Rivaparc Apartment Renovation — A Book-and-Plant-Focused Home in Ho Chi Minh City

This recently completed renovation, titled the Rivaparc Apartment Renovation and designed by Nhabe Scholae, reimagines a compact Ho Chi Minh City flat around the homeowner’s two greatest passions: books and indoor plants. Rather than relying on heavy ornamentation, the design uses a restrained material palette, clever partitions and generous natural light to make the collection of greenery and volumes the clear focal points.

Renovated apartment in Ho Chi Minh City with plants and books dominating the interior

The interior balances modern minimalism and light industrial character. Floors are finished in smooth gray epoxy resin, which brings a contemporary visual lightness and durability that complements the apartment’s raw architectural elements. An exposed concrete ceiling and visible ductwork retain the building’s industrial identity, while large windows and soft white sheers filter daylight into a calm, inviting atmosphere.

Green plants between grey epoxy floor and exposed concrete ceiling — Gorgeous world of green sits between the grey epoxy floor and the exposed concrete ceiling

Rather than fill the space with decorative objects, the design elevates two elements: an expansive wall of books and a lush display of houseplants. The large bookshelf that anchors the living area organizes the owner’s library while acting as a warm, textural backdrop. Opposite the shelves, a carefully curated collection of indoor plants injects life, color and a sense of calm. Together, these features create a living room that reads more like a private conservatory and reading room than a typical urban apartment.

Modern minimalism meets industrial style inside the apartment — Modern minimalism meets industrial style inside the gorgeous apartment

Spatial organization prioritizes flexibility. Internal partitions are kept light and porous rather than solid, allowing the apartment to feel open and adaptable. Translucent curtains and plastic dividers create subtle separations—defining sleeping and living zones without severing visual connection—so the compact plan can shift easily between private retreat and communal living.

Plastic curtains separate the bedroom from the living area

Textural contrast is subtle but intentional. The warmth and pattern of bookshelves, the organic shapes of plant foliage and the soft movement of white sheers counterbalance the stoic gray floor and concrete ceiling. The result is a composed, lived-in space where natural materials and personal collections stand out as the primary décor.

Wall of books in the living room — Wall of books in the backdrop is a trend that is set to continue in living rooms across the world

White sheers add textural contrast — White sheers add a hint of textural contrast to the stoic apartment interior

The plant collection is positioned to take full advantage of natural light and to form a restful “green room” within the urban environment. Groupings of pots at different heights create depth and interest, while the overall arrangement emphasizes low-maintenance species that thrive in indoor conditions.

Collection of indoor plants adds freshness — Wonderful collection of indoor plants adds freshness to the apartment interior

Privacy solutions are equally considered. Frosted glass doors allow ventilation and light transfer while preserving private zones, and carefully chosen partitions let the apartment breathe yet remain functional. These choices support a home that is adaptable, breathable and quietly elegant.

Frosted glass doors combine privacy with ventilation — Frosted glass doors inside the apartment combine privacy with proper ventilation

Creating a room within a room using drapes and smart partitions

The floor plan reinforces the concept: open, flexible common areas framed by simple, efficient service zones. This allows the apartment to feel larger than its footprint and ensures the homeowner’s books and plants remain the primary design focus.

Floor plan of Rivaparc Apartment Renovation designed by Nhabe Scholae

Photography: Hyroyuki Oki