Indigenous Heritage and Sustainable Design: Insights from the Ancient Houses in Binh Duong, Vietnam
Tran Hanh Minh Phuong
Abstract
Tran Hanh Minh Phuong
Abstract
The ancient houses of Binh Duong represent an essential layer of indigenous heritage of Vietnam, where cultural values, material intelligence, and environmental adaptations intersect. Constructed mainly during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, these dwellings illustrate local ingenuity in responding to climatic conditions while sustaining social and spiritual traditions. In this context, this study investigates how such houses embody vernacular strategies of environmental adaptation and how these insights may inform contemporary sustainable design. The research employed a field survey of five heritage houses officially recognized for their well-preserved architectural values, supported by in-depth interviews with homeowners, systematic on-site observations, and a review of existing publications and archival materials. Architectural documentation included measured drawings, photographic records, and spatial mapping to analyze construction systems, materials, and spatial orientation, as well as the climatic functions of courtyards, gardens, and extended roofs. Findings show that these houses achieved sustainability through passive cooling, natural ventilation, and the use of durable, locally sourced materials such as timber, brick, and tile. Elevated plinths, shaded verandahs, and open courtyards provided resilience against heat and humidity, while aesthetic details in carpentry and ceramics reflected deep cultural symbolism. The paper concludes that the ancient houses of Binh Duong demonstrate “embedded sustainability” where ecological performance is integral to spatial and cultural logic. Indeed, they offer enduring lessons for environmentally responsive and culturally grounded architectural practice.
Keywords:
Vernacular Architecture, Indigenous Heritage, Binh Duong, Sustainable Design, Climatic Adaptation, Local Materials, Vietnam.