Blog : DESIGN

A Boutique Farm Stay in Chiang Mai

A Boutique Farm Stay in Chiang Mai

A boutique farm-stay destination in norther Thailand has provided a good example of how a business could involve the community every step of the way. It thrives on showing respect and fitting in with local ways of living. It’s secret: City and local people stand to gain from each other’s presence and coexist in peaceful harmony with nature.

/// Thailand ///
Story: Punchat /// Photography: Supakorn Srisakul, Sitthisak Namkham  /// Owner & Designer: Jak Ladpli

The farm stay offers four rooms with garden views at the rear of the building, one on each floor.

An architect from Bangkok recently started the boutique farm-stay in Mae Rim District, a 15-minute drive from central Chiang Mai. In a unique way he adapted to be in sync with the new environment and still remained very much in vogue. How did they do it? The answer can be found at the wholesome destination called “Chic 39.”

Farm stay owner Jak “Joke” Ladpli said his was an interesting piece of architecture in the middle of a lush landscape. Chic 39 is offering guest accommodation and operating in conjunction with the surrounding community. It thrives on a simple concept — Make the space modern and keep decor local.

“Call it modern local if you will,” said Joke. “As newcomers, we respect the community, its people, and their ways of life. In our hearts we are modern, kind of like a man donning business attire. But such a formal outfit would be out of place here. The contrast would be too obvious. So we chose a modern cube-shaped design, and paired it with materials that represented local values and wisdom.”

“That’s the metaphor defining our design concept. Like a business outfit made of folk fabric known as “Mo Hom,” the hotel building offers textures and finishing touches crafted of materials that are readily available locally. They include bamboo, palm tree trunks, and old-fashioned corrugated sheets.”

The farm stay involves the community in its day-to-day operations. Joke said: “In this area 4-5 villages are actively engaged in flower farming. Having done it for several generations, the growers produce cut flowers for a wide variety of decorations, from shops to hotels to even food. Especially yellow chrysanthemums, they prefer to grow them during winter months.”

Flower growers leave electric lights on at least three hours after sunset. Increased exposure to light helps flower stems grow a bit longer in time for harvesting.

At night the weather is cold, and the flower farm is aglow with colorful neon lights. “If you don’t feel like going to bed early, just hang out and enjoy the views,” Joke said, adding, “In fact, the lights are left on for a good reason. Increased exposure to light helps flower stems grow longer before they are harvested the morning after. “If you are an early riser, put on a pair of boots and go help the planters harvest some flowers.”

Agoda and the new colors of Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Bali, and Tokyo

Agoda and the new colors of Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Bali, and Tokyo

Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Bali, and Tokyo redefined in photo collage: today Living ASEAN chats with Pariwat Anandachina, who has infused an Agoda tourism campaign with lively, colorful imagery.

/// Indonesia, Thailand /// 

Agoda.com (of Agoda Company Pte., Ltd.) is one of the largest online booking networks, its more than 100,000 hotel offerings spanning the globe. In collaboration with Singapore’s Saatchi & Saatchi agency, Agoda has created “Agoda Base Camp,” a vibrant and innovative Indonesian tourism ad campaign designed to attract foreigners and Indonesians alike. Pariwat, known for his iconic photo collage art work, was a natural choice to present the campaign to viewers worldwide.

Base Camp features three staples of Indonesian tourism– Jakarta, Yogyakarta, and Bali – adding perennial favorite Tokyo, Japan, with pictures of buildings, houses, and people representing local culture and lifestyles from every corner of those cities. The images were cut, mixed, and laid out in Agoda’s five primary colors to illustrate each destination’s highlights and character, as shown here.

Photo // Pariwatstudio

Jakarta stands out for its mix of old and new. Here old and new architectural styles appear almost as reflections of each other, different, but fitting together in a charming way.

 

Photo // Pariwatstudio

Yogyakarta/Jogya stands out for its mix of old and new. Here old and new architectural styles appear almost as reflections of each other, different, but fitting together in a charming way.

 

Photo // Pariwatstudio

Bali is highlighted by nature itself, with its gorgeous beaches and healthy activities. This pictorial representation of the island also illustrates ghost worship, animist ceremonies presided over by shamans in colorful robes, and a native fascination with the occult.

 

Photo // Pariwatstudio

Tokyo shows a mix of contemporary life and technological progress with a powerful sense of cultural preservation. This collage is presented in the uniquely Japanese “manga cartoon” style, split into viewing panels as in a comic book.

Pariwat spoke with us about how this four-city promotion came to be represented in his work. “We did extensive research on the highlights and character of each city, looking for ‘what’s hot and what’s not,’ to see what would get folks hooked on going there. Scheduling was a big challenge: we only had half a month to fly everywhere and take our pictures, so had to be creative, sometimes using pictures taken by others, or hotel pictures from Agoda, and these were often hard to match and balance with what we already had.”

The Base Camp campaign will use both printed ads and key visuals in video footage taken by Agoda and enhanced with animation.

Pariwat, Agoda Base Camp campaign designer

Link : http://pariwatstudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/agoda.mp4

http://pariwatstudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/agoda-_-base-camp-on-Behance2.mp4

http://pariwatstudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/agoda-_-base-camp-on-Behancec.mp4

http://pariwatstudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/agoda-_-base-camp-on-Behance.mp4

 

 

3D Cement Printing for Outdoor Living

3D Cement Printing for Outdoor Living

Anon Pairot has unveiled the latest in a new series of 3D cement printing based on the concept “Fluctuation of Precision.” The masculine outdoor design with a softer touch is developed in collaboration with SCG, a leading cement maker in the ASEAN.

 /// ASEAN ///

After many years of research, Thai cement maker SCG has developed robots capable of acting as large-scale 3D printers and new cement formulas well suited to a variety of uses. This year, the “Designer Collaboration Project by SCG” has come up with new ideas for outdoor furniture designed by nationally renowned designer and artist Anon Pairot.

“I try to create design that gives a softer, lighter feeling. Usually cement structures are very masculine, so I add feminine accents to the design and see what the final result is. The new process enables 3D concrete strips to be printed quickly in non-traditional shapes and textures. The concrete printing process is performed by machine, but the cement itself leaves some random effects on the surface, hence the name Fluctuation of Precision,” he explained.

Anon Pairot

SCG will present the entire cement furniture collection at Architect 17, the 31st ASEAN Building Technology Exposition scheduled for May 2–7, 2017 in Thailand. It will be the first time ready-to-sell 3D cement printing products become available in the Region.

 

Link: http://www.scg.co.th/landing/index_en.html#en

http://www.anonpairot.com/

 

ASEAN Designers / Modern Craft Movement

ASEAN Designers / Modern Craft Movement

World design is increasingly trending toward handicrafts and elegant craftsmanship, things practically written into the DNA of Southeast Asian designers. Here we give you 20 contemporary regional leaders who are reinforcing this wave, bringing traditional design into mainstream design.

 /// ASEAN ///

– Alvin Tjitrowirjo / Indonesia –

The dynamic Indonesian designer known as Alvin worked with prominent Dutch designer Marcel Wanders before setting up his own product design and interior decoration studio,collaborating with domestic producers of furniture and “alvin-T” decorative items that take a Western approach to Oriental craftsmanship.


 

– Thinkk Studio / Thailand –

The couple Decha Archjananan and Ployphan Theerachai’s Thinkk Studio is one of the most interesting sources of contemporary design. Their production processes unravel the secrets of traditional crafts, bringing them to utility in modern formats that always bear the marks of artistry and innovation.


– Korakot Aromdee / Thailand –

Korakot became well-known through his developing the local art of bamboo work, adapting techniques such as net sewing of Phetchaburi fishermen and ancient Chinese kite construction to produce inventive handicrafts under his own name. “Korakot” products are on display in residences and hotels all over the world, showing off endless variations of their characteristic elegance.


– Abie Abdillah / Indonesia –

Keep an eye on this designer, for sure! He specializes in rattan work, taking advantage of the worldwide importance of this material for Indonesia. The “Lukis” armchair is part of the 2016 collection for the famous Cappellini brand. Designer scout Giulio Cappellini previously has helped Tom Dixon and many other well-known designers debut on the world stage.


 

– Ito Kish / The Philippines –

“Gregoria Lounge”brought Filipino design work onto the world stage and gave world recognition to Ito Kish. As a child, Ito was fascinated by designs on the gift wrapping paper he used to repair family house walls in their tiny village outside of Manila. His business in decorative items has now morphed into a leading furniture store – with products bearing his name – which provides interior decorating services for his fans.


 

– Apiwat Chitapanya / Thailand –

A beauty of light and shadow born of intricate welded lines stands out in both structure and detail as an impressive representation from this modern craftsman and expert metal worker.


 

– Jitrin Jintaprecha / Thailand –

Jitrin’s works are continually in demand, most notably from his own rattan furniture brand “Corner 43,” whose trademark gentle curves are naturally suited to contemporary forms and which has evolved steadily over the fourteen years of its existence.


– Lim Masulin / Indonesia –

From his infatuation with the weaving work produced by Indonesian artists, highly valued in the West, Lim Masulin and his BYO Living Company collaborated with famous domestic architects to scale up the concept to an architectural level and produce fascinating “woven” coverings for buildings.


 

– Rush Pleansuk / Thailand –

This former designer for the teak wood furniture brand “Plato” became ever more interested in handicrafts, especially traditional Thai techniques of lacquer-coating and setting gold inlay on lacquer ware. He now has his own design studio under the name “Sumphat Gallery.”


 

– Hans Tan / Singapore –

In the colorful piece entitled “Spotted Nyonya,”Hans Tan presents a uniquely Singapore narrative. “Nyonya” refers to the Singapore heritage mixture off oreign and Malay Peninsula cultures, evident here in a contemporary design context.


 

– Budiman Ong / Indonesia –

“Ong Cen Kuang” is a brand of lamps from Bali founded by Budiman Ong, whose stellar career was founded on sewn forms of cloth and origami-style folded paper fashioned into contemporary articles that display warmth, gentility, and a delicate openness.


8 ASEAN Brands You Should Know

8 ASEAN Brands You Should Know

The ASEAN has long been a source for much of the industrial furniture sold in Europe and the United States. Nowadays manufacturers in the region can rightfully take pride in the design and production of many of their own Southeast Asian brands. The following is a brief “who’s who” of these brands.

/// ASEAN ///

 

Jim-Thompson_Jim-Thompson-Home-Furnishings-Showroom_0247

jim-thompson-newyork-ORIGAMI-04

NEGRESCO---OUTDOORS-08

– Jim Thompson / Thailand –

This Thai silk brand was founded in 1948 by American businessman Jim Thompson, who worked for the United States Army in Thailand. It first reached prominence with the gorgeous silks used in the 1951 movie “The King and I. Today Jim Thompson designs are done by Thai designers near where the silk itself is produced. It is still a leading brand for furniture textiles, costumes, ornamental cloth, and souvenir gifts Thais like to give foreign visitors.


_DSC0892_B_web

Kenneth-Cobonpue-Yoda-Chair

– Kenneth Cobonpue / The Philippines –

Kenneth Cobonpue’s name is synonymous with a famous Filipino furniture brand. Kenneth stands high on the stage of world-class designers for his elegant combination of modern/contemporary design with the use of indigenous materials. His furniture has won the admiration of many Hollywood actors including Brad Pitt and Lucy Liu, and was used in sets for “Ocean’s Thirteen” and the series “CSI: Miami” and “Nip/Tuck.” He also created the “Voyage Bed” model used in Maroon 5’s music video “Never Gonna Leave This Bed.”


yothaka-ete-dining-chair-mo-i-armchair-b

yothaka-thai-design-chi-armchair-b

yothaka-Suwan-Kongkhunthian-thai-designer

– Yothaka / Thailand –

Yothaka is a trend-setter in Thai furniture which has made a name for itself in the world market, especially Europe. Production of its unique and lasting furnishings began by using the water hyacinth, and now incorporates other raw materials, such as pineapple paper and various kinds of string, which add to the characteristic identity of Yothaka’ s contemporary designs. The brand was founded by Suwan Kongkhunthian, presently considered by his peers as one of the great modern designers.


