The necessary for investment
62 Refugium is a renovation and adaptive reuse project that transforms an existing residential building into a high-end serviced apartment complex combined with a penthouse living space for a family. Located in the heart of Hanoi, one of Vietnam’s most vibrant and modern cities, the project responds to the growing demand for high-quality, tranquil living environments amid the bustling urban rhythm. It not only fulfills this need but also maximizes the site’s potential and enhances the commercial value of the existing structure.

Site analysis
The existing site covers an area of 110m², with an irregular shape and dimensions, adjacent to several neighboring buildings:
• The south side is the main facade of the building, facing a major road but with limited visibility due to an existing structure in front.
• The west side (left) adjoins a neighboring house. From the 6th floor upward, it can be utilized for indirect lighting and extended views toward Trúc Bạch Lake and West Lake.
• The east side (right) also borders an adjacent building, restricting access to natural light.
• The north side is the rear of the building, where openings can be introduced from the 4th floor upward to bring in natural light and improve ventilation for the rear spaces.

Usage needs
The project is oriented toward being renovated into a multifunctional “Mini Building” with the following functions:
• Ground floor and mezzanine: rental spaces for a restaurant, café, or showroom.
• Floors 2–5: high-end serviced apartments.
• Floors 6–9: a penthouse residence for the owner’s family.

The client envisions a space that fosters connection and social interaction with friends while maintaining a sense of tranquility and privacy. At the same time, the design must provide an effective solution for ventilation and natural lighting at the rear of the building, fully optimizing the site’s advantages and ensuring long-term potential for business development.

General idea of the project
As a renovation project, the design focuses on achieving a balance between functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability. It emphasizes the effective integration of natural light, greenery, and views into the living spaces. Balconies, planter boxes, and open areas create a green buffer layer that helps reduce heat, enhance ventilation, and establish a connection with the urban environment.
The interior spaces are organized flexibly, optimizing circulation access on each floor to accommodate both business activities and privacy needs. Vertical voids act as “green breathing layers,” allowing airflow and bringing a sense of vitality and closeness to nature throughout the building.

Facade solutions
Through careful site survey and analysis, it was observed that the building’s main facade faces south an orientation favorable for natural sunlight and ventilation. However, this side also directly fronts a major road with heavy traffic, leading to potential issues such as noise, dust, and air pollution.
To address these challenges, the design employs an interlaced loggia system integrated with greenery, sun-shading louvers, and intermediate buffer levels, forming a secondary façade layer. This “double skin” not only shields the building from environmental impacts but also maintains natural ventilation and cooling. The loggias function as filters for air and light, while providing semi-open spaces where occupants can enjoy the urban rhythm in a more relaxed, quiet, and private atmosphere.

Interior space solutions 
The building consists of 9 above-ground floors and 1 semi-basement level, organized as a multifunctional model that ensures flexibility and optimization for both private use and commercial purposes.
• Ground floor and mezzanine: designated as rental spaces for a restaurant, café, or showroom. Two main access routes from the main lobby and the semi-basement are designed to optimize circulation for visitors while maintaining separation from the inner private areas. The front atrium serves as a transitional buffer zone, creating a softer, more welcoming, and approachable entry experience.

• Floors 2–5 function as high-end serviced apartments. The key design solution for these levels is the reorientation of the staircase, which now runs longitudinally along the building instead of the previous horizontal layout. This seemingly small change brings significant benefits:
o It optimizes vertical circulation, allowing for a more flexible floor layout.
o It frees up the central area, increasing the usable space for each apartment.
o It enables a clear separation between public and private zones, as well as between rental areas and technical spaces, thereby enhancing privacy, comfort, and overall commercial value.

Floors 6–9 are dedicated to the family penthouse, taking full advantage of the building’s height to open up panoramic views of West Lake and Trúc Bạch Lake. Large glass openings and movable partitions create a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing cool southeast breezes to flow through the house and ensuring a naturally ventilated and comfortable living environment all year round.

● Additionally, three vertical voids are strategically positioned along the length of the building to enhance ventilation, natural lighting, and spatial openness while reducing any sense of confinement. In particular, the rear void continuously open from the 2nd floor to the roof represents a deliberate “trade-off of floor area for quality of life,” bringing natural airflow, brightness, and long-term livability to the entire building.

Technology and materials used
The project incorporates modern technological solutions combined with eco-friendly materials to enhance both living quality and operational efficiency:
• A centralized air-conditioning and water filtration system ensures stable performance and energy efficiency.
• Smart lighting solutions provide flexibility based on function and time of use.
• Materials are carefully selected, including terrazzo, textured walls, natural stone, solid wood, and other rustic finishes. These materials not only meet aesthetic standards but also evoke a sense of warmth, harmony with nature, and environmental friendliness.

In addition, the use of a flexible structural system allows for easy renovation or spatial reconfiguration, enabling the building to adapt effectively to future needs particularly for mixed-use models such as short- or long-term rentals, or combined residential and office functions.

Conclusion
Architectural renovation is a challenging journey one that goes beyond the constraints of the existing structure and requires a deep understanding of new needs, spatial adaptation, and the urban climatic context. The 62 Refugium project represents an effort to rejuvenate the building: preserving its core values while introducing new functions better suited to contemporary life.
Through the integration of refined design, smart solutions, sustainable materials, and flexible operation, the project transcends the notion of a mere living space to become an architectural work of enduring economic and humanistic value within the urban fabric.

Team:

Client: Nguyễn Thị Thanh Tâm, Nguyễn Bích Thủy
Company:  Inros Lackner VN, d15studio
Lead: Torsten Illgen, Bùi Quang Huy
Design team: Bùi Quang Huy, Trần Anh Dũng, Natalie Guba, Đỗ Việt Hùng, CIC
Contractor: Aceline, Ades Lighting, Allan, Vigo 
Photo: Triệu Chiến