Demeter Beans II Coffee Shop and D-Apartment: A Mixed-Use Urban Landmark by KCONCEPT and KOHARCHITECTS

Located in the vibrant coastal city of Phan Thiết, Vietnam, Demeter Beans II Coffee Shop and D-Apartment represents a new chapter in the evolution of mixed-use architecture. Designed by KCONCEPT in collaboration with KOHARCHITECTS, the 362 m² project reimagines how hospitality, lifestyle, and community engagement can merge seamlessly into a single architectural identity. Completed in 2024 and photographed by Quang Dam, the building reflects a sophisticated integration of café culture, serviced apartments, and urban design strategies tailored for emerging coastal districts.

Building upon the success of Demeter Beans’ first facility—a coffee roasting workshop that blended a mobile iron structure with an immersive outdoor café experience—the second facility responds to a more urbanized context. While the original site embraced a garden-like openness, the new location shifts toward a denser city center, adapting the brand’s identity to a bustling coastal environment and a growing takeaway café culture. This strategic relocation allows Demeter Beans to expand its customer base, reach new consumer behaviors, and establish a stronger presence within the rapidly developing urban landscape.

The site itself is notable for its advantageous urban position. Situated on a vacant lot featuring two street frontages, the building benefits from abundant natural light, dual access points, and strong visibility from multiple directions. These conditions informed the architects’ decision to develop a five-story mixed-use structure, combining the Demeter Beans café on the lower levels with D-Apartment serviced units above. This multifunctional approach enhances operational flexibility, increases brand recognition, and creates a destination that serves both locals and tourists visiting the coastal city.

Material expression plays a defining role in shaping the project’s identity. The architects embraced the raw, authentic qualities of the materials that compose the building envelope, allowing textures and natural tones to become central to the aesthetic language. This restrained, honest material palette reflects the brand’s roots while establishing a visual harmony with the surrounding neighborhood. Rather than relying on excessive ornamentation, the building engages the street with subtle sophistication, ensuring the café becomes a recognizable yet understated presence within daily urban life.

Internally, the spaces are designed to maximize openness, comfort, and natural ventilation. Large windows frame views of the city while creating bright, inviting environments for both café visitors and apartment residents. The ground-level café prioritizes an airy, welcoming atmosphere suitable for casual gatherings, working sessions, and quick takeaway interactions. Meanwhile, the serviced apartments above provide functional layouts enhanced by natural light, serene material choices, and warm interior compositions that reflect contemporary coastal living.

From various roads approaching the site, the project presents an evolving and approachable architectural character. Demeter Beans II stands out as a subtle landmark—distinct enough to anchor its urban corner yet sensitively integrated into the daily rhythms of the community. By contributing to the vibrancy of its neighborhood without overpowering it, the architecture supports the broader cultural identity of Phan Thiết, enhancing its appeal to residents and visitors alike.

All photographs are works of Quang Dam