Dich Vong Hau Kindergarten: A Sustainable Educational Transformation in Hanoi

The Dich Vong Hau Kindergarten in Hanoi, designed by Sunjin Vietnam Joint Venture Company, represents a forward-thinking example of educational architecture, adaptive reuse, and sustainable school design. Completed in 2022, this 7,349 m² project reimagines a 20-year-old kindergarten facility, transforming it into a dynamic, child-centered learning environment aligned with modern urban and pedagogical needs.

Adaptive Reuse and Urban Integration

Located in a rapidly urbanizing suburban district, the original school building suffered from spatial limitations, outdated infrastructure, and a lack of engaging learning environments. Instead of demolition, the architects embraced a renovation and expansion strategy, preserving the existing two-story structure while enhancing it with a lightweight steel-framed rooftop extension. This approach not only minimized construction waste but also optimized land use within the evolving urban fabric of Hanoi.

Two new four-story blocks were introduced, forming a cohesive campus that balances old and new architectural elements. At the heart of the design lies a central playground courtyard, functioning as both a safe recreational zone and a natural ventilation core. This spatial strategy promotes airflow, daylight penetration, and a strong visual connection between different levels of the school.

Child-Centered Design and Spatial Innovation

Rooted in the philosophy of “students as the center,” the kindergarten prioritizes flexible, healthy, and engaging learning spaces. Classrooms have been expanded to 1.5 times their original size and are designed as semi-open “villa-like” environments with multiple orientations. Surrounded by greenery, these classrooms benefit from cross-ventilation, filtered daylight, and a strong indoor-outdoor relationship, key elements in biophilic design for early education.

Functional zoning ensures that noise and environmental disruptions are minimized. Corridors, storage areas, and restrooms are strategically placed along the façade to act as buffers, while classrooms remain शांत and conducive to learning. Additionally, age-appropriate playgrounds are distributed throughout the campus, encouraging physical activity, creativity, and social interaction.

Sustainable Strategies and Green Learning Environments

Sustainability is deeply embedded in the project’s design approach. The rooftop garden serves as both an ecological feature and an educational tool, producing up to 80% of the school’s vegetable needs. This initiative introduces children to urban agriculture, sustainability, and environmental awareness at an early age.

The integration of greenery across multiple levels enhances thermal performance, reduces heat gain, and contributes to a healthier microclimate. Natural ventilation systems, shading strategies, and energy-efficient materials further reinforce the building’s low-energy footprint.

A Model for Contemporary Kindergarten Design

Dich Vong Hau Kindergarten stands as a benchmark for modern preschool architecture, combining adaptive reuse, sustainable strategies, and child-centric spatial planning. By aligning architectural innovation with educational philosophy, the project not only improves learning conditions but also contributes positively to the surrounding community.

All photographs are works of  Chimnon Studio