The MÔ Heritage Villa in Hanoi, Vietnam, represents a thoughtful approach to contemporary hospitality architecture that embraces simplicity and cultural authenticity. Designed by MÔ he studio and completed in 2025, this 307-square-meter project exemplifies how modern architectural design can honor local traditions while creating intimate guest experiences.
The project emerges from a broader series of resort villas and small homestays, with its name carrying deep cultural significance. 'MÔ' derives from the Central Vietnamese dialect word meaning 'where,' serving as both a geographic marker and a warm invitation from the local community. This linguistic connection reflects the architects' commitment to creating spaces that feel rooted in their cultural context rather than imposing external architectural languages.
According to the architects, the design philosophy centers on the concept of 'architecture as a microcosm.' The team, led by Chief Architect Phuong Thanh Tung with Creative Consultant Le Khanh Ly, deliberately avoided creating a building that would serve as a mere temporal landmark. Instead, they pursued an approach described as 'simple, close, and gentle like someone's innocent and emotional childhood.' This philosophy manifests in the villa's understated elegance and its seamless integration with the surrounding environment.
The project involved a collaborative effort across multiple disciplines, with Technical Implementation handled by Do Tan and Construction Drawings prepared by Tran Huong Tra. Notably, the project also incorporated the expertise of Recycling Artist Khuat Van Chien, reflecting a commitment to sustainable design practices and the creative reuse of materials. This multi-disciplinary approach ensured that every aspect of the villa, from structural elements to artistic details, contributed to a cohesive vision.
Documented through photography by Cao Xuan Hoa, the villa showcases how contemporary Vietnamese architecture can balance modern hospitality needs with cultural authenticity. The project stands as part of the ongoing dialogue about 'place' and 'ego' in contemporary architecture, themes that have dominated architectural discourse over recent decades. Rather than pursuing architectural statements that might overshadow their context, MÔ Heritage Villa demonstrates how thoughtful design can create meaningful spaces that honor both guests and local heritage.
