In Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Red5studio and Ben Decor brought a distinctive idea to life with the September coffee shop. Designed and built with a concept inspired by a bird’s nest, the project stands out as both a sculptural landmark and a welcoming place to gather.
From the street, it immediately draws attention, not just as a café but as an architectural statement shaped by texture, curves, and light.
A Facade That Mimics Woven Twigs
The multi-storey structure is wrapped in ribbon-like steel elements that resemble interwoven twigs. These strips create a layered facade that feels both lightweight and complex, giving the building a sense of movement.
Rather than sitting flat, the steel curves outward and inward, forming a dimensional surface that shifts depending on your viewpoint.
Curves, Light, and a Glow After Dark
As the sun sets, the design takes on a different character. Hidden lighting highlights the steel strips, turning the exterior into a softly glowing structure.
The curves become more pronounced under illumination, giving the café a warm presence in the evening streetscape and drawing people in from afar.
A Welcoming Entrance and Outdoor Edge
At the front, a curved outdoor seating area sits slightly back from the sidewalk, offering a buffer from the busy street. This space creates an easy transition from city movement to a more relaxed setting.
The entrance itself is marked by circular accents, making it easy to spot while echoing the design language seen throughout the building.
Soft Tones and Natural Materials Inside
Step inside and the palette shifts to gentle, calming tones. White, beige, rose-orange, and natural wood finishes create a warm and approachable interior.
Plants are placed throughout, in different sizes and varieties, adding texture and bringing a sense of greenery into every corner.
An Indoor Space That Feels Open to the Outside
The designers aimed to blur the line between interior and exterior. The result is a space that feels open and airy, where guests can choose between a quick stop or settling in longer.
Seating near the bar allows visitors to watch drinks being prepared, adding an interactive element to the experience.
A Multi-Level Experience With Varied Seating
Different staircases connect each level, guiding visitors through a variety of seating arrangements. Some areas offer small tables for quiet conversations, while others feature counter seating that looks down onto lower levels.
There are also bench-style options, making each floor feel slightly different from the last and encouraging exploration.
Open-Air Levels With Distinct Details
One of the upper levels opens directly to the outdoors, offering fresh air and views of the surrounding neighborhood. Here, a feature wall with circular elements mirrors the shapes seen in the windows above.
This repetition ties the design together while giving each level its own identity.
Outdoor Seating Across Multiple Levels
Beyond the interior, the coffee shop includes several outdoor seating areas spread across different floors. These spaces give visitors a chance to step outside while still being part of the café environment.
Each level offers a slightly different perspective, turning a simple coffee visit into something more layered and engaging.
The September coffee shop shows how a strong concept can shape every part of a project, from its exterior form to the smallest interior detail. With its nest-inspired facade, layered seating, and mix of indoor and outdoor spaces, it offers more than just a place to grab a drink.