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.
Chatpong Chuenrudeemol, of CHAT Architects, Thailand, is an architect and researcher renowned for what he called “Bangkok Bastards”, a project that investigated unsightly urban areas, such as construction site camps, inner-city slums and retail stalls abandoned and reclaimed by nature. Rethinking them from a new perspective, he was able to restore them to life in an interesting way.
Outstanding products of “Bangkok Bastards” included the Samsen Street Hotel, a downtown lodging inspired by scaffolding wooden planks and metal poles on the outside of a building. Together they gave rise to exciting new design bearing some resemblance to the raised platforms attached to a building during construction.
Samsen Street Hotel / Courtesy of CHAT ArchitectsSamsen Street Hotel / Courtesy of CHAT Architects
In a way, the Samsen Street Hotel is a revelation of previously unseen aspects of building design, a conceptualization that culminates in a thorough change in the form, character and experience in a very open and visible way. Taken as a whole, it’s a piece of architecture designed to promote social interactions, a community hub for hosting events and spaces for people to meet in the Samsen Street neighborhood. That’s not all. He also has other projects in the making, basically focusing on reuse and rethink as ways to create places of higher quality than he found it.
Angsila Oyster Scaffolding Pavilion / Courtesy of CHAT ArchitectsAngsila Oyster Scaffolding Pavilion / Courtesy of CHAT Architects
A little bit about Chatpong Chuenrudeemol
Chatpong is founder of CHAT Architects and winner of the 2020 Silapathorn Award in Architecture.
After completing his master’s degree at Harvard University’s School of Architecture, Chatpong returned to Thailand where he set up a business called CHAT Architects. He was very interested in architectural styles that reflected the true values, experience and the way of life of ordinary people. His research in urban planning and development was inspired by a feeling of wanting to know more about happenings in the street. They included events in the community, construction site camps and deserted retail stalls, to name but a few. Their untidy outward appearances belied the quality of being honest and truthful to others.
Like everything else, the buildings built by non-architects based on local needs and available materials deserved a second chance. So, it’s up to the architect to rethink them from a different point of view and put them to good use once more. After all, there is value in everything.
(Re)Thinking inside the Box is a series of discussion events focusing on the issues abovementioned. It’s all a matter of perspective about what can be done to address the problem of limited living space in the city. It’s a forum for people to explore new possibilities and look at the problem from within, thereby turning a challenge into a solution. Hence, the title is (Re)Thinking inside the Box, as an alternative to outside-the-box thinking.
Who would have thought a modest house could transform into a warm and welcoming home amid the hustle and bustle of downtown Ho Chi Minh City? Well, it’s possible. This five-story narrow lot house has plenty of room for a couple with two children to live comfortably. It even has a sitting room that echoes the timeless tradition of tea and coffee drinking, a relaxed atmosphere that keeps conversations going. Well-thought-out design gives it a streamlined and simple look, while the interconnected interior speaks volumes for a strong family bond. The house is the brainchild of Story Architecture, a homegrown architectural practice in Vietnam.
The balconies enclosed by walls and railings are staggered throughout the façade in warm shades of brown. They provide places to sit back, relax and enjoy family time outdoors.
Built on a plot of land that’s unusually long in relation to its width (3.5 x 17 meters to be exact), the tall and skinny house offers 59.5 square meters of usable space. For privacy, there are three bedrooms plus communal spaces that form the heart of family life. They include a modern kitchen with dining room nearby, as well as a living room, an ancestral altar, and a swimming pool on the rooftop deck.
For added convenience, there is an elevator that provides access to all the rooms on five levels. Taking everything into account, the design team did an amazing job at integrating all the useful features in one small space.
Drawings of the mezzanine and the ground floor show an elevator shaft and sets of stairs at the rear of the house in relation to the living spaces and other functions located up front. / Courtesy of Story ArchitectureDrawings of Floors 2 and 3 show the master bedroom and one of the children’s bedrooms located at the front of the house. / Courtesy of Story ArchitectureDrawings of Floors 4 and 5 show one of the children’s bedrooms and the rooftop swimming pool at the front of the house plan. / Courtesy of Story ArchitectureA drawing of the side elevation view in cross section illustrates the flow of air through openings in the walls at the front and the back of the building. / Courtesy of Story Architecture
The design concept centers around creating a more connected living space, one that’s well-lit and well-ventilated considering the warm and humid climate prevailing in the region. And that applies to all five levels, as well as the stairwell and the vertical shaft for the passage of an elevator located at the far end of the building.
