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.
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 structure connected by an expressive loop staircase. Bespoke rotating kinetic sculptures dot the outdoor, acting as a shading solution and a landmark — and a visual metaphor for growth.
A captivating discovery during the design process was of 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.
Material selection is informed by the villa. Keeping the original brickwork and wooden beams, the designers chose stainless steel for visual contrast and durability through Vietnam’s rainy season.
The outdoor deck, framed by the loop staircase, provides a focal point for gatherings,
providing a multi-use lobby for the various programs at De La Sol. The staircase, in turns,
becomes a viewing deck to the different activities happening below and around it.
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.
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 structure connected by an expressive loop staircase. Bespoke rotating kinetic sculptures dot the outdoor, acting as a shading solution and a landmark — and a visual metaphor for growth.
A captivating discovery during the design process was of 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.
Material selection is informed by the villa. Keeping the original brickwork and wooden beams, the designers chose stainless steel for visual contrast and durability through Vietnam’s rainy season.
The outdoor deck, framed by the loop staircase, provides a focal point for gatherings,
providing a multi-use lobby for the various programs at De La Sol. The staircase, in turns,
becomes a viewing deck to the different activities happening below and around it.
Creative Director: Tuan Le
Lead Spatial Designers: Hung Le, Tram Dang
Spatial Design Support: Hiep Tran
Lead Strategic Partnership: Anh Nguyen
Strategic Partnership Support: Phuong Anh Nguyen, Gia Minh
Photography: Chimnon Studio, Kho Qua Studio
Documentation: Xuan Phan, Chuong Pham
Documentation Support: Trang Nguyen, Thien Tuong
Contractor: DB Plus
R&D Consultant: Vietnam Project Architecture Interior, The Lab’s RaD team
Metal Artist: Zachary Buehner
Lead Spatial Designers: Hung Le, Tram Dang
Spatial Design Support: Hiep Tran
Lead Strategic Partnership: Anh Nguyen
Strategic Partnership Support: Phuong Anh Nguyen, Gia Minh
Photography: Chimnon Studio, Kho Qua Studio
Documentation: Xuan Phan, Chuong Pham
Documentation Support: Trang Nguyen, Thien Tuong
Contractor: DB Plus
R&D Consultant: Vietnam Project Architecture Interior, The Lab’s RaD team
Metal Artist: Zachary Buehner
