TH+ House: A Narrow Urban Residence in Hanoi
ODDO architects design a 96m² home in Hanoi's dense alley network.
1Urban Context
TH+ House is situated in Hanoi's dense urban fabric, occupying an extremely narrow 2.5-meter-wide plot. The site is accessible only through pedestrian alleys, surrounded by the city's characteristic informal vertical houses. This constrained urban condition presented unique challenges for the architectural team. The design needed to respond to both physical limitations and the vibrant social life of Hanoi's alley neighborhoods.
2Social Density
The project addresses not just physical density but also social intensity in Hanoi's alley communities. Shared tea spaces, small businesses, children playing, and spontaneous encounters create a strong community feel within the compressed environment. ODDO architects considered this social fabric as a key premise for their design approach. The house aims to maintain connections with this dynamic neighborhood life while providing private living spaces.
3Design Team
The project was led by architects Mai Lan Chi Obtulovičová, Nguyen Duc Trung, and Marek Obtulovic from ODDO architects. B-Up Construction served as the general contractor, with structural engineering by Ngo Anh Tuan. The team worked with a compact 96m² footprint to create a functional residence. Their design demonstrates how architectural innovation can thrive within severe spatial constraints.
4Material Palette
The architects employed a material palette including glass, steel, and concrete for TH+ House. These materials were chosen for their durability and ability to create visual lightness in the narrow structure. The material selection also responds to Hanoi's tropical climate and urban conditions. The combination creates a contemporary aesthetic that stands out yet respects its traditional alley context.
5Spatial Strategy
Faced with the 2.5m width limitation, the architects developed vertical spatial solutions. The design maximizes every centimeter through careful planning of circulation and multi-functional spaces. Natural light and ventilation were prioritized despite the tight urban context. The result demonstrates how thoughtful design can overcome extreme site constraints while maintaining quality of living.
6Construction Challenges
Building in Hanoi's dense alleys presented logistical challenges for material delivery and construction. The team had to coordinate carefully with local contractors familiar with tight urban sites. Construction sequencing had to account for limited access and neighboring structures. These constraints influenced both the design process and the choice of construction methods.
7Community Integration
Rather than isolating the residence, the design maintains connections to alley life. The architects considered how the house would engage with daily neighborhood activities. This approach respects the area's social dynamics while providing privacy. The project shows how contemporary design can enhance rather than disrupt established urban patterns.
8Urban Housing Innovation
TH+ House represents innovative thinking for dense urban housing. It demonstrates how architecture can respond to extreme site constraints without sacrificing quality. The project offers lessons for similar contexts in rapidly urbanizing Asian cities. It shows that limited space doesn't preclude thoughtful design that enhances both private living and community connections.
Original article: ArchDaily Global — TH+ House: A Narrow Urban Residence in Hanoi