Decorative Brick Shell Transforms Row House into Most Eye-Catching Building on the Block

The Vietnam-located Cocoon House is proof that a relatively simple idea can have a big impact on a structure's appearance. Designed by Landmak Architecture, the stylish home is the result of a redesign–the firm was tasked with renovating a red brick row house, but instead of keeping the original look, the designers took an opposite approach. They installed a shell of concrete white bricks around the facade. Now, the Cocoon House is the first thing you'll notice on the block.

Aside from looking sleek and modern, there are some added benefits to the new facade, one being privacy. The decorative pattern obscures the view into the many windows and doors of the home, yet it still allows sunlight to shine through. This same effect was carried over to the balcony and terrace that face the bedroom and kitchen. Outside, a private garden appears hidden, but it still receives rain and sunlight to encourage natural growth–just like a real cocoon.

Landmak Architecture: Website | Facebook
via [Contemporist, Uncrate]

Photography by Trieu Chien.

Sara Barnes

Sara Barnes is a Staff Editor at My Modern Met, Manager of My Modern Met Store, and co-host of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. As an illustrator and writer living in Seattle, she chronicles illustration, embroidery, and beyond through her blog Brown Paper Bag and Instagram @brwnpaperbag. She wrote a book about embroidery artist Sarah K. Benning titled 'Embroidered Life' that was published by Chronicle Books in 2019. Sara is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art. She earned her BFA in Illustration in 2008 and MFA in Illustration Practice in 2013.
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