丨越南胡志明市丨KQI Architect

Architects:KQI Architect

Area:210m²

Year:2025

Photographs:Minq Bui

Category:Coffee Shop

City:Ho Chi Minh City

Country:Vietnam

Text description provided by the architects. Located on a prominent corner lot along one of the busiest streets in Bà Rịa Ward, The 1999's Coffee has emerged as a distinctive landmark within the rapidly developing urban district. More than a venue for tea and coffee, the project was envisioned as a bold architectural gesture—an inviting retreat that offers a moment of calm amid the relentless pace of the surrounding city.

Capitalizing on its strategic corner position, the design opens the building generously in multiple directions, creating a sense of openness and connection with the streetscape. One of the project's most striking features is the long, west-facing sloping roof, which not only defines the building's profile but also provides effective sun shading throughout the day. As natural light filters into the space from morning to late afternoon, it highlights the interplay of the café's asymmetrical volumes and the elongated roofline. This roof is clad with small metal sheets in varying colors, shapes, and sizes, layered in a pattern reminiscent of fish scales—an eye-catching detail that has become the café's signature visual element.

Complementing the lush greenery surrounding the structure, the design incorporates a palette of natural and traditional materials, including stone, baked brick, woven reed panels, natural wood, and rammed-earth textures. Each material is applied with care to preserve its raw character, creating a grounded yet contemporary atmosphere. This tactile approach ensures the café remains warm, approachable, and visually appealing to every visitor.

Inside, the rustic design language continues seamlessly. A harmonious blend of neutral tones, soft yellows, and warm wood surfaces contributes to a soothing interior environment. Large windows extend sightlines outward, maximize daylight, and infuse vitality into the compact indoor areas.

Amid a fast-paced urban setting, The 1999's Coffee serves as a gentle pause—a space where visitors can momentarily step away from the bustle, slow their rhythm, and find a sense of tranquility at the heart of the city.

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