The Morico Café and Restaurant is nestled in an impeccably restored shophouse in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon. There’s more than it seems at first sight. A well-conceived renovation obviously plays a pivotal role in improving the functionality and value of the building. The narrow façade, typically 5 meters in width, opens onto the sidewalk and, beyond, a very busy street. The elongated building plan is 35 meters deep, making it adaptable and incredibly useful. From the architect’s point of view, it’s an opportunity to create a warm, inviting place that fosters positive connections between people and nature.
A design masterpiece by the Ho Chi Minh City-based company Inrestudio, the beautiful café and restaurant is thoughtfully devised in keeping with a contemporary Japanese concept that prioritizes the aesthetics and practicality of space. The secret lies in decorating with lush green plants, thereby creating an oasis of peace and quiet despite being in the city center.
The building facade facing the sidewalk welcomes customers to a semi-public area with a well-crafted set of concrete steps sprucing up the entryway. It balances greenery with minimalist hardscaping, creating a bright, airy transitional room radiating positive vibes. Against the walls, healthy green foliage is arranged in a zigzag order, alternating with semi-outdoor furniture designed to improve customers’ waiting experience.
The Morico Café and Restaurant blends inviting design and nature in a restored, elongated shophouse in Ho Chi Minh City.The coffee bar boasts original and unique designs thanks to the counter frontages that vary in height from one barista station to another depending on the task being undertaken. Lower frontages open up windows for good customer interaction, while higher ones keep non-customer contact areas out of sight creating a neat appearance.
Walk past the entryway, and you come to a well-conceived the coffee bar in earthy brown tones that give it a professional, polished appearance. What makes it unique is the bar counter frontages that vary in height from one barista station to the next depending on the nature of work being carried out. The beautiful frontages are kept as waist height where customer service takes place and raised higher for jobs that require less to no human interaction.
At the farthest end, a part of the second floor is taken out to make room for a curved steel staircase painted dark forest green. The vertical shaft enclosing the stairs is brightened by a skylight system built into the rooftop, while the double-height ceiling is hung with a forest of white Noren curtains commonplace at restaurants, shops and homes across Japan. There are about 180 of them in all. Together they create light and shadow effects that change throughout the day due to the angle of the sun in the sky.
The glass ceiling is hung with a forest of white Noren curtains commonplace at homes and business spaces across Japan. There are 180 of them in all. Together they create light and shadow effects that change throughout the day.A curved steel staircase painted dark forest green gives access to upstairs dining rooms. The shaft at the farthest end of the building is created by taking out a part of the second floor to make room for a new set of stairs illuminated by skylights built into the rooftop.
The overall effect is impressive. Precise floor plans and interior décor speak volumes for a philosophy of Japanese art and design that blends together beautifully with modern architecture. The downstairs is designed to please even the most avid coffee lover making the coffee easily accessible.
Earthy brown and deep forest green go well together on the stairs and the corridor enclosed by a balustrade giving access to dining rooms on the second floor. By nightfall, the restaurant is aglow under soft lights elevating dining experiences. Plus, there’s private and secluded space for large group dining nearby.
The upstairs room focuses on the good seating arrangements for comfort, the relaxed ambiance and a good dining experience. When evening comes, soft lights create a signature glow bringing depth and warmth to the cozy dining room. Plus, there’s private and secluded space for larger group dining, too.
Here’s a design project that fills a family’s teak wood plantation with enthusiasm and energy. It’s home to a cabin vacation destination oozing with the serene beauty of nature. Named the “Red Riding Wood”, the project boasts simple two-story houses that are a source of pride. They sit well on four rai of land (roughly 1.5 acres) snugly tucked into the forest of Chiang Mai’s Hang Dong District.
A red steel frame cabin can be seen in full view from the entryway, creating a good first impression on arrival.
Evoking a timeless charm through simple materials and craftsmanship by local builders, the forest cabins are the brainchild of SHER MAKER, an architectural practice renowned for using ordinary items in such a way that brings about amazing life experiences.
Bi-fold wooden doors with glass panels open from one end to the other, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living.
In essence, the “Red Riding Wood” is the story of an old family-owned hotel that has since undergone a complete transformation. It now includes peaceful vacation cabins in the woods, a couple of pool villas, and children’s playgrounds amid lush greenery designed for families to reconnect with nature.
The pavilion overlooking a playground is designed to accommodate future businesses on the property.
There are two vacation cabins that serve as the most prominent features on the old teak wood plantation. Just a stone’s throw from them stands a pavilion used for multiple purposes, ranging from business spaces to pop-up stores and cafés to workshop venues.