The mezzanine contains a modern kitchen with dining room nearby. A skylight installed in the roof up front maximizes light and allows people inside to see out while preparing food.
By the looks of things, there are two features that stand out from the rest. First, the front of the house contains living spaces for the family plus a dining room and a kitchen located on the mezzanine. Then, the swimming pool on the rooftop deck conveys a great deal about genius ideas aimed at overcoming the problem of limited space in the city.
The swimming pool on the rooftop deck offers a panorama of Ho Chi Minh City.
That’s not all. To make a home feel more comfortable, choosing the right building material for the job is equally important. In this particular case, the rear walls built of breeze blocks provide ventilation, decoration and privacy. Plus, they protect the interior from rain and bad weather. Where appropriate, glass windows are put in place to maximize light streaming into the rear of the house. Other features that contribute significantly to the overall appearance are the balconies staggered throughout the front façade in rich warm tones of brown, an amazing design that makes the house unique in its own special way.
A bedroom embraces the beauty of simplicity illuminated by natural light.
All things considered, it’s a task that makes great demands on the team of architects who designed it. Not only is it about overcoming the problem of limited space, but it’s also about building a place that’s comfortable to live in, a well-detailed design with plenty of room to grow a family and promote positive communication. And this warm and inviting, five-story home is created to do exactly that.
No other place looks the epitome of a charming community like this neighborhood in southeast Da Nang. The area is no stranger to shopping streets lined with narrow front row houses commonplace throughout Vietnam. And that’s exactly the challenge that tests the ability of a design team at Tran Trung Architects. They are tasked with creating a small coffee shop combined with the owner’s residence on the second and third floors. The result is a clean, well-lighted shophouse named “Lei Ơi Càphê”, ơi being a word expressing love and affection in Vietnamese.
The coffee bar with a seating area nearby makes the entryway feel warm and welcoming.
On the outside looking in, it’s the image of a beautiful place thanks to the quaint, storybook façade and a front yard under tree cover. The healthy green foliage is quite a contrast to the building exteriors with burnt orange undertones. The storefront itself is covered in corrugated metal roofing turning a rusty brown. It’s a creative way to add vintage aesthetic to the modern terraced home. More than anything else, it doubles as an outdoor privacy screen providing peace and seclusion from busy movement and activity outside. Walk in the door, and enjoy life in the slow lane, not to mention the tantalizing aroma of fresh brewed coffee.
First floor plan: Open concept design makes the entryway, coffee bar and seating area feel light and airy. / Courtesy of Tran Trung ArchitectsSecond floor plan: Greenery is put in toward the middle of the house plan, separating the customer seating area up front from the owner’s residence tucked away at the rear. / Courtesy of Tran Trung ArchitectsThird floor plan: An open concept layout translates into improved foot traffic flow plus increased light and ventilation. / Courtesy of Tran Trung Architects
Meanwhile, open-concept spaces on the inside feel cohesive with everything blending together beautifully. There’s small courtyard, for lack of a better word, at the center of the house plan that’s illuminated by skylights built into the rooftop. On the whole, it’s the coming together of features produced by nature and a style of architecture that’s unique in its own special way. They work alongside each other to improve indoor air quality and excite interest as sunlight and shadow on the wall changes over time.
The view from above: metal stairs take a spiral course around a small interior courtyard, providing access to the upper floors.A stunning courtyard in the middle is illuminated by skylights built into the rooftop.A long table crafted of reclaimed wood looks out over the void of space on the second floor, making the interior feel light and airy.
