A Renovated Shophouse with a Hidden Gem, Simply Delightful

A Renovated Shophouse with a Hidden Gem, Simply Delightful
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A Renovated Shophouse with a Hidden Gem, Simply Delightful

/ Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam /

/ Story: Phattaraphon / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Quang Tran /

This small shophouse in Ho Chi Minh City has been renovated to answer the specific needs of a family of four and their pet cats. From time to time, Grandma comes by to watch the little children and stay overnight. As may be expected of the narrow-front dwelling ubiquitous across Vietnam’s urban landscapes, the house plan is much longer than it is wide, plus there is a problem.

renovated shophouse Vietnam
A view from the street, perforated metal panels painted a cool-toned white provide privacy protection.

Facing the northwest direction, the front façade gets full afternoon sun causing heat gain inside the already tiny home lacking fresh air and ventilation. It’s amazing how a well-thought-out makeover changes everything, resulting in a bright and airy living space.

renovated shophouse Vietnam

The perforated metal fence gate works in tandem with the principal face of the building creating a transition between indoor and outdoor living spaces.
renovated shophouse Vietnam
Arranged on a long and narrow plan, the sitting room up front is separated from living spaces at the rear by a small green oasis lit by a rooftop skylight.

The homeowners sought the advice of professionals, THIA Architecture of Ho Chi Minh City, to improve the situation. After thorough site inspections, a team of designers came up with a plan to renovate the front of the house in two parts.

First, at ground level the old opaque fence gate was removed and replaced by a new one made entirely of perforated steel sheets. Little holes in the steel panels let fresh outdoor air pass through and circulate inside, meanwhile providing diffused light and improving home privacy.

Then, on top of the fence gate a framework of metal bars is put in, anchored securely to the concrete wall up front. Designed as a support for climbing plants, it rises as high as the roof eave, creating in a double layer façade that’s beautiful and capable of keeping the heat out. At least that’s the future plan.

[Left] A trio of drawings illustrates space utilization on the first and second floors as well as the rooftop skylight. / [Right] A street map shows the house location in relation to others in the neighborhood. / Courtesy of THIA Architecture
[Left] A side elevation view in cross section shows the relationship between natural and built-up environments. / [Right] A concept of decorative patterns on the house façade seen from the street. / Courtesy of THIA Architecture

renovated shophouse Vietnam
An open floor plan creates a smooth flow from the sitting room to dining room and a small green space lit by a rooftop skylight.
A sunlit small courtyard, for lack of a better word, brightens the room at the center of the house plan.
Sitting nook design ideas under a gable roof provide a gimmick intended to evoke memories of Vietnam’s rustic countryside.
Grandma’s bedroom tucked away at the rear is a calm personal living space well-lit by natural daylight.

Walk through the metal fence gate, and you discover a small terrace bringing in natural light and fresh air into the family living room with a kitchen and dining room nearby.

Grandma’s bedroom is tucked away at the rear of the house plan, separated from the sitting room up front by a small interior green space illuminated by a rooftop skylight. By design, it’s an added feature that solves the problem of stale air and stuffy room once and for all.

renovated shophouse Vietnam

Its small size notwithstanding, the interior green space exudes the simplicity and charm considered typical of the Vietnamese countryside. It looks neat and is well cared for. Plus, weather-beaten wood and vintage earthen roof tiles provide a gimmick intended to attract attention.

From here, a set of stairs lead to the second floor holding the principal bedroom up front, separated from two bedrooms for kids by the void of space above the tiny center courtyard.

renovated shophouse Vietnam
The stairway and its surrounding walls are illuminated by a skylight built into the rooftop.
renovated shophouse Vietnam
Split level layout ideas paired with a mezzanine add intrigue and interest to interior design.

renovated shophouse Vietnam
The bedroom wall facing the void of space above the yard opens to admit light and fresh air.

renovated shophouse Vietnam

renovated shophouse Vietnam
A custom made window in just the right size opens to connect with the inner courtyard, a clever hack to avoid stale air and stuffy summers.

renovated shophouse Vietnam

In closing, it’s the story of a little house made comfortable, bright and airy by well-thought-out design. The center courtyard, for lack of a better word, provides a communal space shared by all members of the family, the result of a renovation done right that makes a small home a happy home.

renovated shophouse Vietnam
A set of stairs gives access to children’s bedrooms at the rear, separated from the principal bedroom up front by the void of space above the sunlit small courtyard.

Architect: THIA Architecture

Lead designer: Arc Huynh Xuan Thi

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