The Gate House has been designed as tribute to a magnificent “dipterocarpus alatus” tree (cây dầu rái), a cherished heritage species deeply intertwined with the memories of Saigonese. Many central streets of Ho Chi Minh City are adorned with these towering dipterocarpus trees, which are highly recognizable due to their mottled beige bark, the extremely vertical trunks and especially, their distinctive winged seeds, which spin in the air during certain seasons.

The proposed architectural gesture, opening a giant gate toward the majestic tree, pushes the house into a secondary role within the scenario. The tree, perfectly centred on the plot width, remains undoubtedly the master of the place, while the internal narrative of the house establishes an interdependent relationship with it.

Each of the five floors has been designed to offer a distinct experience reflecting the nature of the tree at different levels, from the trunk to the leaf canopy. The promenade culminates below the canopy in a roof terrace that embraces the perspective of the tree-lined street.

Double-height spaces and “shield windows” have been strategically located within the house to foster intimate and exploratory relationships within the internal space, while the large openings enjoy filtered views through the gate panels to the tree.