fluid brick-clad facade undulates around karinox coffee shop in vietnam

Karinox Coffee Fuses Sustainability and Heritage in Phan Rang

In the heart of Phan Rang, a coastal city in Vietnam known for its arid climate and Champa cultural heritage, Karinox Coffee emerges as a notable architectural project designed by Delicate. This 2800 sqm service complex seamlessly integrates sustainable design with local cultural elements and environmental considerations. Karinox Coffee’s architecture addresses the challenges of the tropical monsoon climate, characterized by hot, dry, and windy conditions. The design maximizes natural light and ventilation through strategic orientation, layout, and material choices. A vertical shading system and air vents are incorporated to create a convective airflow, reducing indoor temperatures and limiting heat radiation. Large glass panels and light-transmitting materials enhance natural light penetration throughout the building.

The external facade features Bau Truc ceramics, a local heritage material known for its low thermal conductivity and good heat reflection, effectively reducing internal temperatures. The open floor design maximizes visibility and ventilation between spaces, fostering a sense of openness and connection with nature. The four-story building houses a bar, indoor and outdoor coffee areas, office spaces, a children’s playground, and a souvenir display area. The design accommodates the needs of both local residents and tourists. The coffee areas are strategically placed to enhance the connection with nature, offering patrons the choice of enjoying their coffee indoors or outdoors.

all images courtesy of Delicate – Thiết kế & Thi công ngành dịch vụ

Natural materials and thoughtful design shape Karinox Coffee

Delicate Studio‘s design concept of Karinox Coffee is rooted in nature and culture. The wind, a characteristic of the local climate, symbolizes movement and progress, inspiring the dynamic and flexible design of the building. The exterior color palette mimics Champa ceramics, and Bau Truc ceramic tiles create a mortarless surface reminiscent of ancient Cham architecture. Design elements throughout the building, such as bar details, wall lamps, tiles, models, and wooden ceilings, draw inspiration from the Bau Truc pottery village, Vinh Hy rock mountain, and Cham towers.

Karinox Coffee also serves as a cultural hub, with spaces dedicated to displaying local handicrafts and souvenirs. This integration of cultural elements makes Karinox a destination that honors and promotes local heritage. The use of natural materials and thoughtful design creates an inviting space for visitors to experience the culture and history of Phan Rang. The building’s lighting system highlights its architectural and landscape features, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Strategically positioned lights enhance the texture of the materials, adding depth and dimension to the space both day and night. Karinox Coffee showcases bioclimatic architecture, integrating sustainable design principles with local cultural heritage. The project offers a functional and elegant living space deeply connected with the natural environment and the cultural history of Phan Rang.

Karinox Coffee in Phan Rang by Delicate integrates sustainable design with local cultural heritage

this 2800 sqm service complex seamlessly merges architecture and environmental considerations

designed for the tropical monsoon climate, Karinox Coffee maximizes natural light and ventilation

a vertical shading system and air vents create convective airflow, reducing indoor temperatures

large glass panels and light-transmitting materials enhance natural light penetration throughout the building

the exterior facade features Bau Truc ceramics, reducing internal temperatures with low thermal conductivity

the open floor design maximizes visibility and ventilation, fostering a connection with nature

strategically placed coffee areas enhance the connection with nature, offering indoor and outdoor options

the exterior color palette mimics Champa ceramics, using Bau Truc tiles for a mortarless surface

design elements draw inspiration from Bau Truc pottery village, Vinh Hy rock mountain, and Cham towers

Karinox Coffee serves as a cultural hub, displaying local handicrafts and souvenirs

project info:

name: Karinox Coffee

architects: Delicate – Thiết kế & Thi công ngành dịch vụ
design team: Nguyen Van Minh, Nguyen Quoc Trong, Tran The Son, Bui Quang Tien
location: Phan Rang, Vietnam

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom