Binh Chanh district, often jokingly dubbed the “Iron Capital” of Saigon, is a landscape dotted with warehouses and small businesses lining its rural roads. This abundance of iron material vendors, clustered around construction sites, presented a unique opportunity for the De Saigon renovation project: a chance to utilize local resources.
After a thorough survey of the area, carefully balancing budget and quality, we secured the ideal supplies, marking the first step in a strategy centered around local materials. This choice was driven not only by practicality but also by an understanding of the district’s character. In this environment, a modest and well-organized design felt essential. Rectangular steel, with its inherent simplicity and potential for powerful expression, emerged as the perfect medium to capture this spirit.
N.A.N architects
The construction process became a story in itself. Steel bars, each meticulously coated with two-component paint, were then integrated into the house frame. The team’s close attention to detail ensured that every corner weld, often obscured by welding dust and paint fumes, was as near perfect as possible. Layer by layer, an “iron forest” began to emerge, a testament to the dedication and skill of the workers.
Beyond the poetic imagery of the construction process, the project’s core lay in addressing the fundamental principles of space and function. The renovation divides the building into two distinct zones. The rear section houses the private living spaces, while the front area is designed for flexibility, serving as a display area, a workspace, or whatever the user requires. A strategically placed skylight illuminates the heart of the front area, drawing natural light deep into the architecture.
From the street, the building presents a stoic, almost cold, steel facade. However, the experience transforms upon entering. Light filters through the intricate network of steel, playfully dancing across the metal surfaces and imbuing the once-static space with warmth and vibrant energy. The project demonstrates how simple materials, thoughtfully employed, can create a space that is both functional and deeply evocative, a testament to the “Steel Heart” of Binh Chanh.
Architect Trần Trung Nghĩa
Photo
Triệu Chiến
Location
Vinh Loc A, Binh Chanh Dist
Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam
