Pho Da Cafe

Pho Da Cafe
© Dũng Huỳnh

PHO DA CAFE

Haus Space

ARCHITECTS
Haus Space

MANUFACTURERS
Hoa Sen/, Local supplier, Ruby

PHOTOGRAPHS
Dũng Huỳnh

AREA
240 m²

YEAR
2017

LOCATION
La Gi, Vietnam

CATEGORY
Coffee Shop

Pho Da Cafe
© Dũng Huỳnh
Pho Da Cafe
© Dũng Huỳnh

Located in Lagi, a coastal town in central Vietnam, with diverse tropical terrain consisting of mountains, forests, rivers and sandy beaches.

Pho Da Cafe
© Dũng Huỳnh
Pho Da Cafe
© Dũng Huỳnh

The project is the initial phase of renovation for an existing local restaurant.

The owner has limited budget, so we expect a slow renovation process with multiple stages to completion and expected gaps in between while his business must stay operational.

This demand requires slow, natural transitions that sustain as the business grows.

Pho Da Cafe
© Dũng Huỳnh
Pho Da Cafe
© Dũng Huỳnh
Pho Da Cafe
© Dũng Huỳnh

Therefore, we envision the first phase harmoniously blends with its natural surroundings and existing construction made from bricks and cement. The new space should feel modern yet inviting to the current users.

With this approach, we created a functional, open space for a cafe that is also intimate with nature. We choose to make the roof light and inexpensive by using a modest steel structure.

The main support system replicates the familiar wood frame observable at the current restaurant, keeping harmonious rhythms between the new and the old, between the open and the enclosed spaces.

Pho Da Cafe
© Dũng Huỳnh
Pho Da Cafe
© Dũng Huỳnh
Pho Da Cafe
© Dũng Huỳnh

Inspired by the colors and forms of the nearby dam, and riverbed rocks, we keep the roof, floor, and walls neutral and let the wood elements be featured intermittently through the space.

It provides the guests with the usual comforts yet does not take away their intimate connection with nature.

Pho Da Cafe
© Dũng Huỳnh
Pho Da Cafe
© Dũng Huỳnh


Pho Da Cafe
© Dũng Huỳnh


Pho Da Cafe
Floor Plan
Pho Da Cafe
Site Plan


Pho Da Cafe
Section