APDS-Lighting-Catalog-TH-2

DesignPhilippines_Schema_TerrariumVotiveHolder_Black2

– Schema / The Philippines –

Celia Gamboa Jiao, designer and founder of this brand, shortened the name from “Schema by Kalikasan Crafts,” as it was previously known in the lamp industry, and in collaboration with 3 designers – Filipino Antonio “Budji” Layug, the French Swiss Ségolène Aebi-Faye, and Thai Anon Pairot – developed a wider variety of products which use welding craftsmanship in transforming rough strips of galvanized iron into ornamental works of great beauty.


folks-nathan-yong-singapore

cornerblockv1-shelf-design

nathan-yong-IFFS17-053

– Grafunkt / Singapore –

Besides having his “dance card” full of design work for such famous French and Italian furniture brands as Ligne Roset, Living Divani, and spHaus, Nathan Yong also has his own multibrand and furniture outlet under the name “Grafunkt.” Simplicity and elegance wrought with cleverness is the signature charm of Nathan Yong offerings.


deesawat-cmdw2016_3

deesawat-thai-wooden-furnture

deesawat-untitled.91-wooden-lounge

– Deesawat / Thailand –

A brand of teak furniture which grew from a family sawmill business into a full-production shop over two generations, Deesawat features works from a new generation of designers representing many countries across Asia. Big names here include the great Japanese designer Toshiyuki Kita’s 2012 “Pumpkin Chair” piece.


triboa-bay-iffs

IFFS17-055-triboa-bay-cabinet 

– Triboa Bay Living / The Philippines –

Established by Filipino designer Randy Viray in 2008, Triboa Bay Living produces wooden furniture with an inherently simple, natural feel, with wood grain and detailed craftsmanship on display in a fine artistic mix perfectly suited for either residence or resort.


IMG_2503

ock-pop-tok-pillow

– Ock Pop Tok / Laos –

From humble beginnings as a tiny store founded in 2000 by English woman Joanna Smith and Lao Veomanee Douangdala, today Ock Pop Tok is a worthy representative of the highest craftsmanship and quality in Lao clothing and a leader in promoting principles of fair trade and sustainable business for the indigenous arts and crafts community.

Sekeping Kong Heng: A Boutique Hotel Treasures the Charm of Ipoh

Sekeping Kong Heng: A Boutique Hotel Treasures the Charm of Ipoh

/ Ipoh,  Malaysia /

/ Story: Wuthikorn Suthiapa / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Sitthisak Namkham /

In the old town of Ipoh, a stylish boutique hotel named Sekeping Kong Heng not only blends into its historical surroundings, but also contributes to restoring all its former glory.

boutique hotel

boutique hotel

ibh13

The history of Ipoh dates back to 1880 when Hakka immigrants arrived for work in tin mines and made a permanent home here. As mining industries continued on the decline, the once exuberant town was losing its luster.

A pleasant twist of fate, the waning days of Ipoh attracted the attention of many designers, who banded together to keep the old-world charm from disappearing. Giving it their best shot, they succeeded in bringing Ipoh back in the limelight.

Among the projects aimed at restoring glory to Ipoh was Sekeping Kong Heng, a small boutique hotel designed by Ng Sek San, an internationally renowned Ipoh-born architect.

The charming small hotel is tucked away on the upper floors of a three-story Colonial-era shop-house complex in the old town. The first floor is reserved for a famous local coffee shop known for a variety of Chinese-style coffees and Ipoh’s favorite dishes.

Its food menu includes the noodle dish called Hokkien Mee, satay, and spring rolls. Its existence guarantees that hotel guests will never run short of delicious foods and beverages.

ibh12

boutique hotel

boutique hotel

boutique hotel

To check-in, know that the entrance to the hotel lobby is located on a small alleyway. Sekeping Kong Heng offers three types of accommodation — standard rooms, a family room and glass boxes.

With its location, hotel guests can expect the authentic Ipoh experience. They wake up each morning to the heavenly smell of coffee being brewed fresh in the shop below. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. The same applies here. Come breakfast time, expect to eat with locals and like locals do. Time well spent is time spent exploring this and other alleyways a stone’s throw away.

The boutique hotel’s time-honored appeal blends seamlessly with Ipoh’s old-world ambience. It’s obvious the Ipoh-born architect has intended to keep this part of town like it has always been.

In the process, the hotel’s existing structure is left intact. A loft-style twist adds contemporary feel to the hotel’s interior, while patches of greenery adorn the exterior walls keeping the building cool.

