PARDIS Restaurant And Cafe / Country House. Architecture

Architects: Country House. Architecture
Area: 380 m²
Year: 2024
Photographs: Paul Phan
Lead Architects: Ngô Lê Nguyễn
City: Thành phố Phan Thiết
Country: Vietnam

The Pardis Italian Restaurant, a quaint eatery in Ham Tien, Mui Ne, Vietnam, integrates memories of Hanoi with the serene waters of Mui Ne. This architectural project blends local cultural elements with Mediterranean influences, creating a space where guests can enjoy both the culinary and aesthetic pleasures of Italy and Vietnam. The use of locally sourced materials and traditional designs minimizes environmental impact while enhancing the comfort suited for tropical climates.

Pardis restaurant and cafe / country house. Architecture

Located on a tranquil street in Ham Tien, Mui Ne, Vietnam, the quaint Italian eatery known as Pardis provides a unique experience where guests can gather memories from Hanoi while admiring the peaceful waters of Mui Ne, extending toward the distant Mediterranean.

Vy, a native of Hanoi, and Ales Sandro, an Italian entrepreneur, found a home in Mui Ne, Vietnam, after over two decades of residency. They frequently reflected on the iconic Hanoi streets with their moss-green roofs and crumbling brick walls, as well as the rich Mediterranean cuisine that had its roots in Rome and spread globally through communities of Italian immigrants.

During the initial discussions about the building, Vy envisioned a structure that would support both residential and commercial functions. The design was intended to evoke memories of Hanoi and Mui Ne, ensuring sufficient space for various activities. It was aimed to make guests feel at home, enabling them to engage in activities like playing, dining on Italian cuisine, and enjoying Italian coffee in a setting that felt authentic and cozy.

Vy’s recollections often returned to her homeland, particularly leisurely strolls and afternoons spent wandering on the beach beneath the shade of green coconut trees, with the waves brushing against her feet. She fondly remembered the green roofs of Hanoi’s old streets, where rows of coconut trees met the golden sand at the edge of the water.

The construction process incorporated a regular and familiar rhythm by integrating the architectural elements of old buildings. The walls, inspired by sea coconut leaves and featuring rough concrete and traditional bricks, aimed to symbolize a seamless cultural flow between Hanoi and Mui Ne.

The building used locally sourced materials such as raw bricks, reclaimed wood, and steel iron. It featured a lawned terrace that functioned as an elevated garden, effectively reducing solar thermal radiation. The coconut leaf-covered roof created a welcoming green space that was ideal for the tropical conditions. As the project neared completion, the atmosphere was often filled with joyful conversations and laughter, reflecting the team’s happiness and sense of achievement.