Cultra Taproom Cafe Bar / Idee architectsSave this picture! Trieu ChienRestaurants & Bars, RenovationHanoi, VietnamArchitects: Idee architectsAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:100 mYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2024 PhotographsPhotographs:Trieu Chien Lead Architects: Tran Ngoc Linh More SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Text description provided by the architects. The Cultra Taproom project in Hanoi breathes new life into a century-old colonial house on Hang Da Street, blending Hanoi's cherished architectural heritage with modern vibrancy. The old houses of Hanoi, with their narrow alleys and courtyards, are more than just structures; they are nostalgic symbols of the city's history and the spaces where generations of its people grew up. For the new owners, this rich history is a foundation for their vision of blending youthful energy with the timeless elegance of the past.Save this picture!The building, constructed over 100 years ago during the French colonial era, had undergone significant changes over time. Following historical upheavals and multiple ownership transitions, the building had deteriorated. Fragmented by the period of subsidies, common areas had shrunk and were poorly maintained, with beautiful architectural details hidden beneath corrugated metal roofs, iron fences, and makeshift floors. A narrow alley running through the center of the ground floor, only about 60cm wide, split the building's faade into two distinct sections. Given the shared ownership of the building, this alley could not be removed, presenting a challenge for connecting the spaces within and creating architectural focus.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!The design brief called for a multifunctional space that would embody the cultural essence of Hanoi while serving diverse functions: a restaurant, shop, caf, bar, kitchen, and various ancillary areas. The architects' goal was to preserve the building's historical charm, while also meeting the demands of contemporary use. Thus, the project was developed with a dual approach of restoration and modern adaptation.Save this picture!The building's front faade is divided into two sections. The upper part was carefully restored, preserving the original design, including intricate details, brickwork, and natural greenery. The iconic balcony and windows, symbols of Hanoi's architectural identity, have been rejuvenated while maintaining the original charm. In contrast, the ground floor, split by the narrow alley, was reimagined. The alley was softened with a new design that created an inviting display space for Cultra's Kombucha tea products. The resulting contrast in scale between the alley and the broader space adds an element of surprise and discovery for visitors, evoking the intimate alleys and courtyards that have long characterized Hanoi's old streets.Save this picture!The flow between spaces was carefully planned to enhance connectivity, from inside to outside, seamlessly guiding visitors through the building. The old wooden floors and bricks were repaired and preserved, retaining their original textures and emotional appeal. The original wooden staircase, which had collapsed, was replaced with a new one crafted from materials that reflect the building's historical and modern elements, acting as a central architectural feature. This area also serves as a light well and circulation point between the different sections of the building.Save this picture!A unique feature is the small rooftop bar, where the original roof tiles were restored and replaced with carefully selected new tiles to blend with the old ones, preserving the building's nostalgic feel. The lighting system was strategically placed to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the roof, while a new glass and stainless steel skylight above adds a minimalist, modern touch. A skylight was introduced to bring in natural light amidst the old, weathered walls, where nature had taken root inside the building. The design integrates contemporary materials and elements, reflecting the youthful spirit of the new owners, while respecting the historical context.Save this picture!This project represents a beautiful fusion of past and present, a journey through different periods of social development embodied in a single architectural space. It is an example of how modern life can coexist with tradition, creating a dynamic, multi-functional environment that celebrates the richness of Hanoi's architectural identity.Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessProject locationAddress:Hanoi, VietnamLocation to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.About this officePublished on December 05, 2024Cite: "Cultra Taproom Cafe Bar / Idee architects" 05 Dec 2024. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1024322/cultra-taproom-cafe-bar-idee-architects&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream