nguyen khac phuoc architects crowns its ká coffee in vietnam with a sweeping white canopy

step inside the tent-shaped Ká Coffee in Vinh city, vietnam

Located on the outskirts of Vietnam’s Vinh City in the Nghe An district, close to the large Vsip industrial park, Ká Coffee welcomes visitors to a green and tranquil haven amid the factory-filled countryside. The team at Nguyen Khac Phuoc Architects completed the project to evoke the shape of a large, sloping white tent that gives way on either side to an open-air terrace for coffee lovers to gather in. Contouring the borders of the shop is a lush planting scheme that gently complements the sleek white aesthetic and simulates a green escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Meanwhile, a series of d60 white iron poles front the main entrance, all while supporting the roof’s structural load and creating a playful rhythmic pattern. Inside, the architects clad the space in recycled press wood to evoke a cozy, rustic, and familiar ambiance.

all images © Triệu Chiến

Nguyen Khac Phuoc Architect’s green-filled & flexible design

Combining all of these features, the studio’s construction approach proved to be time-efficient, with reduced labor and a high investment in a demountable structure for reuse elsewhere, if needed. The flexible outdoor space at Ká Coffee extends into two front and backyard areas, giving the feel of an outdoor picnic atmosphere. In addition to the large main roof structure, the space can also be expanded flexibly with anti-service roofing systems for flexible use. ‘The selection of plants for the shop is also considered to limit costs but enough to bring local characteristics to the shop. Like taking advantage of the plants available in the region, such as wax, elephant grass, banana, bamboo, etc. Utilizing the guidance of local workers to build a shop is also an advantage in reducing construction costs. [It] is a unique model, environmentally friendly, low price, recyclable material – typical for the next sequel models that the design team aims for,’ concludes Nguyen Khac Phuoc Architects (more here). 

Ká Coffee shop by Nguyen Khac Phuoc Architects

designing a sloping white canopy evoking a tent

filling the spaces with lush vegetation to create a green escape

top view of the café’s outdoor terrace

offering a relaxing space amid the city’s hustle and bustle

blending indoors and outdoors

using recycled wood to clad the interiors

evening view, emphasizing the series of pole fronting the Ká Coffee

the project makes use of low-cost and demountable materials

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project info:

name: Ká Coffee 

location: Hung Nguyen, Nghe An, Vietnam

architecture studio: Nguyen Khac Phuoc Architects
lead architects: Nguyen Khac Phuoc, Tran Dan Truong
performed by: Thu Thuy, Minh Duc, Quang Sang
photographer: Triệu Chiến | @trieuchien
site area: 160 sqm 
completion year: 2023