The owner, a painter, wanted a living space that also works as a gallery, so he partnered with Nguyen Khai Architects & Associates to create a house that blurs the line between residence and exhibition space.

Completed in 2023, the house sits on a rectangular plot that in Hue is normally used for narrow tube‑houses. Instead of following that pattern, the design carves a tiered green courtyard in the centre of the site, turning the plot into an open, landscaped core.

A flight of stairs wrapped in floor‑to‑ceiling glass rises from the ground floor to the top level. Along the stairwell, planters and trees are placed beneath, beside and around the glass, providing natural shade for the interior walkways.

Five “floating” planters are positioned at intervals along the stair ascent, breaking the visual flow and giving visitors brief pauses as they move upward.

The upper floors contain the painter’s studio and a dedicated art gallery. The walls that face the stairwell are equipped with a network of lights that highlight the large paintings, while the space is kept free of unnecessary furniture, creating a museum‑like atmosphere.

Inside, the palette is deliberately neutral: white walls and a grey floor finish provide a calm backdrop that lets the colourful artworks stand out.