As observed by VietNamNet reporters on Sept. 3 in Le residential area, Thuan Thanh Ward, Bac Ninh Province, an imposing villa is being prepared to be moved intact from its current location.

The solidly built property covers hundreds of square meters and has three street-facing sides. Rather than demolish the villa to hand over the land, its owner has hired a specialist building-moving contractor - commonly known in Vietnam as a “than den,” or “genie” - to relocate the entire structure to a new site.

The villa will be moved about 200 meters. The solution allows the building to be preserved rather than demolished while still meeting site-clearance requirements for the road project connecting Gia Binh International Airport with Hanoi.

At the site, the villa has already been jacked up and separated from its foundation. The contractor is now building the route along which the structure will travel, as well as a new foundation at its destination, in preparation for moving the entire building about 200 meters from its original location.

According to a representative of the Thuan Thanh Ward People’s Committee, local authorities are aware of the plan to relocate the villa and have held a meeting with the parties involved.

The official said moving the structure intact is the responsibility of its owner. The homeowner must complete all procedures required by regulations before the relocation can officially begin. Those procedures are currently being carried out.

Local authorities have required the owner to commit to ensuring the safety of people and property throughout the relocation. If the move affects or damages infrastructure or neighboring structures, the owner will be responsible for repairs and compensation in accordance with regulations.

Once the building begins to move, the owner must provide notification as required so that local authorities can monitor the process and coordinate its management.

Relocating a large villa intact rather than demolishing it requires an appropriate plan covering structural integrity, moving techniques and measures to ensure the safety of people, property and infrastructure in the surrounding area.

Bao Khanh