Cover A private sanctuary in the sky, the K Nest penthouse channels bold design and personal storytelling across every detail
A private sanctuary in the sky, the K Nest penthouse channels bold design and personal storytelling across every detail
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Set atop The Estella in Ho Chi Minh City, the K Nest penthouse has been masterfully reimagined as a striking expression of its owner's individuality.
As convenience becomes a given in modern living, homeowners are turning their focus towards creating homes that speak to who they are—spaces that feel more like personal sanctuaries than mere properties. For New Noir Design, the challenge lay in transforming a standard penthouse layout into something expressive and deeply tailored, while ensuring every functional need was met. As the homeowner put it: “It needs to be a space both simple and not boring, with sustainable aesthetics so that after looking back, this is still a living space suitable for the times, not outdated, past the trend.”
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Above K Nest emerges with a fresh identity following its recent transformation (photo: Phu Dao)
K Nest emerges with a fresh identity following its recent transformation (photo: Phu Dao)
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Guided by both a clear brief and close analysis of the space, New Noir Design retained the penthouse’s original framework. With a total area of 250m², the architect arranged common and private zones around a central open-plan core. The first floor accommodates shared spaces—a welcoming foyer, a flowing living area, entertainment room, dining zone, a cleverly divided dry and wet kitchen, and a shared bathroom. Upstairs, the second level is reserved for bedrooms, private en suites and a flexible room intended for rest and relaxation.
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Above Spanning 250m², the design embraces both comfort and character (photo: Phu Dao)
Above A practical layout meets the demands of daily family life, with a generous kitchen, a clear dry/wet division, and a pared-back dining setting (photo: Phu Dao)
Spanning 250m², the design embraces both comfort and character (photo: Phu Dao)
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At the heart of the penthouse is the mezzanine-level living area—a hub for family gatherings and entertaining guests. Connected to a balcony framed in glass, the space feels expansive and light-filled, with a sense of openness that breathes life into the entire apartment. Beyond function, the mezzanine fosters a sense of human connection with the space, quietly shifting away from the confined feeling of traditional apartment layouts.
Above Eschewing ornamentation, the architect opted instead for refined silhouettes and the quiet elegance of form (photo: Phu Dao)
Eschewing ornamentation, the architect opted instead for refined silhouettes and the quiet elegance of form (photo: Phu Dao)
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Adjacent to the living room, the kitchen serves as both a functional space and a visual anchor. Velacucina’s seamless invisible induction hob offers ease and sophistication in equal measure. At its centre sits a long dining table accommodating ten, while a sleek glass cabinet opposite houses a collection of fine wines. Though minimalist in design, the kitchen is rich in atmosphere—ideal for everyday cooking and easy entertaining, with ample room for hosting close friends and family alike.
In the bedrooms, the interior embraces a minimalist style softened with subtle curves. Natural light from the windows takes centre stage, complemented by understated furniture, stone-clad bathrooms and glass partitions separating wet and dry areas. Privacy remains a priority, yet the bedrooms remain easily accessible through the open-plan design.
Above A sculptural lamp provides a quiet focal point in the pared-back bedroom (photo: Phu Dao)
A sculptural lamp provides a quiet focal point in the pared-back bedroom (photo: Phu Dao)
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The architect notes: “The owner of the apartment is someone who values simplicity—not just visually, but as a way of life. That became the guiding aesthetic for the renovation.” Each element included in the home had to feel appropriate and intentional. Decisions were weighed carefully: what to keep, what to let go of—always with the aim of achieving a clean, understated look that still felt complete. The Swedish concept of Lagom, which speaks to a sense of balance—not too much, not too little—inspired the approach to K Nest’s design.
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Above The design draws from Lagom, the Swedish philosophy of balanced living—not too much, not too little (photo: Phu Dao)
Above A balanced design ethos rooted in Lagom guided the entire K Nest transformation (photo: Phu Dao)
The design draws from Lagom, the Swedish philosophy of balanced living—not too much, not too little (photo: Phu Dao)
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To realise this, the design team chose to strip away decorative flourishes—no mirrors, gold trims or ornamental mouldings. Instead, clean-lined silhouettes and neutral tones took their place. Materials were carefully selected for both their feel and finish: fabrics, leather and honed natural stone lend softness and warmth. The result is a penthouse that feels welcoming and lived-in, without sacrificing elegance.
Above Natural light takes precedence, casting warmth on each element. Wall sconces add a gentle glow, enhancing the feeling of comfort and intimacy (photo: Phu Dao)
Natural light takes precedence, casting warmth on each element. Wall sconces add a gentle glow, enhancing the feeling of comfort and intimacy (photo: Phu Dao)
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To reflect the homeowner’s distinct personality, certain features were given a sharper, more deliberate treatment. Architectural volumes were defined with confidence—precise and streamlined, yet never stark. A few unexpected choices also speak volumes, like removing the TV from the living area to encourage more meaningful moments, or opting for ombre glass to introduce soft transitions between spaces.
Above The television was relocated to a more intimate setting, preserving the living room for connection (photo: Phu Dao)
The television was relocated to a more intimate setting, preserving the living room for connection (photo: Phu Dao)
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The K Nest penthouse doesn’t seek to impress with grandeur. Instead, it leaves a lingering thought about what home really means—perhaps as an extension of the self, or even a quiet statement of one’s way of being. There are no nods to fleeting trends, no heavy reliance on technology, no consumerist clutter. The space simply asks: Who am I, and how do I wish to live in a home that is truly mine?
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Credits
Photography: Phú Đào
