CoCo Cha Taiwan Tea & Coffee – White Lantern by PT Arch Studio

A Minimalist Renovation with a Lantern-Like Glow

CoCo Cha Taiwan Tea & Coffee – White Lantern, designed by PT Arch Studio, redefines the café experience in Phan Rang–Tháp Chàm, Vietnam. What was once a low-budget garden café has been transformed into a modern, light-filled coffee shop that balances affordability, functionality, and strong visual identity.

The project was realized during the challenging period of the Covid pandemic, where cost efficiency and adaptive reuse were crucial. Instead of demolishing the existing structure, the architects embraced renovation, preserving elements of the original building while introducing a fresh, contemporary design concept.

Urban Context and Design Approach

Situated at a corner lot in the new urban district of Phan Rang City, the café enjoys a prime location exposed to the strong western sunlight. PT Arch Studio responded with a clever design strategy—creating a balance between solid and hollow spaces. This ensured natural ventilation, daylight penetration, and scenic urban views while also protecting interiors from excessive heat.

The ground floor features glass windows strategically positioned for city views, complemented by solid walls that block direct sunlight. The upper floor is wrapped in glass brick façades, forming a translucent skin that glows like a lantern—bright in the day, luminous at night. This design not only gives the café its identity as the “White Lantern” but also creates an inviting landmark in Phan Rang’s entertainment district.

Spatial Experience and Functionality

Stepping inside, customers are welcomed by a double-height atrium that enhances openness and connection between floors. The café counter and staircase are placed along the main axis, guiding visitors naturally into the space.

The staircase design was retained from the existing building to minimize renovation costs, yet it was cleverly reimagined to divide circulation into two routes—one leading to the upper-level coffee lounge and the other to a children’s play area, making the café inclusive for families.

This multi-functional spatial planning allows CoCo Cha to cater to diverse groups—young visitors seeking vibrant interiors, families needing comfortable zones, and coffee enthusiasts desiring relaxing atmospheres.

Material Palette and Atmosphere

The material and color palette reinforces the café’s architectural simplicity. White dominates the interiors and façade, reflecting sunlight and keeping the space cool in Phan Rang’s tropical climate. To soften the minimalism, warm wooden accents are subtly integrated, while dark gray metal and concrete details provide contrast and depth.

The result is a calm yet dynamic environment that shifts with natural light—airy and refreshing during the day, glowing warmly as evening falls. The “White Lantern” effect symbolizes both cultural familiarity and modern reinterpretation, resonating with Phan Rang’s identity as a sunny, windswept coastal city.

Architectural Significance

CoCo Cha Taiwan Tea & Coffee – White Lantern exemplifies how architecture can balance design ambition and budget limitations. PT Arch Studio’s solution highlights:

• Adaptive reuse instead of demolition.
• Climate-responsive design for tropical conditions.
• Multi-generational inclusivity with spaces for adults and children.
• Lantern-inspired façade creating a strong urban landmark.

This project goes beyond being just a coffee shop; it is a social hub, cultural symbol, and architectural statement in Phan Rang’s growing urban landscape.