VietDECOR formulates the client’s request of intertwining something foreign yet familiar into a 1,776 sq.-ft. high-functional condo.
Located right by the corner of Lý Thường Kiệt St. and Ngô Quyền St., this earth-toned duplex is the reflection of a meticulous collaboration between the client and the executor. Handed the request to connect the touch of an old collective quarter of Hanoi with the feeling of a New York-style loft, Modern Industrial inspired living space is the only correct answer.
To fully display his client’s desire to bring something imported back into their new home, Trần Hữu Thọ - the leading architect of this seamless project, shares that having a one-track mind is not his way of working. Instead, he lets the client’s inspiration lead him to explore his creativity when shaping a concept.
Starting with a statement piece of the apartment, an iron man-made-rusty staircase is the biggest challenge for the design team VietDECOR. This elegant wafer-thin stairway is perfectly engineered off an ⅜-inch iron sheet, trying to recall and emphasise the sense of industrial-style design. Without having a solid build, the flight of steps is calculated and assured to be sturdy and resistant, creating a lighter feel to the living room area. Trần intends to start the staircase mid-air, on top of a curvy concrete platform gliding into the main lounge.
The living space is filled with intelligent and advanced technology. All systems, including heating, lighting and curtains, are integrated into the apartment, giving a more progressive and up-to-date convenient lifestyle.
Moving onto the kitchen-diner, on sight is the gentle and elegant subdued grey mint colour across this area, linking with the Danish famous Carl Hansen & Søn classical chairs as the furniture for dining purposes. The contrast between the dark wood table and the stoned kitchen countertop creates a fine mixture of elements that highlight each material. Objectively hiding all appliances to maintain the continuity of the whole space, a built-in refrigerator, cupboard, cabinets and a single bedroom are covered by hidden doors.
On the second unit of the duplex, the first thing that can be seen is the “gallery”, which the client hopes to use for art displaying and for them to unwind after a long day. At the same time, it can also be considered a book-reading corner of the house. With the unit shifted inward, it opens up the high ceiling and lets natural light effortlessly come in as long as daytime lasts.
To create an almost 180° degree view, the glass wall exposes the master bedroom to the sunlight coming from outdoors and reflecting up from the first level. Entering the room, moderately designed closets are one of the exciting notes of the master bedroom. The doors are made of see-through glass and wood coated in mallard green lacquer, a traditional and commonly shiny coating for timber-based materials in Vietnam. However, Trần manages to have a matte finish, which keeps the conventional component modern. Referring to the well-known Japanese architect Kenzō Tange who is famous for combining traditional Japanese styles with modernism, Trần shares that “tradition is like a precious pearl and an architect's duty is to break it and reassemble the pieces under another form or shape.
Right to the left side of the bed is the bathroom which consists of both a bathtub and a standing shower. The circular window is made with smart glass doors, known as light control glass (LCG), that provides privacy when needed.
Nonetheless, the client can still allow other light sources to come in through the window when they turn off the function. The bathroom’s wall is constructed to be wavy at certain angles. Last but not least, the moulded cement vanity with a softly buffed finish shows the fair-complexioned touch of the lavatory.
Bringing the client’s vision into life, this project to Trần and his associates is one flawless synchronisation of all masterminds.
Photos: Nguyễn Thái Thạch
