AD+studio renovates saigon alley house with references to the image of an umbrella

situated in a hidden corner of a small alley in saigon, AD+studio‘s house renovation takes its cues from the image of an umbrella. with a site width of six meters, which differs from that of a typical row houses in the city (four meters), the residence is divided in both directions, forming a diversification of space. the structure’s roof is shaped similar to an umbrella in order to highlight the nature of the tropical building, create a comfortable feeling beneath, and solve an issue of loading capacity.

from the bedroom, users can enjoy the view of the surrounding area
photos by quang dam

AD+studio has developed the design for a young couple with a simple lifestyle. past the gates of the house, a wide yard full of greenery creates an airy and private area, set back from the surrounding buildings. the architects have maintained several architectural characteristics of the old structure, such as the patio and screen block walls, which are typical of structures built in a region with little temperature amplitude, hot climate and much rain.

the front-yard garden serves as a large, empty space past the high gate system

the refurbishment process was guided by two main factors: the creation of an airy space that lies beneath a wide roof; and a high and closed gate to protect the new house, block the view from the main road and maintain the site’s peace and silence. AD+studio has kept the structure frame of the old house and reinforced it in order to support the second floor and increase the usable floor area. ‘this method is suitable with the original design orientation (airy and less divided space on the second floor) but requires the limitation on the loading capacity of the roof,’  the architects mention, ‘in a tropical urban environment with high temperature all year long, shades of the trees, the patio or an umbrella will inspire a feeling of comfort.’

the house is situated in a corner of the small alley in saigon, where people usually pass by on their first visit

the common space is located on the ground floor, in front of the building and surrounded by greens

the six-meter width of the piece of land may be split in its length and width, making the diversity of space

the inner courtyard acts as a buffer, connecting the front common space with the semi-public space in the back

the staircase is designed based on the current concrete structure, with a curve that emphasizes the contrast between partition and structural frame

the roof structure plan liberates the corner column of the building, which removes the limit on inside and outside

steel frame roof structure is linked from the current reinforced concrete column

an image of umbrella provided the architects with inspiration for the design of shape and texture of the roof

section sketch

structure diagram

project info:

design & supervisor: AD+studio

construction: AA+ company

location: phu nhuan dist. saigon, vietnam

area: 120.0 sqm

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edited by: sofia lekka angelopoulou | designboom