Excerpt: Ola Hale Restaurant & Bar by CHIO Architects and Baris Arch | DX showcases a unique and harmonious blend of Hawaiian and Vietnamese cultures. The narrative features Hawaiian surfboards, rattan walls inspired by Vietnamese fishing tools, Bien Hoa ceramic vases, and a handcrafted bar system made of tunnel bricks, showcasing the elegance of authentic Vietnamese house construction and creating a captivating spatial composition.
Project Description
[Text as submitted by architect] Located on the bustling Hai Ba Trung street, Ola Hale Restaurant & Bar offers a picturesque view of Saigon’s iconic pink Tan Dinh church which is imbued with historical charm. The restaurant is housed within an original Southern Vietnamese modernist architectural building, carefully selected to infuse historical significance into the brand’s concept.
Partially concealed by concrete-brick walls, the restaurant boasts a lush green front yard that extends a warm welcome to all its patrons. Drawing inspiration from the Hawaiian term “ohana,” which signifies “home,” the designers ardently strive to evoke this sense of belonging in everyone who steps into their establishment, making them feel as though they are returning to their own abode.
A visit to Ola Hale promises a unique encounter with the harmonious blend of Hawaiian and Vietnamese cultures. This experience is thoughtfully curated to mirror the Vietnamese tradition of home visits, where guests are initially welcomed at the ground floor bar, come together for a shared meal on the first floor, and then further strengthen their connections at the cozy bar area.
Here, beneath a captivating “sound of waves” ceiling installation and bathed in the gentle glow of warm dim lights, guests can create lasting memories. For those seeking an even more enchanting setting, the second-floor balcony, offering picturesque views of the historic pink Tan Dinh church, provides an idyllic outdoor space to savor the moment.
Within the confines of Ola Hale’s space, the designers have artfully curated and fused cultural elements from both Vietnam and Hawaii to craft a cohesive narrative. This narrative is exemplified by the surfboards imported from Hawaii, intricately woven rattan walls inspired by traditional Nơm and Thời Vietnamese fishing tools, Bien Hoa ceramic vases, and a handcrafted bar system composed of blue-painted tunnel bricks, showcasing the innate elegance of authentic Vietnamese house construction. These components are thoughtfully arranged to create a harmonious and captivating spatial composition.
The furniture at Ola Hale is thoughtfully custom-designed to evoke a sense of home. The presence of swinging chairs, intricately woven bamboo walls, and the generously sized Ohana table, characterized by its imperfect yet inviting square shape, comes to life under the skilled craftsmanship of talented young artisans. These individuals possess a deep cultural sensitivity and an innate understanding of the designers’ vision, skillfully crafting pieces that seamlessly integrate with Ola Hale’s ambiance.
Beyond the furniture and decor, the space also features vibrant murals painted by exceptionally talented young artists. These artworks range from a depiction of a Hawaiian girl cradling nature in her arms to the portrayal of towering waves in the azure sea, and lush tropical forests adorned with the flora and fauna of both Hawaii and Vietnam. Through the deft hands and discerning eyes of these artists, the essence of these two diverse cultural regions is showcased in a grand and inspiring manner.
The designers have taken great care in the thoughtful design of green spaces at Ola Hale, ensuring they align with the brand’s narrative – a tale that weaves together the essence of Vietnam and the allure of Hawaiian tropical forests. The choice of foliage, including dong, banana, and monstera leaves, serves as a verdant canvas that not only pays homage to Vietnam but also evokes memories of Hawaiian greenery. To enhance this lush backdrop, they have adorned it with tropical blossoms like Porcelain and banana flowers.
The pièce de résistance of the project is a majestic 42-year-old bougainvillea tree, which not only serves as a distinctive centerpiece but also softens the exterior of the building. Drawing inspiration from Hawaiian nature, while firmly rooted in the rich tapestry of Vietnamese culture, Ola Hale is a testament to the designers’ unwavering dedication in creating a restaurant space brimming with love and joy, intended to be a welcoming haven for all.
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