The pool villas have since been restored to a good state of repair that blends well with the vacation cabins in front. Where appropriate, large openings are installed to reduce opacity in red concrete walls
Playground equipment for kids lies at the center of the property. The two vacation cottages are positioned in front overlooking the road. Not far away, two pool villas were recently renovated to accommodate visiting extended families. The project has all of its goals achieved, at the same time avoiding the unnecessary cutting down of trees on the property, ultimately creating architectural design that blends with the surroundings.
The building facade glazed using clear glass allows parents to keep a watchful eye on kids in the playground.Playground facilities include a circular sandbox that’s more friendly to kids.
As to be expected, the cabin’s front façade is glazed using frosted glass to protect personal privacy. There’s a playground for kids on the side. The two cottages are made of timber from teak wood farming that was cut down to make room for an extra living space expansion.
Weathered wood beams contrast with structural steel members painted a beautiful deep red color.The villas are raised above the ground on vertical posts to avoid damaging tree roots.
The building’s structural steel members, such as beams and columns, are painted a deep red anti-rust color coating, while wax finishes protect wood surfaces from the ravages of sun, rain and temperature fluctuations. In the living room, bi-fold doors glazed with transparent glass open to a deck with spectacular views, blurring the lines between indoors and outdoors.
Vertical posts recycled from much older homes find a new purpose as structural support for the pavilion designed for a future pop-up café and workshop space.
The area adjacent to the cabins holds a pavilion that provides plenty of room for pop-up stores, cafés and interactive workshop activities. It’s designed to meet the needs of extended families and groups holidaying together. Meantime, clear glass walls enhance natural light to create a sense of openness and allow parents to keep an eye on children playing outside.
The pavilion is built out of timber recycled from components of the roofs of two old villas that were torn down as part of the expansion plan. It’s put together by local builders highly skilled in making and repairing wooden structures. Precisely, it’s the aged, rustic look of old wood that gives the forest cabin project its character.
A narrow passageway hemmed in by red walls arouses curiosity. It’s inspired by a scene from the fairy tale “Little Red Riding Hood”, where the girl ventures into the woods looking for grandma.
Next, we come to the two villas that were recently restored to a good state of repair to accommodate large families and travel groups. A small gate giving access to the front door has since been rebuilt after the old one was torn down and wood recycled to serve new purposes elsewhere. The villas stand environed by perimeter fences painted shades of red color that interact directly with nearby buildings.
Red is the color of choice for good reason. It serves as a focal point that makes the forest cabin project stand out in the neighborhood. Plus, it blends well with clean lines that foster calm and clarity in spaces and cement plaster finishes on the walls. In a way, the project got its inspiration from “Little Red Riding Hood”, a fairy tale about a little girl and a cunning wolf.
The company logo is inspired by the fairy tale “Little Red Riding Hood”. It’s a way to express rich and subtle meanings about life in the wild and its influence on design concepts.The project’s visual appearance and design concept got its inspiration from the red millipedes that thrive in the teak forest.
Everything about it conveys a great deal about the project owner, who is a creative always curious and inquiring as a child. With regard to the project’s visual appearance, the architect picks the color of the red millipedes that thrive in the teak forest, subtly telling the story of fascinating colors of wild animals. This pretty much explains the presence of red fence panels and the narrow passageway that evokes memories of an unforgettable holiday experience.
Red cement plaster walls are everywhere. They connect all parts of the forest cabin project, from the front entrance to concrete edges lining garden walkways, to children’s playgrounds and the pool villas at the rear. Among other things, they divide the project site into different zones, provide outdoor privacy screens, and give information about the distance and direction to places on the property.
Together they bring all the parts together as one. Combine that with the property owner’s character, and you get a development project that’s in and of itself a work of art. All things considered, it’s a fascinating place to visit, a world of curiosities in the middle of a teak forest.
A vacation not only provides the way to escape the daily grind. It’s also about gaining fresh perspectives, broadening one’s horizons and living a more fulfilling life. In this particular case, the little houses in the forest of Chiang Mai represent the coming together of a team of architects with pragmatic approaches and the property owner who proves creativity knows no bounds.
Together they tell the story of a realistic, interactive experience about travel into the woods. It’s a chance to discover the extraordinary, relax, wake up fully rested and ready for the day.
Anyone for coffee? Here’s a little café aptly named “Klang-Pa”, literally translated “in the middle of the forest”. It’s nestled snugly in the woodland of Pak Chong District in Nakhon Ratchasima, formerly Korat. Telling the story of father and son bonding, the modern coffee shop is an add-on to an existing building belonging to the owner’s father. “Klang-Pa” is the brainchild of Context Studio, a Bangkok-based architectural practice.
Originally a thriving orchard, the land under the crisp, cool canopy of overhanging trees is home to the family-owned “Secret Art Garden and Galleries”. His father, who’s an artist, taught art here for many years. Now the son has decided to put in a small café to make it lively and fun, ultimately creating a positive atmosphere to enjoy coffee with a view of the natural surroundings.