The open-concept design provides easy access connecting the café to retail shops and a flea market nearby. The architect’s thorough understanding of Ipoh’s lifestyle is manifested in the way the boutique hotel is neatly restored. Sekeping Kong Heng now contributes in its small way to breathing new life into the old city.

boutique hotel

boutique hotel

ibh04

boutique hotel

ibh02

ibh06


Architect: Ng Sek San of Seksan Design Landscape Architecture and Planning


You may also like…

Ipoh: A Journey Back In Time

Sekeping Sin Chew Kee: A Raw Chic Hotel in Kuala Lumpur 

One-of-a-Kind Boutique Hotel

One-of-a-Kind Boutique Hotel

Silhouetted against a stone forest, this one-of-a-kind boutique hotel is a thriving, delightful escape adorned with works of art. Check it out.

/// Thailand ///
Story: skiixy /// Photography: Dumrong Leewairoj, Soopakorn Srisakul /// Style: Somboon Kreangkrai /// Design: Thavorn Ko-Udomvit, Kawit Ko-Udomvit, Anan Tantasanee, Kattika Kittiprasarn

One-of-a-Kind Boutique Hotel

One-of-a-Kind Boutique Hotel

One-of-a-Kind Boutique Hotel

Perched atop an abandoned marble yard in Nakhon Ratchasima, the boutique hotel affords views of the rocky landscape. The old rock quarry became inactive after the gleaming stones had been extracted. To create a unique and pleasant setting, the owner went to great lengths to ensure every aspect of the surroundings was kept intact. Hard terrain dictated that accommodation units be built strong like rock. That’s what makes the Nhapha Khao Yai Resort look like no other.

Over time nature goes to work, and the old marble yard comes alive turning lackluster cliff faces into a kaleidoscope of colors. Aptly named “Grand Villas Chom Hin Pha,” the guest lodges at the top boast 90 square meters of well-appointed rooms looking out over the pinkish brown rocky landscape.

If you prefer quirky, unusual locations, the “Villas Ping Pha Hin” are definitely your must-visit. The 40-square-meter cube-shaped lodges are placed inside the rock forest. Ingenious design takes advantage of the existing cliff faces, turning rock formations into naturally beautiful walls. The rocky surroundings turn out to be nifty temperature control inside the interior living spaces.

And not to worry about rainwater leaking in during storms. The gaps between natural and built environments are sealed tight while a system of gutters are in place to ensure storm water runoff is drain out fast.

One-of-a-Kind Boutique Hotel

One-of-a-Kind Boutique Hotel

One-of-a-Kind Boutique Hotel

One-of-a-Kind Boutique Hotel

Interior design is at the heart of the boutique hotel on the rock. Every unit showcases handcrafted wood furniture by award-winning designer/carpenter Yutthana Bumrungkit.

To make every visit feel like the first time, each villa is designed to highlight a different ambience and character. Together they turn the unique hotel into a thriving, delightful escape. Everywhere paintings and sculptural masterpieces abound. It’s like walking into a museum and actually living history.

Understandably the owner hopes that his unique hotel will one day turn into an attractive art venue in the Region.

Beautiful abstract sculpture adds a modern appeal to the pool.
Beautiful abstract sculpture adds a modern appeal to the pool.
View from the Grand Villa perched atop the old marble quarry.
View from the Grand Villa perched atop the old marble quarry.
The dining room showcases masterpieces by the hotel’s master artist.
The dining room showcases masterpieces by Thai master artist.
The hotel reception area
The hotel reception area

One-of-a-Kind Boutique Hotel

One-of-a-Kind Boutique Hotel


2017 looks to be a great year as more exciting attractions are being added to the Nhapha Khao Yai Resort.

S__49520867

The family room at the Gallery Villa showcases works of art with strong imaginative appeal. // Photo: Nhapha Khao Yai Resort
The family room at the Gallery Villa showcases works of art with strong imaginative appeal. // Photo: Nhapha Khao Yai Resort

S__49520871

A travel trailer is available on site. Go for the legendary RV if you prefer to live a life of adventure and passion. // Photo: Nhapha Khao Yai Resort
A travel trailer is available on site. Go for the legendary RV if you prefer to live a life of adventure and passion. // Photo: Nhapha Khao Yai Resort
A brand new swimming pool comes with a waterfall descending over a sheer rock face. // Photo: Nhapha Khao Yai Resort
A brand new swimming pool comes with a waterfall descending over a sheer rock face. // Photo: Nhapha Khao Yai Resort

 

All-in-One Creative Space

All-in-One Creative Space

Great ideas don’t just happen. They come from having a creative work environment, which is vital in the innovative process. An all-inclusive workspace, such as this one, can make a difference in your projects, too.