There’s more. Central to its character is the concept known as “Reviving the Life Cycle”. Fundamentally, it’s about the 3 R’s, reduce, reuse and recycle as a way to manage waste by putting discarded material to good use and creating works of higher quality and value than the original. This is evidenced by the use of old corrugated metal roofing on the building façade, as well as crushed brick landscaping in the front yard and the path for walking along.
The façade of corrugated metal roofing in rusty browns speaks volumes for the 3 R’s of waste management – reduce, reuse and recycle to save planet Earth.
To create indoor thermal comfort, the east and south-facing walls are built of perforated bricks that offer a range of benefits, among them enhanced ventilation, moisture control and stunning geometric patterns in design. Small holes in the bricks let fresh air enter and circulate inside, thereby keeping the interior cool and comfortable even when it’s really hot outside. Where appropriate, the architects installed water mist systems at the top of the wall, a clever way to cool the room while cutting energy bills.
Perforated brickwork creates stunning patterns on the walls and improves air circulation in the interior.
In a few words, it’s the expert use of light and shadow that makes this small café stand out from the crowd. Touched by the sun, brick wall textures create beautiful effects, adding visual interest, depth and character to interior design. At the same time open-concept planning makes the room feel larger, resulting in a seamless connection between indoors and outdoors. The fact of the matter is well-thought-out design has a role to play in enhancing customer experience.
/ Story: Kor Lordkam / English version: Bob Pitakwong /
/ Photographs: Nantiya June /
Studio Miti is founded by Prakit Kanha and Padirmkiat Sukkan, two architects who have been friends since college. They attended the same school of architecture at a university. Since 2010 the architectural firm has won acclaim for its expertise in materials science skills and ability to integrate knowledge of design with the circumstances that form the setting of worksite surroundings. Having earned many architectural design awards over the years, Studio Miti is clearly living up to his name.
The story of Studio Miti had its beginnings at a workbench inside a rented room that doubled as their humble abode. As the amounts of work increased, the pair thought it wise to move into a decent workplace. They moved several times to different places, among them a rental space on the ground floor of an apartment block that, albeit small, became their first design studio.
The turning point in their career as architects came as the company grew and grew to the point they decided to move again, this time to a permanent home with a brick façade showcasing materials that speak volumes about their ideals and corporate identity.
Studio Miti’s new office showcases the building’s principal face capable of staying open and shut as needed as one of its main design features.
For almost 15 years, Studio Miti has kept firmly to its guiding principle in design, one that combines knowledge of design with an understanding of the context that forms the setting of a place, plus the ability to research the structure and properties of materials used in construction.
In the fewest possible words, it’s about knowing what the materials are made of and how they can be used so as to achieve the best results and aesthetic appeal. Equally important is the ability to create design that’s conducive to improving the quality of life plus charm, good looks that inspire.
The company’s unflinching determination to stand by its design principle and beliefs is reflected in the looks of its new office set amidst the bustle of the Lad Phrao Soi 71 neighborhood in Bangkok where it moved into in 2024.
It’s an old townhouse that has since been lovingly restored as an office. It showcases the front façade covered in lightweight concrete blocks in dark gray that conveys a great deal about Studio Miti’s ideals and in-depth visions guiding its actions.
We have the pleasure of meeting with Padirmkiat Sukkan, co-founder of Sudio Miti, and getting to know more about the company’s design concept, plus taking a tour inside their new office. Join us in discovering the secrets behind the building façade crafted of gray concrete blocks, plus the design concept and beliefs that have put Studio Miti in a class in itself.
Q: Tell us about your journey, design principles and beliefs that guide your actions.
A: “As you know, Studio Miti has moved office several times over the years. Every time we moved, we did some experiments on the materials that we used. We tried to weigh the work we did to determine its essential quality. We believe in using real materials. By that is mean that we use pure materials in their original visual shape, color and texture without over embellishments.”
Flashback: Studio Miti’s old office building showcases brick façade ideas in every direction.Despite its solid brick exteriors, Studio Miti’s old office building feels open and airy, thanks to skylight systems that turn the interior into a well-lighted place.Enclosed workspace inside Studio Miti’s old office provides freedom from external disturbances, making it easy to stay focused during the work day. Plus, it’s adequately lit by overhead skylight systems.
