Chinese Design Going Global: Enhancing Global Asset Value
Amid the convergence of growth momentum in global emerging markets and the value restructuring of existing assets, cross-border design is broadening its boundaries and potential. Leveraging a global vision, Matrix Design is guided by local user research, underpinned by digital technology, and focused on asset empowerment. By integrating PMH CR2's brand positioning, diverse global living demands, and trends in renovating existing assets, it bridges geographic and cultural divides, forging a dual benchmark for Chinese design's global expansion and asset revitalization.
In the Phu My Hung project, Matrix Design extends its vision far beyond the revitalization of the CR2 Serviced Apartment. Adopting a master-planning perspective that charts the district’s future, the firm is currently orchestrating the concurrent development of a series of six projects—including CP-01, CR51B, CR5-2, CR9, and the Phu My Hung Corporate Headquarters. This strategy aims to construct an integrated international living ecosystem and establish a benchmark for high-end stay and residence tailored to global elites—demonstrating the exceptional design prowess and corporate responsibility of a leading Chinese international design firm.
As a new engine of Southeast Asia's economic boom, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is undergoing an unprecedented wave of urbanization. As the city's first master-planned hub, PMH New Urban Area has seen a surge in demand for sophisticated international communities and high-end residences, creating a pressing need to upgrade existing supporting facilities.
Matrix Design conducted an in-depth study of Crescent Lake's ecological endowments and regional characteristics. We precisely analyzed the residential requirements of the target demographic—high-income Japanese and Korean expatriate families—and approached the renovation of the CR2 Serviced Apartment as a strategic reshaping of asset value. By incorporating digital construction management and adopting a long-term operational perspective, we aim to cultivate sustainable asset value with continuous growth potential.
Crescent Lake District
Premier Residence for Global Business Elites
Guided by international residential standards and leveraging the ecological endowments of Crescent Lake, Matrix Design integrates natural textures into the spatial narrative. We prioritize a nature-centric experience where "green vistas greet residents at every window, scenic views unfold with every step, and comfort comes first," establishing a benchmark residence tailored for global business elites.
Following the success of the CR2 project as a benchmark for the revitalization of existing assets, Matrix Design is steadily expanding its design footprint within Vietnam's Phu My Hung New Urban Area. Propelling a sustained momentum from CR2 through a sequence of six strategic projects—including CP-01, CR51B, CR5-2, CR9, and the Phu My Hung Corporate Headquarters—Matrix Design goes beyond isolated design deliveries. Adopting a long-termist perspective, we are deeply engaged in the holistic growth and evolution of the entire district.
Design is not merely the placement of elements, but a symbiotic growth with the environment. Drawing inspiration from the interplay of light and shadow on brickwork and the natural ambiance of the tropical forest, we harmonize the interior and exterior spaces, elevating the sophistication and resort-style atmosphere of the lobby entrance.
The application of brick and tile structures pays homage to and deconstructs Vietnam’s traditional architectural aesthetics. The 7.8m double-height space establishes the space’s ceremonial order with quiet grandeur.
Beyond deconstructing local elements, Matrix Design addressed the geographical barriers and management challenges of cross-border projects by leveraging BIM technology. We established a 'Modular Design + Digital Management' model. This enabled remote, real-time supervision of concealed works, allowing the design team to maintain full-process control over key construction milestones in Vietnam.
To address the challenge of the original building's narrow and dim corridors, the design established a 'Guide with Light' strategy during the pre-planning stage. By reconfiguring the floor plan, enclosed spaces were opened to introduce natural light. The use of diffuse reflection enhances overall brightness, creating a circulation path that is well-lit and secure. Prioritizing comfort, the design optimizes acoustics, lighting, water, and air quality to elevate the holistic living experience.
Drawing on insights into the aesthetic tastes of surrounding international tenants, we built a standardized material and color matching system. With log tones as the spatial foundation, complemented by a pure white base and profound black lines for striking contrast, it creates an efficient and pure living atmosphere for business travel elites.
The apartment’s design and construction adopt full-chain prefabrication logic. Through the model of "high-precision factory prefabrication + ultra-fast on-site assembly", it effectively controls the timeliness and quality of cross-border and renovation projects. Ergonomic dimensions are integrated into module standards, achieving a perfect integration of residential comfort and operational convenience while ensuring industrial production efficiency.
Beneath the standardized framework, the design retains gentle self-pleasing details. In the living-dining room corners, a resting space with a strong sense of enclosure is created by contrasting the soft and hard textures of soft furnishings.
Centered on sleep quality, the guest room adopts a minimalist aesthetic. Removing redundant decor, it uses clean lines and forms to create visual calm, enabling easy standardization, maintenance and a peaceful deep-sleep environment.
To accommodate differences in unit width and flow across layouts, we reorganized and adapted modules within the same material system. While maintaining the overall aesthetic context, we refined detail craftsmanship to ensure consistent overall implementation effects.
The entry foyer features the entire wall paved with carefully selected natural jade, with a moist texture like ink wash spreading. A linear jade chandelier hangs down, with light and shadow flowing between stone veins, establishing the first sense of ritual for the VIP suite.
The VIP lounge is designed as a high-value social space. Dark wood-grain walls set a calm tone, striking a warm-cool balance with beige-toned furniture. Grilles and jade lighting fixtures are subtly embedded in the space, creating a graceful and poised meeting atmosphere.
Beyond CR2
Within the grand blueprint of Phu My Hung, the completion of CR2 serves merely as a prologue. The sustained momentum across a strategic sequence of six projects—spanning CP-01, CR51B, CR5-2, CR9, and the Corporate Headquarters—marks a pivotal shift for Matrix Design: evolving from singular structural interventions to a holistic engagement in regional co-development.
Matrix Design remains committed to bridging international residential benchmarks with local context. Through a visionary lens, we ensure that each delivery transcends the mere iteration of physical space to achieve a true elevation of lifestyle. By continuously reshaping value, we inject perpetual design momentum into the narrative of urban renewal.
Project information
Project | Crescent Residence 2 Serviced Apartment
Client | Phu My Hung Development Corporation
Address | No. 8, Hoang Van Thai Street, Phu My Hung Urban Area, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Interior Design | Matrix Design
Furnishing Design | Mingcui MIX
Photography | Shixiang Wanhe
Design Area | 6155㎡
Main Materials | Stone/Sintered Stone/Ceramic Tile/Wood Veneer/Inorganic Coating
Design Time | 2023
Completion Time | 2025