Located at the intersection of a major national road in the center of Bao Loc City, opposite Bao Loc Church-an iconic building designed by Ngo Viet Thu architect.
The three-story townhouse has a size of 4.5 x 24.4 meters per floor and has undergone several renovations in the past. When purchased by a young couple, they wanted to continue improving it to meet their residential and business needs within their investment budget.
This prime location is ideal for business activities, but it also faces significant issues such as noise pollution and light pollution due to the constant heavy truck traffic day and night. The current structure consists of old reinforced concrete, brick walls, and a deteriorated tin roof. The interior space lacks natural light, is damp, and poorly ventilated, creating a cramped and stuffy feeling.
To address these issues, we aimed for a modern minimalist design, focusing on ventilation and natural light while controlling environmental impacts from the urban setting. Most of the old brick walls and tin roof were demolished, retaining only the main structural frame and making targeted interventions where necessary. Reinforced concrete structures were added to the back terrace and roof to expand functionality, improve insulation, and ensure the building's durability.
The interior is dominated by white tones and features an open, continuous space layout. A skylight at the back of the house serves as the terminus of the spatial axis, expanding the view, enhancing ventilation, and bringing natural light deep into the house. A small skylight in the middle of the house, combined with a long narrow light shaft, helps regulate light more evenly and creates a soft lighting effect for the living spaces.
The facade is designed with a steel frame combined with plant pots, using rusted steel with a rustic beauty over time. The greenery acts as a visual and microclimate filter. Double-glazed acoustic and thermal insulation glass is used to reduce noise, dust, and glare from the outside while maintaining a visual connection with the bustling urban space outside.
Space Organization
Ground floor: The business space (clothing shop) is located at the front, combined with the stairs and restroom in the middle. At the back of the house is a bedroom opening to a small yard, directly connected to the skylight above, improving ventilation and natural lighting.
First floor: The living and kitchen areas are located at the back, with large glass doors opening to the skylight to optimize light and create a spacious, seamless visual connection. The front of the floor features a bedroom with a balcony, and a two-layer facade consisting of green plants and double-glazed glass.
Second floor: The rear terrace can be turned into a rooftop garden, serving as a relaxation, play, and laundry area. The front section features a quiet workspace and a flexible area that can be used as a worship room or converted into a bedroom depending on future needs.