“At our current location, we used mostly bricks as the material of choice. We experimented on brick constructioon as well as bricks and steel. This time, we tried using lightweight concrete blocks as the main material instead.
“In fact, we found it by chance at a worksite. We were using the product and, out of the blue, it broke at the seams at the midpoint. We discovered a curving contour inside it.
“It looked interesting when touched by light. So we took it apart and looked inside it. The effect was good by a touch of light. I thought we could build the entire building facade using this material. And we did. The same applied for other parts of the building, too.”
“We implemented this project, renovating an old townhouse built some 30 to 40 years ago. There were site limitations that we had to deal with. The external envelope was opaque, being built entirely of brickwork. It came with one restriction; a complete teardown was not permitted.
“So we created a building façade that’s capable of being open and shut as needed so as to control the amounts of natural daylight shining into the interior, thereby making it easy to stay focused during the work day.”
“Actually, we are interested in the design process. We look for ways, by which the tools that we use in designing diagrams can also be applicable or relevant to the materials being used as well.
“Oftentimes we put the materials to the test ourselves. It gives us confidence in doing designs, plus the benefits that come from touching it and getting the feel of the materials. It’s an important approach that we use.”
Q: What’s your thought on using real materials and creating Tropical design?
A: “On real materials and Tropical design, I regard the two concerns as being part of one cohesive whole.
“In a warm and humid climate like ours, first, I say we have to understand and be able to use the sun and the winds prevailing in the region to our benefit. It’s very basic to begin with. If we have the opportunity and the owner agrees and likes what we do, then we can develop the materials that we need together.
“And when it comes to using pure materials, I feel they are beautiful without being over embellished. We just need to find out how design can be used to make them look beautiful with little or no modification. To us, understanding the materials and how to them is of the utmost important.”
A meeting room-cum-recreation space on the ground floor feels bright and breezy, plus it’s easily modified to respond quickly to changing needs and activities.A meeting room for receiving clients is glazed using clear glass to admit natural daylight into the interior.
“Speaking of knowledge of a Tropical climate, I feel it’s a must-have for architects. Thai architects, especially, must have a good understanding of sunlight, the heat, humidity and the cold. They are the basics. To create designs, knowing all the basics takes priority over any other matter.
“But more than anything else, me have to make sure the kind of architecture that we create represents the owner. If not, at least it must speak volumes about the place, about the site and the context that forms the setting around it.”
Q: Help me understand some of the work you did in the past? A few examples, perhaps?
A: “To show you some of our past achievements and the results of our experiments, I say we used bricks. Bricks were the material that we used often. As for wood, we used that often, too. We used brickwork mixed with wood in the construction of Athita the Hidden Court Chiang Saen, a boutique hotel in Chiang Saen District of Chiang Rai Province. It’s a hybrid of brick and timber.”
Athita the Hidden Court Chiang Saen, a boutique hotel in Chiang Saen District of Chiang Rai, Thailand’s northernmost province. / Courtesy of Studio MitiAthita the Hidden Court Chiang Saen / Courtesy of Studio MitiAthita the Hidden Court Chiang Saen / Courtesy of Studio MitiAthita the Hidden Court Chiang Saen / Courtesy of Studio Miti
“If I may show you a project built entirely of bricks, or brickwork mixed with steel, it’s the “High Brick House” or “Baan Look Moo”.
High Brick House / Courtesy of Studio MitiHigh Brick House / Courtesy of Studio MitiHigh Brick House / Courtesy of Studio MitiHigh Brick House / Courtesy of Studio Miti
“In fact, we’re working on another one, too. I believe bricks release the heat faster. We’re working on a house project called “Baan Yoo Yen”. It’s built entirely of bricks. The wind blows through it, keeping the interiors nice and coo. It benefits from traditional beliefs about Tropical design. By creating indoor thermal comfort, we can rely less on air conditioning.”