Poured concrete walls, beams and upright pillars form a framework that supports and holds up the building while transparent glass paneling admits light and allows people to see out.The cube-shaped little café sits under the crisp, cool canopy of overhanging trees with an art gallery and school building in the background.
And that’s where the architects from Context Studio come into play, transforming an empty plot of land into a little cafe in the wilderness. It bears some resemblance to a glasshouse with naked concrete forming the framework of upright pillars, beams and walls. They are chosen for their ability to withstand challenge on-site, including dirt, mud and stormwater in the rainy season. In so many ways, it shines like a work of art that chronicles the history of a family bound together by strong relationships and common interests.
Natural light is more diffuse thanks to rooftop skylights and shade trees that reduce temperatures and create a more comfortable climate.
From a distance, bare concrete walls and components of a structural system form a framework that supports and holds up the building. The room is completely enclosed by transparent glass paneling and rooftop skylights to admit light and allow people to see out. Like a lit torch casting flickering light through the trees, the glasshouse coffee shop is aglow under electric lights in the nighttime.
Wood plank concrete forms leave their marks on cement walls, adding unique textures to the cute little café.Spaces between individual wooden boards create ridges and grooves in naked cement walls.
By design, the use of ordinary items conveys a great deal about Truth to Materials, a principle which holds that materials should be left in their raw or lightly finished state. Among other things, local wood in its organic shapes is used for concrete forms, resulting in the colors and textures that give great aesthetic pleasure. Small gaps between planks create narrow ridges and grooves on the building walls, bringing out a stunning light effect when touched by the sun’s rays.
The coffee bar made of poured concrete forms a single large block of stone that’s inextricable from the building.
Poured concrete is used for the framework and components of the building with a rectangular floor plan. Together they create simple and straightforward movements from the coffee bar and nearby wash basins to the casual, cool sitting area, to the set of steps at the entrance. The overall effect is impressive.
A line of seats behind the glass wall provides a vantage point for viewing the woodland area and beyond.
“Klang-Pa” has become a rendezvous to enjoy good coffee and appreciate the scenery of the natural world. Step outside and you discover nature’s dining room is always open. To achieve a neat appearance, plumbing is concealed within walls while rainwater is emptied through downspout systems inside concrete columns.
The cute little café in the woods is the story of a relationship between an artist and his son, who’s an aficionado of the finest coffee. With the help of a team of architects, it becomes a new destination offering an off-the-grid alternative to popular places while still reconnecting with nature, rich culture and family traditions,
/ Story: Kangsadan K. / English version: Bob Pitakwong /
/ Photographs: Hey Chhorn, and Makara /
Looking for a perfect escape from noisy, chaotic and fast-paced city life? Here’s a country villa immersed in nature’s grace. Known as “Banyan House”, it reconnects with the physical world in a way that’s visually pleasing. The brainchild of Asma Architects, a Siem Reap-based architectural firm, it’s achieved by integrating natural materials, colors and patterns in the design, culminating in a peaceful home that inspires a sense of space in nature and freedom in every movement.
“Banyan House” is the story of a contemporary rustic dwelling whose name depicts a scene of renewed vitality and well-being beneath the crisp, cool canopy of healthy trees. There are lush lawns hemmed in by green foliage that offer a quiet spot to relax and unwind in nature. To avoid disrupting natural energy flows, every precaution is taken to reduce detail in the basics, thereby creating in a light and airy place that has less impact on the environment.
The house plan is carefully thought out to blend with lush landscapes, meantime reducing detail to enhance focus on key elements that give a sense of openness, well-distributed lighting and good ventilation.Bedecked with the lovely colors and patterns of tropical foliage, a garden path gives access to the entryway, extending a warm welcome to the modern rustic villa in Siem Reap.
The overall atmosphere feels relaxed with good summer vibes and a fine view of the landscape. From the gate, a tree-lined garden path gives access to the large front door made of wood. Walk in the door, and you come to a comfy living room on the ground floor complete with modern conveniences for everyday living. The kitchen has a freestanding island that provides additional storage and work space. The dining room is a hub of social activities conveniently connected to the sitting room nearby. Step outside, and you discover a veranda giving access to a swimming pool enclosed by well-kept gardens.
Open floor plans make the sitting room look and feel good, hemmed in by lush gardens.A kitchen island in marble finish adds a touch of elegance to the overall interior design.
What makes this country villa stand out from others is a larger-than-normal terrace along the front part of the building. It’s designed to blend together beautifully with plants indigenous to tropical countries. And that’s precisely where lush greenery and banyan trees come into play. They provide a focal point in the landscape, meantime, keeping the home cool in hot weather.
Glass windows paired with soft textures make bedrooms on the second floor feel warm and relaxed.
