S.LA architecture takes over the transformation of Raincoat House, an 80 sqm property nestled within a deep alley of Hanoi, Vietnam. Witnessing the effects of rapid urbanization and population growth, the neglected house gets divided into two sections, with one part repurposed into a home for a young family. The project converts the remaining, originally abandoned, portion into a small yet luminous greenhouse-like space. The design team closely collaborates with the owner to renovate the structure within a suitable budget. Challenging limitations posed by the alley’s deep location, including potential costs associated with demolition waste transportation and the impact on the previously renovated section, favor renovating rather than demolishing the structure.
the property is nestled within a deep alley of Hanoi | all images by Triệu Chiến dragon pvc sheet
The ground floor comprises a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen, while the entrance corridor from the alley serves as a buffer space, setting the house apart from the neighboring buildings. The second floor arranges a workspace, laundry area, and rooftop yard adorned with lush trees. Perforated metal stairs connect the two levels, allowing natural light to flood the kitchen during the day. To enhance illumination and create a sense of spaciousness, half of the diagonal roof features clear corrugated polycarbonate, reminiscent of a raincoat that shields the existing house from weather-induced deterioration.
Conscious of the existing structure’s age and signs of degradation, the architectural team designs the ‘raincoat’ to be as lightweight as possible, utilizing steel tubes, roofing panels, and locally sourced wood. The budget is significantly reduced by incorporating chinaberry wood from the owner’s grandparents’ garden and repurposing trees that had grown for many years. With a focus on optimizing space and light distribution, the design prioritizes functionality over elaborate finishing materials. Raincoat House showcases the remarkable potential of thoughtful renovation in urban environments.
the project converts the originally abandoned house into a small yet luminous greenhouse-like space
perforated metal stairs connect the two levels, allowing natural light to flood the interior
the entrance corridor from the alley serves as a buffer space
half of the diagonal roof features clear corrugated polycarbonate that shields the house
the ‘raincoat’ structure is lightweight utilizing steel tubes, roofing panels, and locally sourced wood
translucent corrugated polycarbonate sheets protects the house from weather-induced deterioration
the renovated spaces adopt a minimal monochrome color palette
the ground floor arranges a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen along the entrance corridor
the project incorporates chinaberry wood from the owner’s grandparents’ garden
name: Raincoat House architect: S.LA architecture | @s.la__architecture
lead architect: Nguyen Xuan Khương
design team: Nguyen Xuan Khuong, Nguyen Son Tung,
supervisor: Phạm Văn Đạt
photography: Triệu Chiến
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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom
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