Vietnam is a country on the rise. Since the mid-80s, a comprehensive suite of political and economic reforms has transformed the country from one of the poorest in the world into what the World Bank enthusiastically hails as a development success story. The proof in the pudding is the gold rush of building projects. Admittedly, the majority is targeted at the foreign spend but that is not to discount the growing corps of middle-to upper-income group whose aspirational goals are on track to turn this region into the coming decade's new China.
Headlining the latest crop of high-profile residential developments is Caye Sereno. Its location in the UNESCO Heritage-listed Halong Bay is flawless with every one of the 18 three to six bedroom-villas featuring panoramic views of water and rocky outcropped islands. The Brazilian architect Marcio Kogan imparts his trademark penchant for massive volumes carved out of concrete slabs that somehow seem to float over the landscape while effortlessly erasing the line between interior and exterior.
'Jonathan Cheng, CEO of the property developer Jen Capital, knew some of our projects,' Kogan says. 'He is a great fan of Brazilian music and architecture and felt a great empathy with our work. The design is a response to the unique site. We were very careful on how to set the houses and preserve everyone's amazing views. Working in one of the most beautiful places in the world frightened me at the beginning.'
The results, however, are fearless while incorporating what Kogan describes as 'a sense of extreme gentleness with the entire surrounding area.' Specifically, the interior spaces are framed in locally sourced material. These flow in a seamless sequence as natural stone masonry and moveable glass walls expand and contract rooms to suit the mood and occasion.
Meanwhile, the enormous bedrooms upstairs are cantilevered out over the living room to create a patio - kitted out with an outdoor grill and kitchenette - that's sheltered from the elements but without sacrificing a whiff of sea-breeze. In turn, this segues into a private infinity pool.
The starting price of $3m includes a gym and yoga studio (with views, of course), tennis court and water activities centre, while a 27-hole golf course is in the works.
The property features 18 three to six bedroom-villas offering panoramic views of water and rocky outcropped islands
Jonathan Cheng, CEO of the property developer Jen Capital, is an admirer of Brazilian culture, revealed Kogan
The units’ interior spaces are framed in locally sourced material
Moveable glass walls expand rooms and open up the interiors to the area’s striking vistas
INFORMATION
For more information on Studio MK27 visit the website
-
Two compact Canadian cabins borrow space-saving ideas from boat interiorsSpace, storage and serenity are maximised in the interiors of these lakeside cabins, immersed in nature on Vancouver Island
-
Javier's, a new cathedral-inspired restaurant in downtown LA, offers a divine take on Mexican cuisineAt the restaurant's newest location, discovery lies around every corner – and on every plate
-
We'd happily move into this super-stylish New York architecture officeMichael K Chen’s newly expanded Midtown workspace is a calling card for his intuitive style and inclusive approach
-
A rammed-earth house near Brasília pairs the traditional technique with contemporary formsValéria Gontijo + Architects has completed Casa Taipa, pairing earthy tones and natural materials with refined design and a generous floorplan
-
A Singapore terraced house is redesigned into owner’s ‘last home’‘My last home’ is a Singapore terrace redesign by L Architects, who spruced it up by adding texture, rawness and atmosphere
-
Experience the profound power of the Brumadinho Memorial, honouring the victims of Brazil’s mining tragedyA deeply moving memorial by Gustavo Penna creates a space for collective mourning and remembrance in Brumadiño, Brazil
-
You will never believe this lush garden house is in the middle of Sao PauloThis garden house by Brazilian architecture studio Kika Camasmie is engulfed in greenery, bringing nature right in the heart of the metropolis of São Paulo
-
A dramatic Brazilian house on a hillside was inspired by the creative passions of its clientTetro Arquitetura has completed a contemporary Brazilian house, combining a linear plan with a dramatic curved roof
-
Tour a simple Brazilian forest retreat that's designed to dissolve into the treesThis humble vacation home by Arkitito Arquitetura was built to withstand weather — and errant pinecones
-
In Brazil’s Minas Gerais, Casa Koba is an ‘unserious’ house full of freedom and comfortA relaxed, high-altitude home is Estudio Haa's latest residential project; welcome to Casa Koba, a house designed for comfort and fun
-
A house near São Paulo combines Brazilian design, convivial living and a strong sense of privacyKG Studio’s JF Residence synthesises the best of contemporary Brazilian design, inside and out, to create a sleek set of spaces for entertaining and relaxing