To increase privacy in the home, all four bedrooms are tucked away in secluded areas on the second floor. The principal bedroom with an en-suite bath lies at the farthest end, while the other three are disposed at various places. Regardless of their location, they share one quality that makes them look and feel good – a clean, well-lighted place with a lush garden view.
The floor finished in white and blue terrazzo creates a modern appeal in the bathroom.
As people try to get away from the chaos of city life, teeming streets and overcrowded places, “Banyan House” comes in handy as a haven of peace and tranquility. It’s a place to relax, recharge and wake up fully rested. Beyond everything, the positive effects of nature will benefit us all.
There are plenty of good reasons to visit Hue, the former capital of Vietnam. Rich in history and cultural heritage, it’s home to imperial palaces, holy shrines and a wealth of architectural treasures. Who would have thought there’s a cute small café tucked away in a backstreet far-removed from the teeming thoroughfare of the city center?
Named Ton Corner, it’s a café constructed using basic, locally sourced materials, a strategy that matches a short-term rental agreement. Plus, the area is prone to seasonal flooding during heavy rains. That’s exactly the challenge that tests the ability of the design team at TON Architects, an architectural firm based in Hue. And the final outcome is worthy of admiration, thanks to well-thought-out design aimed at creating a good customer experience.
Ton Corner Coffee Shop is the perfect example of how knowledge of materials and building strategies can be put to good use, creating a business space that’s simple yet attractive. Plus, it’s easy to put together and taken apart if there is a need to relocate to a new place.Courtesy of TON Architects
Against all the odds, the architects successfully accomplish their goals by picking out ordinary items as being the best and the most appropriate to the location. They include structural steel framing, corrugated sheet metal, reclaimed timber and tempered glass. They are easy to be put together and taken apart just in case the business relocates to a new place in future when the lease expires.
Like so, corrugated sheet metal normally found on roofs and walls now serves new purposes as decorative materials and other components of the building. And it’s done in an interesting way, plus it’s strong, durable and suitable for the hot and humid climate prevailing in the central region of Vietnam.
Because it rains a lot in this part of the country, corrugated sheet metal comes in handy to prevent damage caused by a water leak. Sheet metal is easy to install, easy to care for and suitable as a building material for the coffee shop. Plus, it provides an inexpensive solution that blends smoothly with others in the neighborhood.
Industrial building materials such as structural steel framing and corrugated sheet metal go to work alongside reclaimed timber in shades of brown, showcasing a contrast in appearance, color and texture that complement one another. The result is a home-like atmosphere that’s very relaxed, warm and inviting.
Imagination helps them think up new ways to solve problems. The architects are quick to combine industrial building materials, such as steel frames and corrugated sheet metal, with timber recycled from much older buildings, resulting in a welcome contrast between the two kinds. The building’s outer shell crafted of sheet metal showcases a noticeable difference in texture, appearance and feel, while reclaimed wood adds visual interest and depth to design.
Step inside, and you find a home-like atmosphere that’s impressive, warm and inviting. The overall effect is up-to-date and appropriate for the kind of weather it is in. More than anything, it’s handcrafted by local builders and skilled artisans, which translates into big savings and contributes to the local economy.
An open-concept floor plan makes the cafe space feel light and airy, while large windows glazed using tempered glass allow natural light into the interior. Plus, they open to take in views of lush greenery both on the storefront and at the rear.
As to be expected, open-concept floor plans are easy to understand and easy to follow, ultimately creating a lively interior space rich in pattern, color and texture. Lust shade trees on the storefront and in the backyard can be seen in full view from inside the café. The scenery becomes visually stunning when it rains. The sound of raindrops tapping the window panes can be mesmerizing for nature lovers. On sunny days, both downstairs and upstairs rooms are filled with energy and excitement, thanks to daylight streaming in through large storefront windows and other openings at the rear.
The mezzanine floor is designed to avoid feeling claustrophobic despite being a small place. It provides a peaceful spot for those looking for a more personal space to sit back, relax and enjoy a good cup of coffee.
To avoid feeling claustrophobic despite being a small place, the architects put in a mezzanine floor and second floor for customers who prefer a little more privacy, a quiet reading nook and personal space in which to work or relax while enjoying a good cup of coffee. The second floor gives the appearance of being inside an attic of a building with a view of urban landscapes that changes over time.
In a nutshell, Ton Corner Coffee Shop is a perfect example of what makes a building comfortable even though there are problems on site. The answer lies in an awareness of the surroundings, knowledge of materials, clever building strategies and, most important of all, forward thinking. The same concept can apply to both commercial and residential design. In this particular instance, using simple, readily available materials can translate into big savings and reducing human impacts on the environment.
A restaurant housed in an old building has been renovated to provide a unique experience for diners. It’s wrapped in a new envelope of tree branches with organic shapes designed to blend into a beautiful setting in Da Nang, a city in central Vietnam. Named Baba Yaga Restaurant, it’s an architectural masterpiece that values materials found in nature, one that seeks reconnections with its physical environment.
