LAPH Cafe: Revitalizing Vietnamese “Café-Cóc” Culture with Contemporary Design

Located in the historic city of Hue, Vietnam, LAPH Cafe by 3fconcept (lead architect: Phan Nhat Hung) transforms the lower two floors of an existing house into a modern yet nostalgic coffee destination. Spanning 208 m², the project merges the traditional charm of a “Café-Cóc”, a budget-friendly, low-seating Vietnamese coffee shop, with elegant, contemporary design elements, creating a versatile space for all visitors.

A Fusion of Tradition and Modernity

The term “Café-Cóc” refers to intimate coffee shops where low stools and small tables encourage casual, fleeting gatherings. LAPH Cafe preserves this approachable concept on Level 1, incorporating low wooden seating, raw timber walls, and a warm beige palette, fostering a friendly, communal atmosphere. Guests enjoy unobstructed views of the street and the nearby 130-year-old school, creating a subtle dialogue between the cafe and its historic surroundings.

Three large trees, suspended above the front seating area, form a unique hanging garden that provides natural shade while conserving ground space. The steel-structured second-floor balcony supports these suspended trees, with V-shaped steel columns, steel box flooring, and wooden planting frames seamlessly integrated into the framework. The bar counter echoes this material continuity, harmonizing the interior with the café’s structural ingenuity.

A Serene Retreat on Level 2

In contrast to the lively ground floor, Level 2 offers a quiet library-style space. The design balances openness and privacy, with generous windows framing the lush greenery below. Patrons enjoy a calm environment that encourages reading, contemplation, or casual conversation while appreciating the dramatic hanging trees from the balcony. This intentional contrast demonstrates how architectural choices can subtly influence behavior, guiding visitors to different experiences across levels.

Sustainable and Thoughtful Design

LAPH Cafe exemplifies thoughtful, site-sensitive architecture. The café integrates:

• Space-efficient solutions with suspended greenery
• Natural lighting to enhance ambiance
• Durable materials including steel, wood, and integrated drainage systems for greenery
• A flexible seating layout inspired by the traditional “Café-Cóc”

The project also showcases collaboration with premium manufacturers such as American Standard, Ghe Cong, Kova, and Panasonic, ensuring high-quality finishes.

LAPH Cafe successfully bridges Vietnamese coffee culture, historical context, and contemporary design. From the bustling, social ground floor to the serene library upstairs, every design choice supports comfort, engagement, and visual delight. It’s a modern tribute to the enduring appeal of “Café-Cóc” culture, inviting both locals and visitors to experience coffee in a dynamic, yet timeless setting.

All photographs are works of  Nguyen Dang Hieu