Hanoi Mirror House: A Colorful Ceramic Mosaic Ocean

Transforming a Dilapidated Structure into an Artistic Masterpiece

From June to October 2017, Thu Thuy and the New Hanoi Arts collective worked tirelessly to renovate and decorate the Hanoi Mirror House. Using 800m2 of little ceramic mosaic tiles and reliefs, they adorned the facades and interior of the building with a mesmerizing "Vietnam Ocean" theme. Stepping inside the Mirror House is like diving to the bottom of the ocean, surrounded by vibrant sea animals and walking on a floor adorned with colored ceramic pebbles and reliefs.

Thu Thuy employed special techniques of ceramic mosaic making to bring her vision to life. The interior design of the Mirror House features square-shaped ceramic mosaic tiles measuring 2.2 cm x 2.2 cm, as well as ceramic reliefs depicting sea animals and plants. The floor, spanning 300m2, is covered with colored ceramic pebbles and reliefs, while the walls and ceiling boast ceramic mosaic murals and 3D paintings.

Located in Hanoi's Reunion Park, the Hanoi Mirror House is a true testament to the transformative power of art. Before the renovation, it was a dark and damp concrete structure. Now, it is a vibrant and enchanting space that captures the imagination of visitors. The mirrors within the house reflect and replicate the ceramic mosaic decoration, creating numerous and large images that add a sense of magic and intrigue to the whole experience.

Thu Thuy's design for the Mirror House was inspired by her love for the ocean and her desire to promote the beauty of Vietnam's seas. With over 3,400km of coastline and more than 4,000 islands, Vietnam is a country blessed with natural wonders. Thu Thuy's designs aim to raise awareness and appreciation for sea animals and plants, encouraging visitors to protect these precious resources.

The renovation and transformation of the Hanoi Mirror House took three months to complete, with the interior decoration being the most intricate part of the process. Since its opening to the public in January 2018, the Mirror House has become a popular attraction, captivating visitors with its immersive and awe-inspiring design.

The Hanoi Mirror House project presented several challenges for Thu Thuy. The sheer size of the building, with a total length of 60m and walls reaching an average height of 6.5m, required careful attention to detail and a cohesive design. However, Thu Thuy's passion for the ocean and her extensive research and travels to Vietnam's seas and islands provided her with the inspiration needed to overcome these challenges and create a truly remarkable work of art.

Thu Thuy's Mirror House is a testament to the power of public art to transform spaces and captivate audiences. Through her innovative use of ceramic mosaics and reliefs, she has created an immersive experience that transports visitors to the depths of the ocean. The Hanoi Mirror House stands as a shining example of the beauty and creativity that can be achieved through the fusion of art, design, and technology.

Image Credits: Main photo by Ngoc Thanh - Photo Journalist of VN Express newspaper online, November 2017

Optional photos: Thanh Ha - Photo Journalist of Vietnam Sport newspaper, November 2017

Intellectual Property Notice: Copyright belongs to New Hanoi Arts Co., Ltd and A'Design Awards

Awards and Accolades: This design was awarded Bronze in the A' Social Design Award in 2018. The Bronze A' Design Award recognizes outstanding and creatively ingenious designs that contribute to quality of life improvements. Thu Thuy's Mirror House showcases strong technical and creative skills, making the world a better place through art and design.