Step House: A Resort Villa Designed for Comfort and Climate

Uniquely Blending Tradition and Innovation

The Step House stands out from other designs due to its focus on ventilation and solar radiation prevention. In a region where many houses lack suitable ventilation and consideration for strong solar radiation, Hiroomi Takemori and his team aimed to create a building that would satisfy the client's requirements and be suitable for the local climate.

One of the key features of the Step House is its use of traditional wooden work for the roof and doors. This choice not only adds a touch of elegance to the design but also allows for proper ventilation and protection against solar radiation. Each floor of the villa is slipped and made into a balcony on the southeast side, while the upper floor acts as an eave for the lower floor on the northwest side, effectively preventing the temperature from rising within the reinforced concrete structure.

Another unique aspect of the Step House is the incorporation of gardens on each level, expanding towards the beautiful nearby lake. This not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the villa but also brings nature closer to the residents, creating a serene and peaceful environment.

The realization of the Step House involved a combination of natural, local materials and high-tech solutions. The use of reinforced concrete, wooden structures, ceramic roof tiles, and computer analysis ensured the durability and functionality of the design.

With a site area of 336.77m2 and a total floor area of 266.55m2, the Step House offers ample space for relaxation and entertainment. The three-story villa features a common space on the first floor, open to the environment for better ventilation and a stronger connection with nature. The second floor is dedicated to guests, with sliding doors dividing the rooms and corridor. By night, these doors provide privacy, while during the day, they can be opened to encourage human interaction and provide breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery. The third floor is reserved for the owner of the villa, offering a private retreat with open views of the landscape.

The Step House was completed in 2016 in Vinh Phuc province, Vietnam. Throughout the design process, the team faced challenges in cooperation with construction contractors. Disagreements regarding construction methods and quality arose, and the distance between the site and the company office made frequent quality checks difficult. To overcome these obstacles, a member of the design team stayed on-site to supervise the construction and ensure the highest standards were met.

The Step House has received recognition for its outstanding design. In 2019, it was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Architecture, Building, and Structure Design category. This prestigious award is bestowed upon designs that exhibit strong technical and creative skills, contribute to quality of life improvements, and incorporate best practices in art, science, design, and technology.

The Step House, with its unique blend of tradition and innovation, stands as a testament to the power of design to create comfortable and sustainable living spaces. It serves as an inspiration for architects and homeowners alike, showcasing the possibilities of harmonizing modern living with the natural environment.