Situated at the intersection of two streets, Baba Yuga Restaurant is the brainchild of Duoitancay Concept, a design studio based in Da Nang. The old building has 436 square meters of usable space. In front of it stands a row acacia trees that are commonplace in tropical regions. As the architect and the property owner intended, they go to work improving air quality and providing shade making the atmosphere inviting, cozy and cooler during summer months.
The first and second floor plans illustrate ideas for decorating with plants and creative design solutions to the problem of being close to busy streets. / Courtesy of Duoitancay Concept
To protect structural integrity, the steel building frame remains intact. On the outside, the curved facade of woody stems, branches, twigs and sticks doubles as a buffer against noise and traffic-related pollution. The overall interior is impressive, canopied by overhanging trees nearby. In the meantime, the exterior walls with perforations add privacy, create patterns and provide ventilation making the dining room feel comfortable and warm.
Shade trees alternating with closely growing foliage plants reduce noise and absorb harmful particles from traffic, meantime creating a positive environment for diners.
A closer look at interior design reveals a pleasant ambience well-lit by daylight. The walls are decorated with perfect raw wood finishes with rough textures and earthy tones. The restaurant comprises two levels, each of which is tailored to suit specific customer preferences. The first floor holds ample semi-outdoor rooms for those who prefer dining al fresco.
The first floor holds a semi-outdoor dining room with plenty of space for those who prefer dining in the open air. At the center, a flight of stairs provides access to quiet and secluded dining rooms on the second floor.A wide opening in the building façade affords a view of the city of Da Nang as seen from inside a second floor dining room.
On the periphery, closely growing bushes and shrubbery provide protection and reduce the amount of dust entering inside the rooms. Upstairs is an entirely different story. It offers plenty of space for four private dining rooms, plus a foyer with a view of the beautiful city of Da Nang. From here, open floor plans allow natural light and fresh outdoor air into to the dining rooms nearby.
Parts of trees in organic shapes add natural touches to a dining room.A dining room bedecked with wooden masks unlocks the power of storytelling that taps into the innate human sense of connection.
Apart from using materials found in nature, it’s the love of art that makes Baba Yaga stand out from others. Together tree branches, twigs, sticks and barks combine to give the restaurant its unique character. It’s design that speaks volumes for the Truth to Materials concept, which says that material should be used in the most honest way possible. The result is a completely new building envelope reminiscent of an art gallery. Yet everything about it, from elegant décor to soft lighting and well-placed tables combines to create a positive experience for all.
In short, Baba Yaga Restaurant is a renovation project that brings out the best in the architects who create it. As a rendezvous for communities, it’s a spacious, positively clean place where people meet, enjoy good meals, foster relationships and make memories. More than anything else, it’s well-thought-out design inspired by nature that gives it a decided plus.
/ Story: Kangsadan K. / English version: Bob Pitakwong /
/ Photographs: Anupong Chaisukkasem, Phumpakorn Na Bangchang /
How would you like your coffee? Black or with cream? Welcome to Rimkhobfa Bookstore & Black and Milk Café, a stand-alone store and coffee shop snugly cocooned in a cozy neighborhood of Bangkok’s Bang Plat District. The name is a bit of a mouthful, but you get the idea. The cybercafé is thoughtfully devised to ignite the love of literacy and open new horizons among younger fans of books.
Aptly named “Rimkhobfa”, literally translated “horizons”, it’s home to a bewildering array of books about Thailand and classics that every bookworm should read. Originally located on Rajadamnoen Avenue, the store only recently moved across the Chao Phraya River to a new address in Bang Phlat District. And that’s where the design team at BodinChapa Architects came in play, transforming an old building that had fallen into disrepair into a new bookstore-cum-café rendezvous. There’s charm and the power of storytelling that captivates a thirst for knowledge. Plus, fresh brewed coffee smells like heaven and the atmosphere is pleasant.
The building that formerly housed offices is located on Charansanitwong Road, a main thoroughfare on the west bank of the Chao Phraya. There was a problem when an overpass was built nearby, making the structure less visible while the interior became dark, poorly lit by dim light. To breathe new life into the old building and make the dark rooms brighter, the architects added openings in the wall and painted the interior a light and airy color. Meanwhile, an open concept layout provides ample space for a café that’s part and parcel of the bookstore.
The first floor plan offers equal amounts of space for the café and the bookstore. / Courtesy of BodinChapa ArchitectsDrawings illustrate spatial arrangements on the second and third floor plans. The interior is made light and airy by taking away the ceiling and creating a void of space in the second floor. / Courtesy of BodinChapa ArchitectsA vantage point affords a view of areas on the first and second floors.Stair railings provide visual transitions enhancing the flow of interior space that culminates in a massive wall called the “Tower”. In all places, the interior abounds with custom built-in shelves for storing books and product displays.
