Type 1 ancient house, Mr. Giang Van Thuan's house, Duong Lam residential group, Son Tay ward

Mr. Giang Van Thuan's ancient house is located in Dinh Giang hamlet, Duong Lam residential group, Son Tay ward, Hanoi city. It is one of the typical architectural works contributing to the distinctive character of Duong Lam ancient village, a land rich in the historical and cultural traditions of the Doai region. Built in 1884 and ranked as a Type 1 ancient house, the house not only has architectural value but also preserves traditional cultural features, reflecting the lifestyle and family customs of former Vietnamese people.

The house has a layout in the shape of the character 'Nhất', with five compartments and two side wings, and a system of five rows of column bases, creating a solid, imposing, and harmonious overall architecture. The structure was built mainly with a traditional wooden frame, in which components such as columns, rafters, and beams are tightly connected by mortise-and-tenon joinery, demonstrating the skill and craftsmanship of former artisans. The architectural details are carefully crafted, bringing an elegant, simple yet refined beauty that contributes to the house's characteristic ancient appearance.

The interior space is arranged reasonably, meeting daily living needs while clearly expressing the family traditions of a household with a tradition of learning that values knowledge and propriety. The central compartment is reserved for ancestor worship, solemnly decorated with an altar, horizontal plaques, and parallel couplets, expressing the national moral principle of 'when drinking water, remember its source.' The side compartments are living and guest-receiving spaces, creating a harmonious combination of the family's material and spiritual life.

Through many generations, the house has not only been a place to live but also a space preserving memories, customs, and traditional cultural values. To this day, the family still maintains ancestor worship and traditional rituals. This is a beautiful feature expressing the bond between generations, contributing to preserving family traditions and the cultural identity of the Northern Vietnamese countryside.

With outstanding historical, architectural, and cultural values, Mr. Giang Van Thuan's ancient house was recognized by the People's Committee of Ha Tay Province under Decision No. 1223/QD-UBND dated May 13, 2008. This is a recognition of the heritage values that the house preserves, while also affirming the role of the work in the conservation and promotion of the values of Duong Lam ancient village.

Today, Mr. Giang Van Thuan's ancient house is a meaningful attraction in the journey to explore Duong Lam ancient village. Visitors here can not only learn about traditional residential architecture but also have the opportunity to deeply experience the lifestyle, family customs, and fine cultural values of traditional Vietnamese families.