U.S. architecture site Archdaily has praised the designers for converting an abandoned old house from the 1970s in Da Nang City without altering its looks much.

Located in a small alley on Hai Phong Street in Hai Chau District, The 59 café used to be a three-story house that was used little by its owner.

Architect Le Trong Vu, 42, who designed the café, said he came up with the idea of ​​renovating the old house into a coffee shop in retro style with an eye on attracting young customers post-Covid.

The conversion took three months and the design team tried to retain all the old materials such as washed stones and ceramic tiles for the owner to cherish old memories.

Archdaily said" “Although the idea of converting this old building into a coffee shop was to serve the needs of the young generation, the designer wished to not destroy the memories of the family with this house.”

Vu said after the design team discovered a lovely Cao Dai temple behind the building it decided to dismantle the wall at the back to reveal it.

The highlight of the first floor is a brick wall decorated with ancient items such as a camera and cassettes.

Whitewashed stone walls preserved in the coffee shop.

This type of whitewashed stone wall is typical of most old buildings in Da Nang built in the 70s and 80s.

The second floor of the café is meant for people wishing to work in groups in a quiet atmosphere.

A stone wall on the third floor was knocked down so that guests can admire an ancient temple.

Another highlight is the greenery on the terrace of the café. At night lamps made from recycled bottles add to the charm of this space.

The café is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and serves egg coffee, cold brews and teas.

The façade of the café is lit up with lights at night.

Source: VNE