In renovating the old building, the architects had a part of the second floor removed to create a double height ceiling, resulting in a visually striking interior on the ground floor. After that the bookstore and café spaces were put in, each occupying roughly equal amounts of floor area.
Climb a flight of stairs, and you come to the second floor with plenty of space for organizing events and seminars. The low ceiling that was there originally is gone now. The room is cozy and comfortable thanks to a double height space. It also has abundant space for bookshelves. The third floor holds a conference room with large windows overlooking the second floor.
A product display paired with restaurant furniture in various styles creates a good bookstore café experience.Low ceilings that were there originally have since been removed to add headroom to the retail space on the first floor. Plus, it makes the small area nice and tidy by hiding utility systems.
The first floor comprises two parts, the first being a bookstore and the second holding a small café. There’s a coffee bar up front for greeting customers arriving in the store. Go further inside, and you come to an area filled with bookshelves alternating with coffee shop seating. From here the aisle leads to a collection of books beautifully arranged for public viewing.
On the whole, the interior abounds with bookshelves and library furniture starting from the café zone all the way to the stairway giving access to the second floor. Together they provide the perfect ambience for coffee aficionados and book lovers.
There’s more. Filling the interior space with style is a massive wall called the “Tower” that rises from the bottom to the top of the building. It’s an element of design dividing the interior space into parts, meanwhile doubling as the focal point drawing customers to other attractions on the second floor. Plus, it’s thoughtfully devised to provide the visual connection linking the cashier zone with the stairway nearby.
The decoration of the “Tower” keeps firmly to the original Rimkhobfa bookstore concept, whereby the gradual change of color symbolizes the horizon.
Overall, the furnishing and decoration of the interior keeps firmly to the original “Rimkhobfa” bookstore concept, whereby an image of the horizon is represented by a wall of fired clay bricks that change colors from dark at the bottom to light at the top. At the same time, indoor lights and a quadrangular opening at the top of the Tower go to work alongside each other to create a clean, well-lighted place perfect for reading and displays of books.
The second floor is well-lit and filled with shelves on which books are stored. It’s illuminated by natural daylight shining in through an array of tall windows. To protect the interior from the sun, the windows are dressed with light filtering shades. Flex space ideas help create multipurpose rooms for meetings and other events.
Low profile shelving units can be stowed away in the back room when not required, while high profile ones are used to store books and display products. They are placed against the wall with spaces in between to avoid enclosed spaces that could be signs of claustrophobia. This makes it easy to browse around the bookstore, find a quiet place to sit and enjoy a good read.
A flexible space for seminars and events has low profile shelving units that can be stowed away when not required.
Slightly tucked away from the main, noisy thoroughfare, the bookstore café makes the most effective use of natural materials to attract passers-by. Like so, the raw brick façade in shades of orange performs dual functions; structural and aesthetic. Nearby, a small signboard displaying the business name and logo directs customers to the store.
The floor is covered with tiles in shades of dark gray alternating with orange hue with brownish tints. To make the building more visible from the street, the front façade protrudes slightly from the wall while light-colored wood paneling slants up to the window sills adding instant curb appeal.
Fired clay tiles in shades of orange contrast with a gray stone wall displaying the business name. Together they add instant curb appeal to the bookstore café.
The atmosphere inside and outside the bookstore café is pleasant thanks to the use of eco-friendly materials in all places. Needless to say, it’s design that respects nature and the importance of art and culture in our lives. The materials and color shades remind a crowd of onlookers of the humble origins of man. Together they create stunning color combinations blending with the circumstances that form the setting of the neighborhood.
The second floor contains bookshelves alternating with reading nook furniture.
As print media struggle to survive in the age of technology, Rimkhobfa Bookstore manages to stand its ground in the fight by incorporating Black and Milk Café in its business plan. The result is a forward-looking bookstore café that answers the lifestyle needs of the new generations. By design, it’s a flexible business space capable of performing many functions. It’s the story of a renovation done right, one that transforms an old building in need of repairs into an oasis of calm for book and coffee lovers. Swing by the café next time you’re in town.
A vast landscape covered in lush greenery is the breathtaking beauty that draws holidaymakers to Siem Reap, an ancient city in northwestern Cambodia. Built into nature, a country villa named “Rose Apple Residences” provides tranquil spaces for those looking for quiet and comfort away from the hustle and bustle, the noise and crowded places.
An outdoor swimming pool, lush greenery and a wall of earth that’s part of the hilltop landscape all blend together beautifully.
