Modern Version on a Typical Slim Vietnamese House in Hanoi

[ASEAN NOW News]

 

Foreigners have always marveled, when they see for the first time the traditional Vietnamese houses seen all over the country, which are usually 3-4 levels high but just an incredible 4-5 metres wide.

 

Especially in the cities where land was expensive this was how many families lived for centuries.

Family ties in a traditional Vietnamese family are extraordinarily strong. Usually several generations live together under a single roof where many family events take place.

 

CN House on the street in Hanoi

 

Now some enterprising family has given theses unique houses a modern twist. Simply called the CN House, this modern version of a thin Vietnamese home was designed for three family generations, who wanted to create a harmonious space in the hectic city OF Hanoi, in order to enhance traditional family life.

 

The site of the house is a typical plot for long and narrow local tube houses; with this house measuring just 4,2 metres wide by 35 metres long. 

 

Modern Version

 

Inspired by old traditional houses of Hanoi, here the architects and designers of this Hanoi home, have provided all spaces filled with natural light and ventilation, made possible by the inner courtyards.

 

 

The design aims to bring a breath of traditional spirit to modern life, while at the same time creating spaces full of natural light and ensure natural ventilation within the house.

 

The house is separated into 2 zones: the commercial area of two floors and the family area. 

 

The common spaces of the family area such as living room, library, dining room and kitchen are positioned in different levels  with varying ceiling heights in order to compose an open continuous space to maintain easy family communication with each other.

 

 

This design makes the space incredibly open and provides an unexpected feeling of spaciousness despite the limited width of the house.

 

The two children’s bedrooms are situated above the main common area, next to the void spaces, allowing connection with family members downstairs.

 

The quiet area is located at the innermost part of the house, which includes the grandparents’ bedroom and the parents’ master bedroom.

 

Significant elements of the interior spaces are three void gaps separating the house volume to deliver natural light into lower leveled spaces of the house.

 

 

In today’s world of modern technology with smart phones and television, these family ties are weakened. Therefore the space design emphasizes connections among the family members, especially in the context of today’s hurried lifestyle of new economically growing Vietnam. 

 

Nature and Greenery in the City

 

Nature is an important element providing a positive effect on people’s mental health. However, the rapid development of large cities creates a lack of green spaces for people to relax.

 

That is why planting trees and plants inside the house is necessary and helps creating a peaceful living space reducing stress.

 

CH house is not only a home for city dwellers, but also a place attempting to create a link between people and nature. This is often missing in Hanoi due to many environmental problems and limited green spaces.

 

The facade of the house is designed as double layer with its outer layer made from perforated cement blocks and a steel frame glass inner layer.

 

The double layer facade combined with a green layer provides cover from the sun, dust and allowing natural ventilation throughout the entire length of the house.

 

The facade is designed with a large window, providing even more light to fill the house when needed and giving the facade a more attractive look.

 

The intention was to design spatial harmony with consideration of family traditions, the local climate and contemporary lifestyle. 

 

Although this concept has worked in the capital Hanoi, Certainly with ground space at a premium, it would certainly be of great intertest in say downtown Manahatten or even in Tokyo know for its capsule living conditions.

 

The architects should be congratulated.

 

Images provided by ODDO architects.  https://www.designboom.com/tag/oddo-architects/