Located at the vibrant crossroads of Cach Mang Thang Tam and Vo Van Tan, two of the busiest streets in Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam. Phe La CMT8 emerges as a calm, grounded oasis in the heart of the metropolis. As a beloved milk tea brand among Vietnamese youth, Phe La is known for its spirit of “original craftsmanship”. More than just a café, Phe La CMT8 offers a unique sanctuary where guests can enjoy signature OLong tea and reconnect with nature in a refined, contemporary setting.
Phe La CMT8 represents a remarkable transformation of an existing building, reimagined through a softer, more approachable architectural language. The original rigid facade was removed, replaced with a flowing structure defined by elegant curves that dissolve the harsh geometry of the past. The entire frontage is coated in a warm brown finish, while large glass panels blur the boundary between interior and exterior, maximizing natural light and creating a seamless transition between spaces.
Inside, curving architectural forms and flexible furniture arrangements create a diverse range of seating options to suit every guest's preference. A garden is seamlessly integrated into the building’s structure, and combined with natural light filtering through a central skylight, it brings forth a tropical ambiance where architecture and nature converge in a serene, emotive harmony.
Driven by the desire to merge architecture with traditional craftsmanship, Phe La CMT8 makes thoughtful use of natural and locally inspired materials. Rattan is used extensively, flowing from the staircase to the mezzanine balustrades, creating an immediate sense of warmth and familiarity while offering a refreshing visual experience.
This soft, flowing language continues into the ceiling design and central lighting elements, where hidden light sources cast a focused, sun-like glow down into the garden below a poetic gesture that both illuminates and dramatizes the lush interior greenery.
The central atrium has been reshaped into a circular form, visually and structurally connecting existing columns, opening up the volume, and unifying the overall spatial composition. At the heart of this void stands a garden, acting as a natural focal point and helping to regulate the indoor climate. The staircase, with its graceful curves, not only links the levels vertically but also contributes to the design's aesthetic continuity.
While the space embraces a modern aesthetic, it is wrapped in raw, emotionally resonant materials: cool, rough-cut stone underfoot; cast-concrete benches softened by rustic wooden tops all grounding the architecture in the spirit of nature. The combination of natural wood with industrial stainless steel introduces a balanced contrast, adding both depth and intrigue to the space.
Amid the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City, Phe La CMT8 captures the dreamlike, tranquil spirit of Đa Lat. Its warm brown tones, rustic textures, and pockets of greenery offer a space that feels both cozy and soulful. Every corner is infused with thoughtful green accents, creating a calming retreat for visitors seeking a moment of pause in.