House Renovation Preserves Traditional Openness To Outdoors

Designed by: AD+studio.

Location: Vietnam  |  Latitude: 10.7305˚ N

This 150m2 / 1,615 sq.ft. house renovation in Vietnam was for a retired couple. The main purpose of the renovation of “Half Roof House” was to create a more open and spacious house to invite and spend time with their children and grandchildren. They want to have the family over on special occasions such as Tết, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year.

Architects AD+studio immediately felt a deep connection with the old house.

“When we first came here, we already felt the depth of an “aged” house which was filled with its owners’ habits and memories originated from the very first years after Liberation.”

– AD+studio

The old house was on weak ground. Moreover, it is in a neighbourhood in which residents were mainly officers.

Renovation Design Approach

One of the leading design strategies in this project was to keep half of the existing roof and the gutter. The architect did this to maintain the harmony of the whole neighbourhood. Hence the reason for the name Half Roof House.

Photo: Quang Dam

It also helped maintain the spirit of a Southern house.

In addition, they applied the language of the “half roof” that remained to the block at the back.  Hence, this language continuation creates a cohesive unity in the house. 

New House Renovation With Traditional Approach

“As time has gone by, cities replaced towns; new houses replaced the old ones. However, these two semi-detached houses had managed to preserve their original form after several restorations, not perfectly but adequately to keep the spirit of a traditional Southern house.”

– AD+studio

Though this neighbourhood has gone through a significant transformation, the combination of these two semi-detached houses was able to bring a calm note to their context.

“The form language beginning from the existing house would make the house modern but familiar.”

– AD+studio

In this house renovation, they dealt with the old structure in a new way. A steel structure added to achieve a 5-meter span made the space more open. In addition, the separation between the interior and exterior of the house uses bi-fold doors that open all the way. These exterior doors create large, wide openings that produce a strong indoor-outdoor connection.

Photo: Quang Dam

This renovation incorporates tropical modern styles, materials and relationships. Large, glazed openings, raw concrete and interesting floating forms generate a modern aesthetic. However, these blend with locally sourced traditional materials like clay tiles, terracotta bricks and wood. This blend results in a beautiful harmony of the old and new.

“Materials, jardinières and furniture taken from the old house were selected, redecorated, reused, and cleverly organized and afterwards were reinstalled to the new house in combination with several new parts. As a result, the memories of this house, this street, and of those who had lived here were maintained.”

– AD+studio

Openness And Connection With Outdoors

This home incorporates biophilic design strategies. Plants and trees are a significant aspect of this home. In addition, this house comes with courtyards. The advantages of using courtyards and planters create a harmonious connection with the natural, tropical environment.

“Trees were put into groups which covered the lodge. These elements helped the house’s owners preserve their habit under the porch, around the garden but in a generous and contemporary building.”

– AD+studio

With the openness of the ground floor public spaces and the use of courtyards, natural breezes can also flow freely through the home. In addition, a decorative sliding gate provides security and partial privacy while permitting natural ventilation.

Photo: Quang Dam

Exterior spaces are functional, like the dining area near the entrance. Main corridors and stairs are also outdoors and connect the home’s various rooms. Bedroom doors open out to covered exterior spaces. In addition, the kitchen and small eating area open directly onto a courtyard across from the formal dining. Even the upstairs toilet has an open-to-sky area that can open and close as necessary.

Photo: Quang Dam

Photo: Quang Dam

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Outdoor living is a significant part of a tropical lifestyle. At every point in this home, there is a strong connection to nature and the outdoors. It created rich and light-filled spaces with ample greenery.

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House Construction And Context

The house was constructed in the countryside of Vietnam. City lifestyles have impacted the construction trends and lifestyle habits of homeowners in this region. Homes use more enclosed spaces to incorporate more amenities and controlled indoor environments. Residents now design their homes to follow modern trends of closed, inward-looking spaces.

Photo: Quang Dam

However, these trends destroyed the traditional relationships that neighbours had with each other. As a result, people are more closed off from each other and, by extension, from their environment.

The renovation of the Half Roof House seeks to preserve the traditional character and charm of the existing house. In addition, they tried to maintain the relationship it has with the community.

“In this house, we desire to preserve the values, the hospitality, and “open” lifestyle of the people in the river region: the way they share feelings to each other and to the living environment; the way they care for each other; the way they open the door to welcome visitors or the way they open their heart.

Open house, open hearts.”

– AD+studio

Conclusion

House renovations can be a challenge. In the process, you must find the proper harmony between the old and the new.

This house blends modern forms and techniques with traditional relationships, décor and local materials.

Its openness creates a solid and interactive relationship with nature and the outdoors. This relationship is especially useful as a design strategy in tropical climates.

All of these combine to create a home that is inviting and a joy.

Related articles:

• Check out these additional dwellings with charming courtyards.

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Photographer: Quang Dam
Architect: AD+studio