COCOA KITCHEN

RESTAURANT • COMPLETED• 2026

CLIENT: The Cocoa Project

ARCHITECTURE & INTERIOR DESIGN: T3 ARCHITECTS

CONSTRUCTION: PI Architects

PHOTOGRAPHER: Hiroyuki Oki

Cocoa Kitchen is the next chapter in The Cocoa Project adventure, which began in 2020 with the goal of promoting Vietnamese cacao to the Vietnamese people through pastry, cuisine, and beverages. For this second project, designed by the agencies T3 Architects and Kanopea Architecture Studio, the aim was to transform a poorly arranged and uncomfortable building rooftop into a trendy rooftop offering one of the most interesting panoramas of the city, covering both the built environment and the Saigon River… by reimagining the existing space as a restaurant/bar/shop celebrating chocolate and its culture.

T3’s initial intention was to create large covered terraces all around the air-conditioned interior space, both to offer a “balcony overlooking the city and the river,” sheltered from the weather while benefiting from the natural breeze off the river, and at the same time protecting the restaurant’s three main facades; this bioclimatic approach, specific to our agency, aims to design according to the climate, to protect against both overheating caused by the roof and facades being exposed to the sun, and tropical rains to avoid any risk of water infiltration.

With the heart of the project being the bar counter and the kitchen, our architects designed a signature ceiling made of local wood that radiates from the center towards the periphery, opening up views over 300 degrees. A mirror positioned at the heart of this ceiling reinforces the infinity of the horizontal lines, opening up horizons… This wood (tea tree wood) is also used as vertical elements aimed at creating sub-spaces and separating functions subtly and lightly. The curves of the wood pieces bring softness and a natural aspect, connecting the project to its roots: the cacao plantations in Vietnam.

The furniture, custom-designed and made by talented cabinetmakers, is entirely of solid wood, honoring natural materials. Our interior designers planned different types of seating: comfortable chairs around round or square tables, wooden benches to accommodate groups, stools, and low tables that borrow the codes of the Vietnamese street-side cafe… The color palette varies between “ivory” white and warmer “terracotta” shades that connect to the earth.

The plants bring freshness and a presence of nature. They were chosen for their adaptability to Saigon’s climate or their ability to be indoors without requiring much maintenance. They reinforce the tropical touch of the project.

A shop space near the entrance showcases the full range of products offered by The Cocoa Project. Here again, the displays and furniture are made of wood, and wall drawings link agriculture and craftsmanship…

The toilets were designed to avoid any air conditioning and to ensure they are well-ventilated and naturally lit. In many projects, restrooms are neglected spaces, whereas T3 prides itself on always designing high-quality toilets. There are no minor spaces in architecture.

The concept of The Cocoa Project Kitchen could be summarized as follows: a place between Earth (agriculture) and Sky (horizon), in the heart of the city, Saigon! Long life to this new place, already popular with the Vietnamese (and passing tourists).