Architecture

From the Hoi An townhouse to The An Heritage

The Hoi An townhouse is not recognised only by its facade or its tiled roof. Its structure reflects the context of a trading port, narrow and deep plots, a hot and humid climate, and the way families combined receiving guests, daily life and trade.

A sequence of solid and open spaces

One important feature is the rhythm of house, courtyard, house. The courtyard or light well brings light and air into the depth of the plot, while creating a transition between the space for receiving guests and the private quarters. The open space therefore has a climatic and social function, not merely a decorative one.

Adapting to climate and water

The way doors open, materials are used, floors are organised and goods are moved shows the experience of living with sun, rain and floods. Details such as trapdoors or pulleys should be explained through conservation and research sources, not turned into decorative stories without a basis.

Tiled roofs and restraint

Yin-yang tiled roofs, facade proportions and materials help create the distinctive rhythm of the ancient town. The value lies in the relationship between form, climate and use, not in copying a few surface details.

What The An Heritage draws on

The An Heritage proposes bringing light, wind, water, greenery, materials and transitional spaces into the organisation of the township. The concept of a communal light well interprets a core of greenery, water and sky at a shared scale. This is the language of design ideas. Functions, specifications and scope of use must follow the approved and accepted documents.

Boundaries we keep

We do not say the project is a copy of the Hoi An townhouse.
We do not say an idea has become reality before it has been accepted.
We do not use heritage as evidence of rights or financial value.
We do not claim a design relationship unless the architect has confirmed it.

Questions on this page

What role does The An Heritage play in the whole range?: The An Heritage is the name of the project comprising the two zones Ocean Wellness and Wellness Residences, and it is how The An brings the depth of Hoi An into the township and community life. Heritage is not a faux-antique decorative layer: it is a vernacular way of thinking about light, wind, water, materials, craftsmanship, transitional spaces and living together. The highlight is turning the idea of a house's light well into a living core of greenery, water and sky at the scale of a community.
How exactly should the "Hoi An light well" and the "communal light well" be understood?: The Hoi An light well is an open space placed in exactly the right spot to bring light, wind and nature into the core of the house, creating a transition from the space for receiving guests to the private space. At The An Heritage, that spirit extends into a "communal light well": pools, water, greenery and sky form a shared core, supporting the microclimate, relaxation and connection between residents. This is a design idea; it does not in itself create additional amenities or rights of use.