The calm white villa is nestled amid lush landscapes that are part and parcel of the Cambodian rainforest. Walk in the door, and you find the spacious interior abounding in fresh air thanks to passive cooling design that optimizes materials, wall openings and building orientation for environmental comfort. “Rose Apple Residences” is the brainchild of Asma Architects, a homegrown architectural practice based in Siem Reap. Their job: create a country house that connects with the natural surroundings as a means to improve well-being, physically and mentally.
The entrance and retaining wall fences adorned with hanging vines are built of vertical wood slats with spaces in between to allow air to pass through.A corridor decorated with fishponds leads to the stairs providing access to the reception area the second floor.
The modern countryside house is built on a slope. To enhance space, visual perspectives and accessibility, the architects incorporate the existing landscape in the overall design that starts from the hilltop and gradually descends to meet a swimming pool located in an area of low ground. In the meantime, a bank of earth that remains intact now doubles as a privacy screen providing peace of mind for guests staying at the villa. From the swimming pool, the building for the accommodation of guests is accessible via a set of steps built into the hillside. This, in turn, ensures a smooth flow of air, resulting in indoor-outdoor connections that keep the house cool all year round.
A view from above reveals the white country villa beautifully ensconced in lush, leafy greenery.
Viewed in its essential qualities, the villa has two stories, the first of which comprising five bedrooms, namely, the main or largest bedroom, and four other slightly smaller ones. By making effective use of materials and large openings in the walls, the design team is able to create the light and airy interior for guest accommodations. Meanwhile, every precaution is taken to protect privacy and improve thermal comfort in the building.
Among others, the gardens growing along the north-facing wall provide outdoor spaces in which to relax and unwind. Plus, they promote natural light and good ventilation, ultimately saving on energy usage and reducing energy bills. At the same time, concrete flooring and wood provide good thermal buffers keeping the building cool in summer.
Venetian window blinds control the amount of light streaming into the room. They prove a perfect complement to all wood furniture that’s friendly to the environment.Shades of white and all wood fittings combine to make the bathroom feel warm and welcoming.
The second floor contains areas for common use, including a reception room near the entrance and a sitting room at the center of the house plan. By design, it’s a pleasant, airy space offering the invitation to an enjoyable experience. Set at the same level as the hilltop, the second floor has plenty of ample space for a dining room with a view of the surrounding landscape. The swimming pool and nearby lush gardens can be seen in full view from here.
Double height ceilings create a more spacious, well-lit environment in the second floor reception room.The balcony projecting from the reception room overlooks a garden filled with exotics.A flight of stairs provides access to the second floor reception area with a dining room at the far end.
Everything considered, building on a gently rolling hill has its advantages, such as better views of the surroundings, good ventilation and plenty of sunshine to grow a beautiful garden. All of these qualities are integrated in the design of “Rose Apple Residences”. The result is a flexible living space, a private and secluded place in which to relax and reconnect with nature.
No place personifies the timeless beauty of Bangkok’s old town like dusitD2 Samyan, a destination hotel where stylishly fashionable design seamlessly mixes with urban lifestyles.
A vista of Bangkok’s landscape as seen from inside a DusitD2 hotel room.
As the name suggests, dusitD2 Samyan is a member of the D2 hotel chain. It nestles comfortably on Si Phraya Road, a longtime economic hub renowned for busy movement and modern architecture. Taken as a whole, there’s a feeling of excitement and pleasure that comes with urban conveniences. dusitD2 Samyan no doubt is a beautiful work of contemporary hotel design, one that helps to rejuvenate a city neighborhood without sacrificing the value of Thailand’s arts and culture.
The hotel lobby space decorated in contemporary style tells the story of Bangkok’s Si Phraya Road neighborhood now and then.
First things first, let us show you around high-rise hotel rooms offering a vibrant panorama of Bangkok. The overall effect is impressive, thanks to a perfect blend of convenience and comfort plus the furnishing and decoration that tells the story of the Si Phraya neighborhood now and then.
The area’s reputation as one of Thailand’s jewelry trade centers is manifested in the interior design inspired by beautifully crafted personal ornaments, such as jewels and precious metals. Among other things, decorative throw pillows and headboards are covered in textile fabrics showcasing precious stone patterns in a variety of shapes and colors.
The furnishing and decoration of hotel rooms gets its inspiration from personal ornaments, such as precious stones and metals that have made the Si Phraya Road neighborhood famous as one of Thailand’s jewelry trade centers.Hotel room décor brings about a good impression of the Si Phraya Road neighborhood renowned for its reputation as one of Thailand’s jewelry trade centers.A throw pillow showcasing an image of precious stone patterns tells the story of Si Phraya as one of Thailand’s jewelry trade centers.
dusitD2 Samyan has two areas for common use that non-guests can access. The 16th floor contains the Bedidas – Pool Bar, where the tasty, distinctive Mexican cuisine is served. Be spoilt for choice when it comes to drinks and refreshments. And if you swing by in the late afternoon, go to Mimi’s Bar on the 25th floor. It’s a good place to watch the sun set behind cloudy skies or simply take in the panoramic view. While up there, take your time to explore amazing interior design, relax and unwind in the comforting glow of sunlight as the night falls.
