dreamy, hidden, even invisible charm amid the bustling, modern rhythm of life. Aqua House was born from this longing for such a poetic place.
We like to describe our home as "nestled in a small alley," because Phó Đức Chính Street in Binh Thanh is quite narrow, tucked away in a dense, long-established residential area and near one of Saigon's most famous markets, Ba Chieu Market. The alley is quiet, mostly lined with modern high-rise buildings, just wide enough for two cars to pass each other. Aqua House is situated near the end of the alley, hidden beneath a green curtain of sleepy vines and the dappled shadows of tall bamboo, with playful beams of sunlight filtering through.
To enter the house, you'll pass through a small courtyard. Remember to take it slow, gently stepping along the pebble path to hear the trickling water and the startled splash of fish in the pond. The courtyard is modest, with a canopy of creeping vines and a wooden door adorned with more vines. The small pond, surrounded by flowers and a bench nestled against the wall, is the perfect spot for lazy afternoons or rainy evenings, where you can watch the clouds drift by through the endless blue sky glimpsing through the leaves.
In the midst of adjoining townhouses, Aqua House features a large atrium that connects the house's façade with the sky. This seemingly lost space often evokes a sense of wistfulness, while also providing a serene retreat for gathering together.
The house blends the free-spirited, minimalist modernity of industrial style with the light, rustic, and nature-inspired charm, adding a touch of boutique-like classicism.
In each room, you’ll find elements such as rugged gray walls reminiscent of old garden walls, soothing yellowed bamboo beams in the ceilings, and the warm, vibrant light of a setting sun casting long shadows on the starfruit tree in the atrium. The minimalist approach in materials and interior design creates a modern, yet inviting atmosphere true to the industrial spirit while ensuring functionality for each space. Dark, sleek kitchen cabinets, wooden-framed sliding doors, and a small, elegantly detailed table contribute to a lively, youthful vibe within a space shaded by green foliage, infusing it with a touch of elegant, modern appeal.
Aqua House offers a charming refuge for those who wish to stay connected with the vibrant rhythm of Saigon while enjoying a tranquil and poetic corner to retreat to when in need of rest.