Baan Yoo Yen / Courtesy of Studio MitiBaan Yoo Yen / Courtesy of Studio Miti
“Every piece of work has its distinct character. It’s a quality of being aesthetically pleasing that lies deeper than traditional beliefs per se, even deeper than knowledge of a Tropical climate. I’m referring to an understanding of human nature, and knowledge about the circumstances around a worksite. They are the mystery we’re trying to unravel, leading to further development.”
Q: Tell us about the Goal of Studio Miti, or the object of your ambition.
A: “As for the goal of Studio Mini in ten years from now, I want to provide an idea foundation for younger members on the team today. I believe we have the capacity to develop further.
“There’s still a lot to learn. There’s more to it than design in and of itself. It may involve understanding the context that forms the setting of a place, be it socially or economically. There are lessons to learn going forward. The transmission of knowhow from us to younger members on the team is important. We want to provide the tool they can take with them.”
High ceilinged workspace inside Studio Miti’s new office is well-lit by natural daylight. Among others, the redesigned building facade can open and shut as needed to provide privacy and freedom from external disturbances, making it easy to stay focused on the task at hand.
“If I get lucky, we will move forward together. If I get luckier, they may move on to their future undertakings, where they continue to grow in their line of work. But everyone must have the basic knowledge to begin with, knowledge about the climate prevailing in Thailand, knowledge about the context that forms the setting of a place.
“It’s something that’s more than meets the eye. That’s the basics that will help them grow and mature and, at the same time, give us the old guards at Studio Miti the impetus to grow and develop as well.”
“I believe the future of our office isn’t up to me alone. Rather, it comes from younger members on the team who must understand this, and work together toward a common goal.”
/ Story: Phattaraphon / English version: Bob Pitakwong /
/ Photographs: Le Minh Hoang /
A good-sized community center is making its presence felt on the outskirts of Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital. The building stands enclosed in authentic Vietnamese fireclay roof tiles. The external envelope in exuberant shades of orange rises above a street corner surrounded by modern structures. It begs the question. Is this some kind of experiment being undertaken to test a point that has never been dealt with? “Your guess is right.”
Named “Ngói Space,” the community center building sends a strong message that exciting new architecture can be created using indigenous building materials. In this particular project, more than 20,000 thin rectangular slabs of baked clay are used to make the building facades. They are the same ubiquitous building materials as those used for covering roofs.
The immediate empty space between the perforate shell and the building wall offers semi-outdoor room for relaxation.
Ngói Space performs a dual role as recreation center promoting community wellbeing and reception area for both normal and important occasions. It’s open to everyone in the community who needs a place and time to unwind, not to mention empowering the people and strengthening the neighborhood.
Among others, it has coffee shops, multiple purpose rooms, conference venues and exhibition halls plus a rooftop garden for relaxation.
The interior space is light and airy, a peaceful place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
The unique outer surface of the building got its inspiration from trees thriving vigorously in the wild, while the interiors conjure up mental images of the atmosphere inside a prehistoric cave dwelling. The design thinking process started with interior planning. Once that’s done, the team at H&P Architectsthen proceeded to work on the building’s exteriors.
A pencil sketch illustrates steps in the thinking process culminating in the final design of the community center building named “Ngoi Space” / Courtesy of H&P Architects
A diagrammatic representation shows the coming together of support structures and building facades crafted of fireclay roof tiles. / Courtesy of H&P Architects
The floor plans in cross section / Courtesy of H&P Architects
To arouse people’s curiosity and interest, the facades are covered in roof tiles fired the old-fashioned way, an indigenous building material that the Vietnamese were most familiar with. In a way, it’s a design that takes people back in time by reintroducing traditional materials and techniques and putting them to good use in modern day applications.
A trio of images shows how the thin rectangular slabs of baked clay are put together creating the face of the building that houses the community center. / Courtesy of H&P Architects)
There is one incentive for doing so. As the country continues to advance, more and more old homes are torn down to make room for new ones. So now is the time to start thinking about the need to reuse and recycle as a means of preserving natural resources.
For this reason, the facades are built of fireclay roof tiles recycled from much older homes. In this way, nothing goes to waste plus it’s a creative and cost-effective way to build in this day and age.
Split level design makes for a pleasant and airy interior.
