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| The house, designed in the shape of an airplane, serves as both a living space and an enduring work of art by artist Nguyen Van He on Kim Son Hill |
When visiting Kim Son village, everyone knows about the airplane-shaped house of artist Nguyen Van He. Among Hue’s artist community, He is well known for his post-war themes and collections of war relics.
A dream rooted in reflection and love
Nguyen Van He chose to create his masterpiece on a gently sloping piece of land surrounded by hills, with views of distant pine forests swaying in the wind and scattered houses nestled in the landscape. “This place feels like my hometown in Phong Xuan, Phong Dien. Everything drew me here as if by fate,” He said softly, describing the house that is both an architectural work and a lifelong artistic project.
Inside the “airplane,” time seems to slow down. The serene atmosphere allows one to harmonize with the earth and sky, listening to the sounds of nature and feeling the sunlight gently streaming through in peaceful mornings.
Phong Xuan is a poor village that has borne the scars of war. Memories of bomb fragments and people grappling with the aftermath of war deeply influenced He’s creative journey when he became an art student at the University of Arts, Hue University.
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| Artist Nguyen Van He beside a war-themed artwork displayed within his own artistic space |
"I don’t know why, but as a child, I was most fascinated by airplanes. Whenever I had free time, I would fold paper airplane models, write my dreams on them, and launch them into the sky, dreaming of becoming an artist," He recalled. Later, when he became an artist, the theme that the young student passionately pursued and explored was post-war. Those reflections, empathy, and childhood dreams became the core material that shaped He's career.
One by one, He's artworks were introduced to the public, touching hearts and receiving a variety of responses. Then one day, a visitor was deeply impressed and profoundly connected with his creations, moved by the artist's concerns and unrelenting passion. That person later became He's wife.
“My wife and children have given me strength and inspiration. When I look at my children, I see my childhood. It’s a stark contrast but filled with love. That’s when I fully committed to designing the airplane house - not just as a place to live with my memories but as a space to express my love for those dear to me,” He shared.
The magnificent culmination of art
From the design of a paper airplane, He, along with trusted collaborators including architects and engineers, brought the concept to life as a 250-square-meter masterpiece within his nearly 1,250-square-meter garden. "Beyond the foundation shaped like an airplane, we meticulously calculated wind flow and aerodynamics to ensure that the house serves as both a functional living space and a heartfelt work of art - one that is both aesthetically perfect and structurally sturdy. It had to harmonize with nature without disrupting the surrounding landscape," He explained.
From concept to realization was a long journey filled with challenges and deep contemplation. Back then, the path leading to Kim Son village was not only narrow but also riddled with rocks, making transportation extremely difficult. "Four contractors said it was impossible! I thought my dream would have to be abandoned, but fortunately, a friend in the construction industry heard about it and agreed to help. Concrete blocks were poured, and the house - shaped like an airplane - gradually took form. And now, that creation is the house you see today," He said joyfully.
What makes this creation truly unique is its completely open design, featuring a system of doors repurposed from 300 aluminium sheets that were once materials salvaged from a makeshift airstrip in the South. He spent many years carefully collecting them. Except for the private rooms, the entire spacious area serves as a… living room, with no partitions. From any spot in this "airplane," one can see the garden, connect with nature, and gaze out over forests swaying in the wind. From this vantage point, a glance reveals a Hue-style garden with various fragrant flowers and fruit-bearing trees, serving both practical needs and the owner’s modest hobbies of enjoying life and finding peace. The garden features golden apricot, camellia, guava, jackfruit, peach, pomelo, mangosteen, and more. Scattered throughout are large war relics carefully arranged by the owner, subtly evoking memories and reflections for anyone who stops to notice.
Standing before the house, which is also a work of art, Dr. Nguyen Thien Duc, Chairman of the Hue Fine Arts Association, could not help but marvel at the uniqueness and creativity of the owner. He remarked, "Everyone has dreams in life, but turning those dreams into reality is no easy feat, and He has accomplished that. Through his unique artistic language, He's house is not only a home but also an artistic space. The remnants of war are clearly present but do not evoke fear; instead, they invite people on a contemplative journey."
As if by fate, He's dream was given an additional touch of joy, as the Kim Son hill is now a place where one can see airplanes from the Phu Bai Airport. From his home, He looks up at the "iron birds" soaring above and smiles contentedly!