The 16th floor holds the Bedidas – Pool Bar with a view of downtown Bangkok.A vibrant space with vivid colors, Mimi’s Bar on the 25th floor affords nearly 360-degree views of the cityscape.Seen from Mimi’s Bar on the 25th floor, Bangkok’s urban skyline is aglow as the night falls.
It comes as no surprise that dusitD2 Samyan has become a popular destination on Si Phraya Road for both locals and foreign visitors. Living among the hustle and bustle of the city has its advantages. Located in the city center, DusitD2 Samyan is very pleasant and easy to get to, not to mention the hotel’s interior design that evokes admiration. Precisely, it’s these qualities of urban places that earn Bangkok a reputation as one of the world’s most admired cities.
Showcasing geometry in architecture, an earthenware factory stands enclosed by stunning brick walls in a brownish orange hue. Aptly named the “Terra Cotta Workshop”, it’s unlike anything else out there. The building exuding friendship and goodwill is located in Quang Nam, a city on Vietnam’s Central Coast known for a richness of heritage and vibrant culture. It’s the brainchild of Tropical Space, a design studio acclaimed for its environmental responsibility manifested in the use of common materials, notably bricks made the old-fashioned way. Together they give rise to an architectural style that’s aesthetically pleasing, plus it’s a perfect fit for the humid Tropical climate prevailing in the region.
The building offers 682 square meters of industrial space. It’s a unit of construction added to an existing plant belonging to a ceramic artist. In term of spatial planning and relationship between different elements, the Terra Cotta Workshop is divided into three parts, namely, the observation zone and the earthenware workshop, both of which are disposed on the periphery within the building.
They are connected to the old factory building via an outdoor passage along the side. From here local artisans can be seen going about their specific trades in an area near the river. The third part contains a kiln for firing pottery and baking earthenware, also called terra cotta. The furnace itself is about two decades old. It’s the heart of the studio workshop in which goods are manufactured.
An area map shows the location of the Terra Cotta Workshop in relation to the old studio building. Courtesy of Tropical Space / Courtesy of Tropical SpaceThe first floor plan illustrates spatial arrangements of the workspace enclosed by brick walls made of geometric shapes. / Courtesy of Tropical SpaceA drawing shows the mezzanine floor plan in relation to the furnace located at the center. / Courtesy of Tropical Space.A front elevation view in cross section shows the relationship between buildings that combine with one another to form a whole. / Courtesy of Tropical SpaceAn isometric drawing shows the coming together of the various parts of the circular building housing the kiln for firing pottery. / Courtesy of Tropical Space.
The building’s outstanding features include, among other things, countless rows of openings in the brick walls. Placed at eye level, they afford clear views of every step in the clayware manufacturing process. A good customer experience begins with the corridor paved with the crushed remains of earthenware. It’s a distinctive aspect that provides a glimpse into the world of pottery making industries. Further along the path is the place where the clay is worked into dough with the hands as it transforms into ornamentally shaped outlines ready to be fired into finished products.
A passage paved with the crushed remains of earthenware allows access to different parts of the studio workshop.An earthenware manufacturing zone lies adjacent to a river.
The walls made of quadrangular and circular shapes are designed to enclose and divide an area of land into well-connected workspaces. Apart from providing an uninterrupted view of the manufacturing process, the openings in brick walls allow plenty of natural light into the interior, further enhancing the timeless beauty of brick architecture.
A circular brick wall encloses the kiln for firing pottery that lies at the heart of the Terra Cotta Workshop.
Plus, they promote good ventilation keeping the studio workshop cool. Above and beyond all other consideration, the furnace at the center of the floor plan makes it possible for visitors to observe every step of the process. At the same time, the factory layout is neatly planned to create indoor-outdoor connections while taking every precaution to reduce environmental impacts. This is evidenced by the building’s exteriors made of fired clay that blend beautifully with the surroundings, a distinctive feature that is Tropical Space’s signature.
A mezzanine inside the kiln for firing pottery is illuminated by light streaming in through the rooftop and the perforated wall.Generous openings in the brick walls provide a glimpse into the world of pottery making.
In the big picture, the Terra Cotta Workshop is the story of wisdom traditional to the people of Vietnam, an account of history and culture retold by designers who embrace materials sourced directly from nature. The result is a factory that has a spacious layout with well-proportioned workspaces, plus they make friends with nature and open to welcome visitors with open arms. And that’s precisely the message the design team at Tropical Space is trying to communicate.
A view from a higher angle shows the Terra Cotta Workshop in relation to the old studio building.
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