Here, the old roof tiles are put together diagonally to create one triangle after the other that in turn forms the perforate outer shell of the building. Together they go to work protecting the walls and windows behind them from severe weather.
Besides providing shade and more insulation for the interiors, the immediate cavity in between the two layers provides room for exhibitions and nooks along the walls to sit sipping coffee. That’s not all. There’s also a rooftop garden offering a wonderful panorama of the cityscape. Or just chill out and enjoy the view through wall openings anywhere in the building.
A custom loft net system offers visual continuity between upper and lower floors.
A multi-use space lies between the fireclay tile façade and the building wall fitted with panes of clear glass.
A meeting room set in theater style is illuminated by natural daylight.
Fireclay roof tiles fixed in position with abrupt alternate left and right turns add balance and harmony to interior design.
From the design perspective, “Ngói Space” takes pride of place in this part of suburban Hanoi, having occupied a prominent position among modern buildings in the area. What makes it stand out is the perforate shell made of old roof tiles in shades of orange, an intriguing combination that gives it character and the power of storytelling about the city’s past and present.
The rooftop garden affords a beautiful panorama of the city landscape.
A façade of fireclay tiles is beautifully handcrafted with wide openings for a better view of the great outdoors.
A simple opening in the building facade allows access to the building. The exterior wall covered in orange roof tiles fired the old-fashioned way provides a window into the community’s long-standing traditions.
All told, it’s a beautiful piece of modern architecture made possible by putting together little things to create a bigger thing. That being said, it takes courage and the ability to see things from a different perspective. Only then can one appreciate the value hidden inside little things and successfully turn them into a product that pleases the senses and the mind, much like an artist adeptly turning “objets trouves” into art.
The orange of the fireclay tile façade stands out from mostly white buildings in a suburban neighborhood of Hanoi.
/ Story: Kor Lordkam / English version: Bob Pitakwong /
/ Photographs: Hiroyuki Oki /
A brick hotel in warm, earthy orange hues rises above the lush orchards and bountiful farms of Ben Tre, a charming coastal city on the Mekong Delta two hours’ drive from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Once a sleepy little town surrounded by rice fields and coconut groves, Ben Tre is emerging as a destination for eco-tourism. New hotel openings tell the story of travel trends in the region where fresh water and shorelines merge with the ocean, astonishingly beautiful by any standards.
The Ben Tre Hotel is located on an oblong piece of ground measuring 28 by 128 meters, with the narrow frontage abutting on a major thoroughfare. As might be expected, the unusually long hotel building extends almost entirely over the rectangle-shaped land and still leaves plenty of room for lush lawns, side gardens, ample parking garages and service areas.
The restaurant also has semi-outdoor room for guests who prefer dining al fresco.
The hotel lobby lies upfront on the ground floor, while a restaurant is located at the midpoint of the elongated floor plan. To avoid a monotonous regularity in the design, the team of architects came up with zigzag design, featuring abrupt alternate left and right turns all the way to the end.
Semi-outdoor stairs afford an expansive panorama of lush landscapes, making every day a breath of fresh air.
There’s a refreshing change every step of the way. For relaxation, an array of cozy nooks adds visual interest to the corridor designed to soak up the view of dense green orchard landscapes.
A square opening in the perforate shell affords a vista of lush landscapes clearly visible from within the room.
The long passage along the outside of the building, aka the “single-load corridor”, means that hotel guests can enjoy the utmost privacy since there’s no unit situated directly across. It’s a thoughtfully devised building access arrangement, whereby all the rooms are placed only on one side. The same applies to the stairs that are semi-outdoors for better ventilation and lighting.
To add a rustic appeal, the hotel’s external envelope is built of handmade bricks sourced from within the locality. Bricklaying with openings in the walls, aka the perforate façades, offers many benefits. It allows for the expansion and contraction of the bricks when temperature changes.
