Bao Long Office by H.a + NQN: A Vibrant Mixed-Use Renovation in Ho Chi Minh City

Transforming Degraded Townhouses into a Multifunctional Urban Space

Located on bustling Su Van Hanh Street in Ho Chi Minh City, the Bao Long Office by H.a and NQN is a striking renovation project that breathes new life into two dilapidated townhouses. Originally measuring 2.9m x 16.7m and 3.1m x 19.28m, the structures were combined and transformed into a vibrant, multi-functional space that accommodates a street-level retail shop, upper-floor office areas, and a private residential retreat.

Contextual Design Rooted in Local Commercial Activity

Su Van Hanh is well known as Saigon's hub for stainless steel trading—a context that directly influenced the program of the project. The architects capitalized on this local character by dedicating the ground floor to a stainless steel retail store. By demolishing the dividing wall between the two buildings, they created a unified and expansive showroom that embraces traditional sales methods while offering a modern spatial experience.

Harmonizing Contrast: Commercial Front with a Serene Interior Office

While the street-level storefront remains dynamic and open to the city, the first floor introduces a contrasting sense of calm. Designed as an office space and pantry, this level is visually and spatially set back behind a lush green courtyard and a transparent glass façade. This design strategy not only buffers noise from the street but also creates an inward-facing, contemplative work environment that feels detached from the commercial activity below.

A Warm and Private Residential Retreat Above

The second floor of the Bao Long Office functions as the private resting area for the investor. Warm, earthy materials such as terrazzo flooring, exposed concrete, and rich walnut furniture define the ambiance. This upper-level retreat is a sanctuary of tactile comfort and simplicity, offering a stark contrast to the industrial theme of the shop below.

Architectural Highlights: Iron Staircase and Lantern-Like Façade

One of the most visually captivating features is the orange iron staircase that winds vertically through the building, connecting all levels with a bold sculptural presence. The extensive glass façade system allows the building to glow at night, turning it into a luminous "lantern" that stands out within the urban streetscape. This integration of industrial and transparent materials offers a balanced dialogue between solid and void, light and mass.

Material Palette and Interior Detailing

The materials used throughout the project reinforce the layered functionality and aesthetic warmth of the space. Stainless steel, terrazzo, concrete, and glass are carefully juxtaposed with wooden furnishings and soft lighting to create a contemporary yet grounded environment. Every floor tells a different story—commercial vibrancy, office tranquility, and residential intimacy.

 A Modern Urban Hybrid

The Bao Long Office exemplifies how thoughtful architectural renovation can maximize functionality and elevate the experience of narrow, aging urban plots. Through strategic spatial planning, expressive materials, and context-sensitive programming, H.a and NQN have crafted a distinctive, multifunctional hybrid building that engages with its surroundings while creating a unique architectural identity.

All Photographs are works of Quang Dam