![Apartment in Binh Thanh by SDA](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/04/apartment-binh-thanh-sda-architecture-residential-ho-chi-minh-vietnam-_dezeen_hero-852x479.jpg)
Ho Chi Minh apartment block features patterned terracotta facade and garden pockets
A screen of decorative terracotta blockwork fronts this apartment block in Ho Chi Minh City by Sanuki Daisuke Architects, which features planted courtyards in its centre.
![Apartment in Binh Thanh by SDA](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/04/apartment-binh-thanh-sda-architecture-residential-ho-chi-minh-vietnam-_dezeen_2364_col_30-852x1278.jpg)
Diamond and floral motifs are cut through the terracotta facade fronting the Apartment in Binh Thanh, which is named after a district in the Vietnamese city.
![Apartment in Binh Thanh by SDA](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/04/apartment-binh-thanh-sda-architecture-residential-ho-chi-minh-vietnam-_dezeen_2364_col_43-852x568.jpg)
Sanuki Daisuke Architects chose terracotta for its relatively low cost. The perforated blocks also provide natural ventilation and cooling by shading, while still maintaining privacy from the street.
![Apartment in Binh Thanh by SDA](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/04/apartment-binh-thanh-sda-architecture-residential-ho-chi-minh-vietnam-_dezeen_2364_col_4-852x1278.jpg)
The material is hugely popular in Vietnam, with other local studios including Vo Trong Nghia Architects using perforated blocks for projects including a showroom in Hanoi to help filter the strong sunlight.
![Apartment in Binh Thanh by SDA](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/04/apartment-binh-thanh-sda-architecture-residential-ho-chi-minh-vietnam-_dezeen_2364_col_18-852x1278.jpg)
The apartment building, which includes six flats, occupies a slightly curved 40-metre-long site made by merging several plots of different sizes.
The local architects wanted to make the most of the open space in the high-density area by offering the residents access to an outdoor area.
![Apartment in Binh Thanh by SDA](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/04/apartment-binh-thanh-sda-architecture-residential-ho-chi-minh-vietnam-_dezeen_2364_col_19-852x1278.jpg)
"On initial inspection of the site, we felt that there is much potential due to: remaining urban open space or void created haphazardly in the crowded city," said the architects, who also recently completed a terrazzo-covered house in Ho Chi Minh.
![Apartment in Binh Thanh by SDA](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/04/apartment-binh-thanh-sda-architecture-residential-ho-chi-minh-vietnam-_dezeen_2364_col_55-852x1278.jpg)
"Therefore, on careful consideration, we concluded that this open 'urban' space can be utilised to design both an attractive and well-designed open-spaced building harnessing the natural daylight and wind," they continued.
![Apartment in Binh Thanh by SDA](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/04/apartment-binh-thanh-sda-architecture-residential-ho-chi-minh-vietnam-_dezeen_2364_col_54-852x568.jpg)
Two towers placed at either end of the long and thin plot are occupied by the housing, while gardens planted with trees are placed between.
A courtyard spanning the first floor level above the garden is punctured by two large voids with trees growing up.
![Apartment in Binh Thanh by SDA](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/04/apartment-binh-thanh-sda-architecture-residential-ho-chi-minh-vietnam-_dezeen_2364_col_27-852x1278.jpg)
"A lot of outside space enhances occupants' living style with a deep connection to the outdoor found in tropical areas," said the architects.
"In the outside space, we planted a lot of greenery, making use of the natural abundance of natural daylight and natural ventilation, creating an enjoyable outdoor space."
![Apartment in Binh Thanh by SDA](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/04/apartment-binh-thanh-sda-architecture-residential-ho-chi-minh-vietnam-_dezeen_2364_col_57-852x1278.jpg)
Each of the apartments open to covered terraces that overlook the courtyard, helping to bring in plenty of natural light and further aid air flow.
Inside, the flats feature open-plan bedrooms, lounge and kitchen spaces. In one of the residences, an extra study space is squeezed into a nook.
![Apartment in Binh Thanh by SDA](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/04/apartment-binh-thanh-sda-architecture-residential-ho-chi-minh-vietnam-_dezeen_2364_col_1-852x1278.jpg)
Exposed concrete ceilings and white painted walls are offset by wooden finishes like the kitchen cabinets and the bed stands used throughout.
Photography is by Hiroyuki Oki.