Starbucks Vietnam opens new concept outlet at Ecopark

Starbucks Vietnam has opened a concept store at a new urban development called Ecopark in Hung Yen, near Hanoi, its 63rd store in the country.

Located at the heart of Summer Park, Starbucks Ecopark features a mixture of rural and modern aesthetics, creating “a space that seeks a sense of harmony with its natural surroundings and the buildings bold structure,” the company said in a statement

“Starbucks Ecopark is our first store opening for 2020, when we set our seventh anniversary of Starbucks Vietnam,” said Patricia Marques, GM of Starbucks Vietnam. “I believe it will be a great gathering place for family and friends.”

Designed by local company Vietnambuilding and built by Ecotech, the new Starbucks cafe’s exterior features wooden louvers across the entire ceiling. Inside, further linear forms can be found in a low island serving counter which gives unobstructed views to an angled bar behind.

Nguyen Duc Hiep, chief architect at Vietnambuilding, said the designers incorporated the exterior brick into space and used natural materials such as wood finishes to amplify the atmospheric mood.

“Respecting the present landscape and green trees is our first thought when visiting the site,” he said.

“It is also a challenge for us when we want to propose an impressive construction without interfering with the landscape or removing any tree in the garden.”

Starbucks did not explain why it defines the new outlet as a concept store. however, it does appear to take the third-place concept into a more natural, landscaped garden environment not possible in a mall or high-street location.