Situated in the historic Rongkayasin district of Vientiane, Laos, the Café Amazon Concept Store reimagines the traditional coffeehouse as a cultural and environmental statement. Built on the former site of a Soviet-era circus tent, the project pays homage to its legacy as a communal gathering space by translating that memory into a contemporary architectural language rooted in local identity.

The circular form of the building is a deliberate nod to the geometry of the circus tent. This reference is carried throughout the design—from the sunken seating area and circular reflecting pond to the flowing rhythm of interior and landscape elements. Every component is tightly integrated, creating a spatial narrative that blurs the boundaries between architecture, interior design, and landscape.

The façade takes this concept further. Curved louvered panels mimic theater curtains and respond to sunlight throughout the day, while patterns derived from traditional lotus motifs add cultural depth. Native trees, including the iconic Yangna, are thoughtfully woven into the structure—merging nature and architecture in both function and form.

Inside, the service counter is a sculptural centerpiece, cast in concrete and shaped by local artisans. Its lotus-base form, inspired by traditional Lao temple architecture, bridges heritage with a modern aesthetic. Complementing this, the countertop features E-Marble by Sonite—a sustainable composite made from recycled eggshells—chosen for its unique texture and environmental benefit.

Sustainability is embedded throughout the design. Surfaces throughout the store, including furniture and planters, are made using PlasCoff panels, a material innovatively produced from recycled coffee grounds. These elements reflect a deep commitment to circular design and local material sourcing.

Above, a central circular skylight defines the heart of the space. Steel beams radiate outward like umbrella spokes, clad with perforated metal patterned after Lao textiles. The interplay of light and shadow evolves throughout the day, adding movement and intimacy. Hanging greenery and a suspended golden chandelier further animate the space, referencing the motion of circus hoops—a concept the design team refers to as the “Hoop Movement.”

The surrounding landscape, including a tranquil “Oasis Garden” and secluded “Hidden Park,” balances tropical lushness with European garden sensibilities. Preserved native trees are not just decorative—they are integral to the building’s experience, reinforcing the idea of “living architecture” where nature becomes a participant in the spatial dialogue.

The Café Amazon Concept Store is more than a retail space. It is a civic gesture—a space where memory, culture, sustainability, and everyday life intersect. It invites visitors to engage with architecture not just visually, but emotionally and experientially.

Team : 

Architects : Punnasit Lertkornpiboon, Wanyusree Hayeesama-ae, Pannapat Lertkornpiboon

MEP : ME Prime Design and Engineering

Structural Engineer: Kobchai Sukruen