An Apartment That Breathes

Imagine you are a new tenant of a compact apartment in Hanoi’s bustling heart, do you want it to be a sanctuary or just a rented cube? Even if it’s an old place with thin walls and sticky air, there are possibilities to transform it into a cool calm space by drawing on passive design concepts rooted in Vietnam’s traditions.

Sunlight

If your apartment has east-facing windows that catch the morning rays, you are blessed in cooler months but the heat will be fierce in summer. With your landlord’s permission, you can install bamboo blinds that will soften the glare while letting light in, as well as curtains (perhaps sheer ones) to trap heat outside, keeping the living space ‘gentle’ with the aid of a fan.

Insulation

It could be tough to improvise in a rental, but you could get creative like sealing the window edges with silicone tape to block humid drafts, and hanging woven rattan panels (a nod to local craft) to insulate against street noise.

Ventilation

Ventilation is key in Hanoi’s muggy climate. You should study your apartment’s airflow, opening windows at dawn and dusk to catch cooler breezes. Placing a small exhaust fan in the kitchen will help whisk out cooking steam while pulling fresh air through.

Greenery

If you have a balcony, then it could become a green lung. Lining it with simple pots of lemongrass and pandan could help with shading, and during monsoon season, they love to drink rain.