A conceptual illustration portrays the layout of the building arranged in a zig-zag pattern across the site, harmonizing with the natural landscape by aligning itself with pre-existing trees and gardens. / Courtesy of Sanuki Daisuke Architects
The ground floor plan presents the usable public area of the building. / Courtesy of Saniki Daisuke Architects
The upper floor plans present the typology of guestrooms. / Courtesy of Sanuki Daisuke Architects
Plus, the perforate shell adds an aesthetic appeal to exterior walls and reduces the impact of outside noise, resulting in a more pleasant indoor environment.
An aerial view shows the hotel location amidst nature’s pristine environment on the Mekong Delta.
/ Story: Phattaraphon / English version: Bob Pitakwong /
/ Photographs: Anupong Chaisukkasem /
It was a journey back in time as we visited U-Thong, home of the Pusayapuri Hotel that has become a new landmark in the western part of Suphan Buri Province. The town in itself is rich in history, having been the origin of the Ayutthaya Kingdom dating back more than 2,000 years. It became a district of Suphan Buri during the reign of King Rama V in 2448 B.E. (1905), formerly known as Chorekhe Sam Phan and later renamed U-Thong in 1939.
The Pusayapuri is the brainchild of EKAR Architects, a Bangkok-based architectural practice led by Ekaphap Duangkaew. The design thinking process took Ekaphap and his team to U-Thong countless times, during which useful data were collected culminating in a piece of contemporary architecture that’s worth remembering and unique in its own special way.
Sharing his work experience with us, Ekaphap said: “The thinking process that went into designing this hotel came as the result of systematic investigations into the town’s history.
“U-Thong was an ancient state that flourished in this part of peninsular Southeast Asia a very long time ago. Most people seem to have overlooked important facts about it. So, we reached out to connect with the locals and got to know a lot about its history through seeing, hearing and visiting places.”
“There are museums containing relics that provide an insight into the history of U-Thong, among them a stone Buddha image carved into cliff face that has become a tourist attraction. It’s the work of local artisans,” Ekaphap continued.
“Other places of interest include ruins of dome-shaped brickwork structures erected as Buddhist shrines in the past. Not many of them remain to be seen today. It’s these historic sites built of bricks that inspired us to try and revive old brick masonry to all its former glory. One of the results of all this is evident in the façade of the Pusayapuri Hotel in U-Thong.”
In essence, it’s about building a hotel façade with the power of telling a story about life in U-Thong in former times. Thanks to their understanding of architectural heritage, the architects were able to create a new hotel that stood out from the rest in terms of color, texture and design, and yet no old-fashioned bricks were used.
The Pusayapuri is built using innovative materials including glass reinforced concrete, or GRC, that’s lightweight but tough making it an ideal material to use on a variety of structures. It can be dyed to resemble brickwork or concrete surfaces.
Sections can be prefabricated from the factory to enable quick and easy assembly on site. Plus, GRC helps reduce weight on building foundations, saves construction time, and is unaffected by environmental conditions.
In the case of the Pusayapuri, the GRC façade sections arrived ready to be installed on site as soon as concrete frame construction was completed. It’s a dry construction system that’s suitable for all buildings or portions of buildings such as balconies with a variety of window bench seating designs. On the outside, they perform a dual function as façades and awnings used to protect against sun and rain.
The Pusayapuri’s 56 spacious guest rooms provide a comfortable retreat in a historic town style setting. All of them are designed to create a light and airy atmosphere. Where appropriate, guest rooms are taken out to create a void of space for lighting and ventilation.
The void of space starts from the first floor all the way to the roof top resembling a well-lit staircase when seen from a distance in the nighttime. Together, they ventilate the building by drawing fresh outdoor air inside and force warm air to exit through rooftop vents. The hotel loses some rooms, but it gains comfort from good ventilation. Plus, it’s a feature that adds rustic appeal to the overall design.
The Pusayapuri presented both challenges and opportunities even for the experienced designers at EKAR Architects. The team was tasked with creating a hotel with the power of storytelling about the history and architectural heritage of U-Thong, plus turning it into an important landmark in the lives of all concerned.
What makes it original and unique is the hotel façade that bears the imprints of time and a civilization of years gone by — a masterpiece that creates a sense of calm in architecture and indoor thermal comfort. Swing by the Pusayapuri next time you sojourn in this part of Thailand.
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