/// Malaysia ///
Story: LivingASEAN / Photography: Sitthisak Namkham

CM05

CM02

For the past half-century, the printing factory at Art Printing Works has stood in Bangsar, a suburb on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur. Recently it has been transformed into an all-inclusive workspace called “APW Campus”. Among its objectives: Combine the art, business, and technology and put them to work together in one creative environment.

creative space

Having a fight with colleagues? Vent your fury and settle it with Street Fighter machines instead.
Having a fight with colleagues? Vent your fury and settle it with Street Fighter machines instead.
No reception counter, no problem! Use an old printing press instead.
No reception counter, no problem! Use an old printing press instead.

The 6,500-square-meter workspace on the property was redesigned to allocate resources in a different way without any change to the existing structure. A co-working space, appropriately named “Uppercase,” is on the second floor, right above the printing factory that still prints reputable books and magazines.

Pulp by Papa Palheta, an on-site café
Pulp by Papa Palheta, an on-site café
Paper Plates Food Court
Paper Plates Food Court

Whilst there, visitors can also get some grub to refresh their creative energy. A caffeine boost is available at Pulp by Papa Palheta, an on-site café offering all kinds of specialty coffee, while Paper Plates, a food court favorite among locals, serves a wide array of fine foods and drinks.

The surrounding areas, both indoors and outdoors, can be used as venues for extracurricular activities, from art exhibitions and product launches to cooking classes and outdoor rock concerts. The all-in-one creative space is designed to showcase a thousand ways to inspire new inventions and the innovative process.

 

A Cycling Hotel / Sleep, Eat, and Ride a Bicycle

A Cycling Hotel / Sleep, Eat, and Ride a Bicycle

Nandha Hotel is a cycling hotel located in the heart of Bangkok, lodging where lovers of all things vintage can enjoy their holiday surrounded by eclectic décor.

/// Thailand ///

Story: Bundaree Deewong /// Photo: Sungwan Phratep /// Interior Designer: Bangkok Day Group by Kasisin Suwattanaphim

015

001

002

003

The Nandha is named after the mother of owners Anucha and Bheema Jotikabukkana. These two have strong passions for both cycling and photography, and with a designer’s help, have expressed these favorite pastimes through the hotel’s interior decoration.

004

Kasisin Suwattanaphim, of Bangkok Day Group, is the designer responsible for this project. He came up with the catchphrase “Sleep-Eat-Ride,” which became the hotel’s main concept.

Above the storefront, the hotel façade features striking light blue wooden latticework with a yellow vintage bicycle hanging above its signature slogan. The latticework also acts to screen out harsh daylight. On the left corner is the loft-style Passion Café,in whose cozy, warm atmosphere guests imbibe coffee and other drinks.

005

The lobby interior is decorated with old collectibles such as rare bicycles and vintage cameras, making it one of guests’ favorite photo spots. The railing on the stairwell to the rooms is constructed of water piping.

006

Each floor has its own decorative color assigned to it: pink, blue, green and so on. Room entrances play along with the hotel’s concept, and each room even has its own bicycle bell with room number, for use in calling hotel staff for assistance.

007

An in-room desk is adapted from a real bicycle. There are clothes hangers made from pedals. The secretive little gimmick-like details are part of what makes this place unique and special.

008

The hotel offers two types of room: vintage-style with a contemporary feel and classic-style, with a warm wood décor. Additionally, for groups there is a two-storey duplex suite with two bedrooms.

009

For those looking for a unique experience and heartwarming hospitality, or simply seeking a cycling hotel with a budget price, Nandha hotel not to be missed.

010

011

012

013

014

016

017

Morrissey: Hip Hotel in Jakarta

Morrissey: Hip Hotel in Jakarta

For a traveler, what could be better than a nice hotel in the heart of the city? Pick a hotel with a relaxing atmosphere and good design. If your destination is Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia, the Morrissey hip hotel is the one and only right choice to choose.

/// Indonesia ///
Story: Wuthikorn Suthiapa /// Photos: Soopakorn Srisakul

The Morrissey reception area features modern cubic architecture and a restaurant serving brunch meals.
The Morrissey reception area features modern cubic architecture and a restaurant serving brunch meals.

