House Renovation in Hanoi
- Claudia Fuchs
Long, narrow sites determine the character of the “district of the 36 lanes” in Hanoi’s old town. In this densely developed quarter a renovated six-storey house on a plot only 2.80 metres wide and 33 metres deep demonstrates how, despite unusual building proportions, a sense of spatial generosity can be achieved. At the same time the quality of the living space was improved by making optimal use of natural ventilation and greening the building.In this regard the double layers of the street façade play a most important role. Horizontal precast concrete louvers filter the strong sunlight and hinder views into the building. They also create an intermediate zone up to 4 metres deep which accommodates planting troughs that are luxuriantly planted with shrubs and small trees.
