ContextSMA254, located on an area of just 10m2 in Cau Giay District (Hanoi), is the remnants of Hanoi?s rapid development. Its narrow facade overlooks a 1- meter-long alley and other sides are neighbors? houses. Its small surface area, with a size of 2.5x4 meters, causes many difficulties. The status quo is deteriorated and needs renovating with low costs and fast construction that does not affect the surrounding neighbors. 

© Nguyen Thai Thach

Architects: SMA Studio

Location: C?u Gi?y, Hanoi, Vietnam

Area: 10.0 m2

Project Year: 2016

Photographs: Nguyen Thai Thach, Courtesy of SMA Studio

© Nguyen Thai Thach

Context
SMA254, located on an area of just 10m2 in Cau Giay District (Hanoi), is the remnants of Hanoi?s rapid development. Its narrow facade overlooks a 1- meter-long alley and other sides are neighbors? houses. Its small surface area, with a size of 2.5x4 meters, causes many difficulties. The status quo is deteriorated and needs renovating with low costs and fast construction that does not affect the surrounding neighbors. 
© Nguyen Thai Thach

Diagram B

© Nguyen Thai Thach

Concept
It poses a question for the architects of SMA Architecture Studio of how to ensure a small yet flexible house that uses both natural light and ventilation for maximum energy savings. The original idea was to use stacked-up cubic modules with differe...