002

Designed for high quality accommodations, the Morrissey features a gorgeous mix of Jakarta’s urban tropical ambience and ultramodern architecture. There is a hint of Industrial Loft design that comes with high ceilings, plenty of wall openings, and abundant natural light. Naked concrete finishes alternating with brick painted white, and dark-colored wood floors provide a welcome contrast between stylishly chic design and natural rawness.

The Morrissey interior becomes an enchanting, well-lighted place by night, thanks to beautiful lighting effects and natural textured finishes. /// The rooftop garden features a perfect escape for those seeking a little peace and quiet, in which to read or just sit back and relax.
The Morrissey interior becomes an enchanting, well-lighted place by night, thanks to beautiful lighting effects and natural textured finishes. /// The rooftop garden features a perfect escape for those seeking a little peace and quiet, in which to read or just sit back and relax.

The hotel is conveniently located within walking distance to interesting attractions throughout Jakarta’s CBD. The famed Museum Nasional Indonesia is less than two kilometers away, while the fashionable shopping mall Plaza Indonesia, aka “P.I.” is roughly a kilometer or 7 minutes if you prefer going by train.

Cozy Resident's Lounge looks out over the lap pool with panoramic views of the city skyline stretching farther than the eye can see.
Cozy Resident’s Lounge looks out over the lap pool with panoramic views of the city skyline stretching farther than the eye can see.

If a journey back in time is for you, know that the Old Djakarta Theater, the Jalan Surabaya Antique Market, and the Taman Ismali Marzuki Cultural Center are easily accessible from the Morrissey. It’s a good idea to walk to these great attractions. It only takes about ten minutes. Having been to all of them, we had the most fun exploring the city on foot.

Besides excellent service and upscale accommodations, the Morrissey is also known for Italian cuisine as well as local and fusion foods. Drop into the Ocha & Bella restaurant to find out. Open kitchen design lets you see chefs at work preparing meals right before your eyes.
Besides excellent service and upscale accommodations, the Morrissey is also known for Italian cuisine as well as local and fusion foods. Drop into the Ocha & Bella restaurant to find out. Open kitchen design lets you see chefs at work preparing meals right before your eyes.

Along the way, take your time to experience the Indonesian versions of street food similar to the ready-to-eat meals ubiquitous throughout Asian. Highly recommended is Nasi goring, the Indonesian version of fried rice. Buy a set from the street vendor and have it cooked to order right on the spot. Another not-to-be-missed dish is Satay, especially Goat Satay. It smells good and tastes like heaven.

In case you have had a long day, the Morrissey offers plenty of cozy spots in which to relax and unwind. The Sky Lobby offers a vantage point to take in panoramic views of Jakarta city skyline. If fitness is for you, go to the swimming pool, or burn calories and build muscle on the treadmill. Take your pick. A full array of gym equipment is available onsite.

006

The Morrissey reception area is also home to a lobby café. Most outstanding is the architectural design that is strongly influenced by Le Corbusier, the icon of Modernism.

007
Large window frames the view of Jakarta city skyline. Simple décor belies the comfy and warm atmosphere. Natural textured finishes, no-fuss ceilings, and painted brickwork add a touch of Industrial Loft to “Double Volume” Room.

Fueled by tropical inspirations, guest rooms at the Morrissey showcase textured concrete finishes and brickwork in relaxing shades of white. Simple, clean design leaves plenty of room for wall openings. Frameless glass doors and panels allow abundant natural light. Such inspiring Modern Tropical details can be applied to many parts of your home.

The Seminar Room with an information center is at your service on the mezzanine.
The Seminar Room with an information center is at your service on the mezzanine.
Workspace on the first floor of “Double Volume” Room consists of a desk-cum-dining-table, a sofa and coffee table. Furniture varies from one room to another. But every piece is representative of the Industrial Era. Chairs in this photo are the Tolix Model A designed by Xavier Pauchard in 1934.
Workspace on the first floor of “Double Volume” Room consists of a desk-cum-dining-table, a sofa and coffee table. Furniture varies from one room to another. But every piece is representative of the Industrial Era. Chairs in this photo are the Tolix Model A designed by Xavier Pauchard in 1934.

Link: http://iammorrissey.com

X