Architecture: G+ Architects

Nestled in the picturesque city of My Tho, Tien Giang, Vietnam, lies a true gem that seamlessly blends artistry and nature – the Thuy Vien Coffee Shop. This remarkable establishment, designed by the talented team at G+ Architects, transports visitors to a world of tranquility and serenity. Inspired by the captivating beauty of the surrounding landscape, this coffee shop is a testament to thoughtful design and harmonious integration with the environment.

A City Steeped in History and Culture

As you step into My Tho City, you’ll be captivated by its rich history and cultural heritage. Established in the 17th century, this city has thrived as a prosperous urban center, steeped in the charm of French colonial architecture. While paying homage to its heritage, the city has also evolved, blending nature, urbanity, and the local population’s distinctive character.

Embracing Nature’s Inspiration

The Thuy Vien Coffee Shop embraces the breathtaking natural landscape that surrounds it, creating a haven where visitors can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Surrounded by lush gardens, canals, and water systems, this oasis is more than just a coffee shop—it’s an experience that immerses you in the beauty of Mother Nature.

Architecture in Perfect Harmony

At the heart of Thuy Vien Coffee Shop’s design philosophy lies the belief that architecture serves as a bridge connecting various elements within its environment. To achieve this, the design team ingeniously combined reused local materials, such as bricks, tiles, and old doors, to convey the spirit of the region’s legacy. The cubic proportions, deliberately exaggerated in relation to human scale, emphasize the material’s presence, forging a profound connection between the structure and its surroundings.

Serenity Amidst the Water’s Embrace

The coffee shop comprises three distinct houses, each serving a unique purpose. The main house, serving as the cafeteria, features a large, asymmetrical tiled roof resembling a rectangular pyramid, seemingly floating above the central lake. The surrounding glass walls offer panoramic views, inviting guests to savor their coffee while basking in the beauty of the serene waters.

A Symphony of Geometric Harmony

Inside the Thuy Vien Coffee Shop, visitors are greeted by an interior divided into three distinct parts: square, circular, and triangular floors, each varying in height. This clever design creates a captivating visual experience, mirroring the outside water’s gentle ripples. A central hole in the ceiling allows sunlight to filter in, casting a mesmerizing play of light and shadow, akin to a Mondrian painting. The widened horizontal window strips, inspired by Le Corbusier’s principles, blur the boundaries between indoors and outdoors, seamlessly integrating the natural landscape with the interior space.

Embracing Nature’s Breath

The coffee shop’s design takes full advantage of natural ventilation, employing a horizontal glass window system and low-height shutters that mimic the water’s surface. This ingenious feature allows fresh breezes from the lake to flow through the entire space, creating a refreshing ambiance for guests to enjoy their coffee. Preserving the area’s natural trees and water channels adds an authentic touch, turning the architectural elements into a harmonious green landscape and ensuring the air inside remains crisp and clean.

Caravansarai invites you to experience pure tranquility at the Thuy Vien Coffee Shop, where nature and architectural brilliance converge seamlessly. Escape the ordinary and indulge in a sensory journey that will leave you refreshed and rejuvenated. Caravansarai