Comma.Studio has completely overhauled an apartment located in Hanoi, blending traditional characteristics with modern design and functionality. This renovation project spans the top two floors of an old apartment building in an area known for its French colonial buildings, also referred to as the ‘French Quarter of Hanoi’. The apartment, occupied by the family for over 50 years, had undergone numerous patchwork renovations, resulting in an ad hoc, confined, and cluttered layout.
Comma.Studio removed as many walls as possible to create an open-plan kitchen, dining, bedroom and living space. The goal was to cultivate an art gallery vibe, featuring numerous display walls for the client’s art collection while integrating cozy, functional everyday living spaces.
The multifunctional open-plan space on the lower floor boasts white rendered walls adorned with curated Vietnamese artwork above a 900mm joinery datum, creating a clean display. This sunken design enhances the viewing experience and serves as an architectural focal point, blending functionality with aesthetic appeal.
Natural light floods the open space, reflecting off the white walls and further illuminating the artwork, creating a serene and contemplative atmosphere. The room features 900mm height timber joinery around the perimeter, seamlessly integrating a concealed desk, recessed sofa, and raised bed platform with storage.
Inspired by traditional Vietnamese timber bed platforms, this multifunctional platform accommodate various activities, including sleeping, tea drinking, resting, working, and relaxing. The joinery design maximizes space efficiency while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic, blending modern functionality with traditional charm. Warm timber tones add a touch of traditional and natural elegance, creating a harmonious and inviting environment that caters to both work and leisure.
Phương Nguyễn
The new central stairway elegantly wraps around a light-filled, operable skylight, allowing natural light to penetrate deep into the apartment. By demolishing the former loft floor, the design introduced the skylight, creating an airy, expansive atmosphere. This element not only illuminates the space but also improves ventilation, expelling warm air and enhancing indoor air quality.
A newly constructed bridge corridor connects the previously split levels, leading to a flexible open-plan space. Timber screens create partitions when needed for formal spaces or open up to expand the dining area for large gatherings. The space seamlessly extends to a large green outdoor balcony, enhancing its versatility.
The renovation of this Hanoi apartment masterfully blends old and new, honouring Vietnamese cultural heritage while creating a modern, functional, and aesthetically pleasing space. This project demonstrates how thoughtful design can transform a historic space into a harmonious blend of tradition and contemporary living.
Comma.Studio
Photo
Triệu Chiến
