d1 architects transforms old vietnamese residence into photography studio home

d1 arch renovated an existing residence found the typical narrow lots found in da nang, vietnam. the clients, a young couple, wanted a house that merged their work as photographers and the living areas seamlessly. considering potential children in the future and enough space for the photography studio, the architects created the ‘olwen studio’ by modifying the classic closed facade into a more contemporary, open face, that stands out from the surrounding dense low-rise residences.

looking up from the street level
all images courtesy of d1 architectural studio

the clients wanted a home that was a warm and intimate space for family members to gather and relax after a long day, and that had the possibility to become a playful area for future children. in turn, the architects created a the house encourages connection between people, and between the building’s past life and its more lively present.

terrace and feature staircase

the architects divided the house into the pore public studio areas and working spaces, against the more private and intimate living areas for the couple. the house features a bold, red spiral staircase connecting the working area and the more private. the staircase, placed on the terrace, also functions as a transitional space where house guests and the studio’s employees alike can enjoy a breath of fresh air.

transitional space

the architects located the reception, showroom, makeup are and changing rooms on the first and second floor, while the third floor hosts private space for the young couple and the future children. the working area’s interior is designed as an open space in a minimalist style yet with tropical accents. rustic materials such as raw concrete and natural wood create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for customers entering the studio.

view towards terrace and greenery

inspired by hoi an’s traditional shop-houses that are divided in three compartments, the architects proposed to place the bedroom and playroom at the front compartment in the third floor. the middle compartment is used as a living room, kitchen and dining area and the rear compartment is the most private of the three, including a master bedroom, bathroom and indoor garden.

building’s context

instead of using space-blocking, rigid partition walls to separate the different areas, the architects employed glass curtain walls as dividers. these transparent elements divide the spaces yet still maintain a visual connection between them. this evokes a feeling of open-ness amidst the surrounding rigid box-buildings.

view of kitchen and children bedroom

view of dining room and kitchen

the photography studio

kitchen

showroom and transitional space

view of dining room

isometric drawing

project info:

project name: olwen studio

architects: d1 architectural studio

location: da nang, viet nam

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: cristina gomez | designboom