vietnamese design firm time architects has renovated an old family house in an alley on district 3 in ho chi minh city. the plan to rebuild this residence started 10 years ago, however due to unexpected circumstances, construction halted. in true vietnamese fashion, the vertical house uses locally sourced materials such as bamboo and mesh screens.

time architects renovates an old family vietnamese house using locally sourced materials
the street on which this residence lies is a traditional, bustling vietnamese alley
all images courtesy of quang dam

 

 

in an effort to strengthen the family bond, time architects designed a cozy, open-spaced plan so that the family’s grandmother can enjoy watching over her children and grandchildren. ‘for this house, form is not the most important thing.’ explains the architect. ‘the spirits, the feelings and the bonds between the family members living inside are key.’

time architects renovates an old family vietnamese house using locally sourced materials
the façade is in true vietnamese form

time architects renovates an old family vietnamese house using locally sourced materials
a small scene from the front yard

time architects renovates an old family vietnamese house using locally sourced materials
the void between 2 storages

time architects renovates an old family vietnamese house using locally sourced materials
the abundance of windows harbors sunlight

time architects renovates an old family vietnamese house using locally sourced materials
a worms-eye-view of the teal painted staircase

time architects renovates an old family vietnamese house using locally sourced materials
the living room, the kitchen and the mother’s bedroom from afar

time architects renovates an old family vietnamese house using locally sourced materials
the kitchen is the center-point of the house

time architects renovates an old family vietnamese house using locally sourced materials
an error in the construction process lead to somewhat of a playful feeling

time architects renovates an old family vietnamese house using locally sourced materials
the terrace in front of the grandmother’s bedroom

time architects renovates an old family vietnamese house using locally sourced materials

great architecture for the happy family

 

 

project info:

design team: time architects
completion time: 08/2017
photographer: quang dam

 

 

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: lynn chaya | designboom