In the heart of Ho Chi Minh City’s business district, a new opportunity brought the client and architect together once again. Bosgaurus, a leading name in Vietnam’s specialty coffee, was ready to grow. With plans to expand across the country and beyond, the brand imagined a café model that could work in high-end urban spaces while staying true to its identity. The goal was to create a satellite café, a compact and flexible model that supports flagship locations and brings the experience closer to its customers.
To succeed, the design needed to do more than look good. It had to function well within the constraints of a commercial building. It also had to support the baristas while delivering a smooth and consistent customer experience. Just as importantly, it needed to be easy to replicate, sustainable, and aligned with the brand’s values.
NU architecture & design responded with a high-performance modular prototype inspired by the idea of a satellite in orbit. The team developed a prefabricated Fly Bar system made mostly from stainless steel. Ninety-eight percent of it was built off-site and assembled on location. This approach shortened construction time, reduced disruption, and made future installations more predictable. Instead of hiding the modular system, the design puts it on display. Exposed joints along the bar’s front create a strong visual rhythm that celebrates how the structure works. One of the key design features is that a third of the bar appears to float in mid-air. Achieving this while keeping the structure stable was a major technical success.
The layout is designed to improve efficiency and help a small team deliver quality service. A self-service station is built into the bar, encouraging customer interaction and reducing pressure on staff.
Materials were chosen to reflect the brand’s design language. Stainless steel offers a clean, modern look with a slightly futuristic edge. At the same time, sustainability also played a major role in all the projects of NU. Used coffee grounds were recycled and mixed with bio-resin to form a new composite material, which was used to make custom furniture. This reduced waste and kept the product physically present in the space.
The bar area felt visually quiet and lacked a focal point to draw attention upward and balance the tall ceiling. To address this, lighting was used not just for function but to bring warmth and character. Custom paper fixtures were suspended above the bar, reinforcing the satellite theme while casting a soft, atmospheric glow that adds visual balance and interest to the space.
Bosgaurus Nexus is a prototype for a new generation of specialty cafés. These spaces are rooted in brand identity but remain adaptable to different locations. They combine design clarity with operational performance. For NU architecture & design, the project was a chance to explore how prefabrication, durable materials, and compact planning can come together to create a meaningful and high-impact experience.
Bosgaurus Satellite is more than a response to growth. It reflects how architecture can adapt to changes in urban living. Scalable, refined, and built on smart design principles, it opens a new conversation about what a café can be, both in Vietnam and beyond.