De La Sól Work and Exhibition Space / The Lab Saigon

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Material selection is informed by the villa. Keeping the original brickwork and wooden beams, the designers chose stainless steel for visual contrast and durability throughout Vietnam’s rainy season.becomes a viewing deck for the different activities happening below and around it.The design layers new elements in view of the old. The historical villa facade stands untouched, in contrast to a new 2-story structure of steel and glass, with both structures connected by an expressive loop staircase. Bespoke rotating kinetic sculptures dot the outdoors, acting as a shading solution and a landmark — and a visual metaphor for growth.The outdoor deck, framed by the loop staircase, provides a focal point for gatherings,A captivating discovery during the design process was the old villa's structure itself. 
After removing multiple paint-plaster layers outside, arch gates from the past, various brick types used in each renovation, and the building's century-old history, were all revealed. The building's history is etched into every brick, a testament to the city's cultural heritage.providing a multi-use lobby for the various programs at De La Sol. The staircase, in turn,Text description provided by the architects.De La Sól / Shadow is a mixed-concept space in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. A fluid intersection of exhibition halls, cafe lounge, retail displays, and client experience center of Sun Life Insurance (also the primary investor). The Lab drew inspiration from the idea of growth — both a reference to Sun Life’s brand promise and the flourishing Ho Chi Minh City — to design different volumes in the space.