Located in the new urban area of Rạch Giá, a coastal city in southern Vietnam known for swiftlet farming, 68 Home n Café occupies a corner lot with two open facades. While this provides natural ventilation, the site presents challenges such as high residential density, traffic noise, and sounds from nearby swiftlet houses. The design carefully balances privacy, sound insulation, and urban connectivity.
The project is a two-story home with a rooftop technical floor, designed for a three-generation family. It features six bedrooms, each with a private bathroom. The ground floor includes a coffee shop and two guest bedrooms, while the second floor serves as the primary living space, featuring a common area and four bedrooms, each with a balcony. Water and air conditioning systems are placed on the rooftop and connected through a dedicated service corridor.
The design emphasizes natural light transmission both horizontally and vertically. A closed structure enhances privacy and minimizes noise, while strategically placed openings align with shaded sidewalk trees to create a green buffer. Skylights are integrated to optimize natural ventilation and lighting.
The material palette consists of painted walls, glass bricks, and natural wood. Painted walls provide a cost-effective solution, glass bricks enhance light transmission, and natural wood adds warmth to the minimalist interior.
The coffee shop features indoor, porch, and outdoor seating areas. The outdoor café integrates with the sidewalk and will be shaded by almond trees and tropical flowering plants. The porch café recalls the charm of the former establishment, offering a cozy corner to enjoy the rain and street view. The indoor café follows a radial seating layout designed for functionality, with backpack hooks, power outlets, and spacious tables for studying and working.
