jagged cantilever protrudes from AD+studio's house on a narrow alley in vietnam

Nhà LỒNG HẺM by AD+studio interacts with its surroundings

Situated within a narrow alley in Saigon, Vietnam, Nhà LỒNG HẺM by Vietnamese architecture practice AD+studio addresses the challenges posed by its urban context—a shortcut to avoid Hàng Sanh crossroads during peak hours. The alley, thriving with small businesses, influenced the design to seamlessly integrate with the surroundings. At the widest point of the alley, the construction embraced balconies in protruded states, leading to the development of a cantilever structure that harmoniously fits the plot. The ground floor of the house prioritized minimal functional elements, reserving the front area for a potential small food stall, aligning with the owner’s aspirations.

all images by Dung Huynh

AD+studio fuses design, urban adaptation and personal comfort

Designed for a young woman and her retired parents, the house not only fulfilled functional needs but also carved out space for hobbies such as reading, painting, and playing music. The inclusion of a ‘mezzanine’ space introduced a subtle level difference between the bathroom block and the bedroom block upstairs. The design team at AD+studio crafts architectural solutions in response to both functional requirements and the owner’s preferences, evident in the details and color palette. The design thoughtfully navigates the balance between practicality, personal expression, and the nuances of the urban environment.

Nhà LỒNG HẺM by AD+studio, situated in Saigon, Vietnam, addresses urban challenges in a narrow alley

embracing balconies and cantilever structures, the design harmoniously fits the plot

the ground floor prioritizes minimalism, reserving space for a potential small food stall

the number of functional elements on the ground floor is minimized to save space for the front yard

the ‘mezzanine’ space introduces a subtle level difference between the bathroom and bedroom blocks

details and color choices reflect a response to both functional requirements and owners’ preferences

AD+studio navigates practicality and personal expression, evident in architectural solutions and color palette

typical folding details of the house are showcased on the first-floor bedroom ceiling

folding details are showcased from the architectural components to the structure and used to highlight the gate

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workspace next to a large window

first-floor bedroom for the parents

second-floor bedroom for the daughter

sketch - the cantilever structure embracing the alley

project info:

name: Nhà LỒNG HẺM
architect: AD+studio | @adplus.studio

location: Saigon, Vietnam

photography: Dung Huynh

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom