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
-
‘Water is coming for the city, how do we live with that?’ asks TBA21 in VeniceArt advocacy and activism platform TBA21's Venetian project, Ocean Space, addresses the climate issues the city is facing
-
In Shanghai, Hermès conjures a ‘cosmopolitan explorer’ for its one-off show on the Huangpu RiverNadège Vanhée, artistic director of Hermès’ womenswear collections, presented ‘The Second Chapter’ of her A/W 2025 collection earlier this evening (13 June 2025) against the futuristic skyline of Shanghai
-
Out of office: the Wallpaper* editors’ picks of the weekIt was a jam-packed week for the Wallpaper* staff, entailing furniture, tech and music launches and lots of good food – from afternoon tea to omakase
-
Inside Singapore's first 3D-printed concrete houseThe building presents an elegantly minimalist model for the future of mainstream construction
-
Beige is best at this São Paulo apartment by Arthur CasasWith this quietly elegant São Paulo apartment, Studio Arthur Casas celebrates the power of subtle, neutral shades to create warmth and timeless appeal
-
Lina Bo Bardi, the misunderstood modernist, and her influential architectureA sense of mystery clings to Lina Bo Bardi, a modernist who defined 20th-century Brazilian architecture, making waves still felt in her field; here, we explore her work and lasting influence
-
A Brazil office makes the most of its tropical locationWe tour of a new Brazil office engulfed in greenery – welcome to Gabriel Faria Lima Corporate by Perkins & Will
-
Oscar Niemeyer: a guide to the Brazilian modernist, from big hits to lesser-known gemsArchitecture master Oscar Niemeyer defined 20th-century architecture and is synonymous with Brazilian modernism; our ultimate guide explores his work, from lesser-known schemes to his big hits; and we revisit a check-in with the man himself
-
Inspired by 1970s Brazilian brutalism, Arches House is rich in colour and expressionAkitito Arquitetura blends Brazilian brutalism with fresh colours, bringing warmth and energy into a renovated family home in São Paulo
-
A Brazilian house is a soothing oasis inspired by the black sands of IcelandTurmalina, a Brazilian house by architect Tulio Xenofonte, blends contemporary architecture with the cleansing energy of black tourmaline, creating a secluded retreat
-
The new MASP expansion in São Paulo goes tallMuseu de Arte de São Paulo Assis Chateaubriand (MASP) expands with a project named after Pietro Maria Bardi (the institution's first director), designed by Metro Architects
