Blog : hotel

A New Boutique Hotel in Singapore’s Historic Chinatown
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A New Boutique Hotel in Singapore’s Historic Chinatown

Embracing warmth, comfort, and privacy, a new boutique hotel takes up a row of six former shophouses in Singapore’s historic Chinatown. The beautifully renovated Hotel Mono retains the charm of Southeast Asian styled architecture, while highlighting the distinctive personality of Rococo-era ornamentation.

/// Singapore ///
Story: Weena Baramee /// Photography: Hotel Mono

An expression of art and the interior inside the Lobby at Hotel Mono

Its Rococo aesthetic is apparent in the lightness of interior design, cozy spaces, and the tall and narrow windows that speak to the French stylistic period. The gentle black and white theme on the exterior seamlessly interweaves with the lifestyles of traditional Singapore and the city’s urban bustle. 

Loft style décor that is a component in interior design
Single Room
Relaxation in a Rococo styled studio

A striking new landmark on historic Mosque Street, the 46-room Hotel Mono is an independent hotel catering to the needs of design-conscious travelers. Its statement-making black-and-white facade has been turning heads. The hotel occupies a row of six conservation shophouses, which have been completely transformed in an extensive refurbishment by President Design Award-winning firm Spacedge Designs. Hotel Mono was officially opened in November 2016.

The stylishly chic hotel presents an appealing proposition for discerning travelers – high quality rooms and service standards at very attractive prices. “We want to provide accommodations that are the best value for the money and a five-star service experience,” said GM Glenn Quah.

Besides charm and comfort in every room, guests enjoy better quality beddings, bathroom amenities and more spacious rooms, for prices comparable to the budget accommodations in the same area. Rates at the 46-room Hotel Mono start at just $160 net per night for a Double room, while a Family room sleeping four people costs under $300.

The bathroom ensemble reflects simplicity with contemporary flair.

Its bathrooms represent the conceptualization of a hip retreat for design-savvy travelers (and locals) – guests who appreciate the originality of design. A bold and contemporary design language is relevant throughout the hotel. Every room features a seamless integration of metal bars that traverse the space like lines drawn in the air, meantime, functioning as light fixtures, coat hangers and sculptures.

The boutique hotel celebrates the quality of being the only one of its kind. Due to restrictions and particulars in the floor plans of shophouse styled architecture, no two rooms are identical. Their unique characters are manifested in the name that affirms the validity of these bold and original design concepts.

Link : http://hotelmono.com/

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

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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.

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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.

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boutique hotel

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

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Ipoh: A Journey Back In Time

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

One-of-a-Kind Boutique Hotel
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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.

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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

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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

 

Sampran Riverside: A Green Model
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Sampran Riverside: A Green Model

For over five decades “Suan Sampran”, also known as the “Rose Garden,” has been the admiration of everyone. The rich, well-cultivated piece of real estate is also home to a waterfront hotel that many have come to love. Nestled on a 170-rai plot on the beautiful Tha Chin River, the Sampran Riverside Hotel is a real gem.

/// Thailand ///

Story: Panchach Changchan /// Photos: Sungwan Phratep /// Location: Sampran Riverside www.sampranriverside.com

The Sampran Riverside Hotel sits embraced by a circle of trees by the bucolic Tha Chin River. The interior has since undergone a complete makeover giving it modern appeal and a great many conveniences.
The Sampran Riverside Hotel sits embraced by a circle of trees by the bucolic Tha Chin River. The interior has since undergone a complete makeover giving it modern appeal and a great many conveniences.
A well-preserved Thai-style home sits at the water’s edge evoking fond memories of riverside living not so long ago.
A well-preserved Thai-style home sits at the water’s edge evoking fond memories of riverside living not so long ago.
Every residential unit has a pier that juts out over the water. Made for relaxation, the raised structure is hemmed in by lush foliage and mature trees including banyan, mast, and coconut groves. Nearby, fragrant pandan plants thrive turning it into a sweet-smelling pond.
Every residential unit has a pier that juts out over the water. Made for relaxation, the raised structure is hemmed in by lush foliage and mature trees including banyan, mast, and coconut groves. Nearby, fragrant pandan plants thrive turning it into a sweet-smelling pond.
The renovated interior brings out the character of a modern villa complete with many amenities. An air-conditioning unit is hidden in plain sight behind wooden furnishings. /// Steep pitched rooflines add an airy atmosphere to the impressive interior design. The triangular portion of the wall is adapted to offer plenty of openings to allow natural light and make the design appear lightweight.
The renovated interior brings out the character of a modern villa complete with many amenities. An air-conditioning unit is hidden in plain sight behind wooden furnishings. /// Steep pitched rooflines add an airy atmosphere to the impressive interior design. The triangular portion of the wall is adapted to offer plenty of openings to allow natural light and make the design appear lightweight.

Only the name has changed. The famous Rose Garden is now known as the Sampran Riverside Hotel. Everything else remains the same — great atmosphere, beautiful garden, and cozy accommodations. The main hotel building and six Thai-style homes at the water’s edge have undergone complete makeovers. Apart from modernistic interior design and new décor ideas in some corners, the warm and inviting ambience is there like it’s always been. The Sampran Riverside carries on the tradition as a salubrious destination with views of the river, the garden, and the unhurried way of life of the surrounding community.

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Damask roses thrive in a chemical-free environment. Besides their ethereal beauty, rose petals also have other practical uses. Among other things, Damask rose petals make for sweet-smelling tea when dried.
Damask roses thrive in a chemical-free environment. Besides their ethereal beauty, rose petals also have other practical uses. Among other things, Damask rose petals make for sweet-smelling tea when dried.

The Thai Village Zone is the hotel’s latest attraction designed to take visitors on a journey back in time. It offers plenty of activities that afford the chance for individual participation. They include traditional textile weaving, flower garland making, and umbrella painting. For those who love going to the show, there are folk art performances, music, cultural storytelling, children’s games, martial art performances, and the famous Thai elephants show.

Apart from the magnificent Thai elephants show, folk art performances are well received among visitors. Waves of laughter confirm they find great storytelling about the Thai way of life as fascinating as it is informative.
Apart from the magnificent Thai elephants show, folk art performances are well received among visitors. Waves of laughter confirm they find great storytelling about the Thai way of life as fascinating as it is informative.

The new name was timed to coincide with an entirely new concept in property management. The hotel owners, now the third generation, have decided it was time to go green because nature was home and it deserved to be well looked after. Damask rose farming needed a lot of chemical fertilizers. So the management decided to gradually do away with it. In the process, the land traditionally used for rose cultivation was reduced to just a few small plots. The rest, about 30 rai, was transformed into a thriving organic farm. It was a win-win situation for all. For the hotel workforce, it meant better health and wellness. Nowadays fruits and vegetables are picked fresh every day, enough to meet the needs of four restaurants on the premises.

The wetlands ecosystem offer many benefits from supporting plants and aquatic life to filtering spent water before it is made safe and returned to natural waterways. Among the useful species are edible fern (Diplazium esculentum), arrowhead Amazon flowers, and pandan plants (pandanus amaryllifolius).
The wetlands ecosystem offer many benefits from supporting plants and aquatic life to filtering spent water before it is made safe and returned to natural waterways. Among the useful species are edible fern (Diplazium esculentum), arrowhead Amazon flowers, and pandan plants (pandanus amaryllifolius).

The organic initiative is called the “Sampran Model”. The concept reaches out to agriculturists in the vicinity. The hotel acts a go-between man connecting farmers in Nakhon Patom to consumers both in and outside the community. It encourages agriculturists to avoid using chemicals and set up fair trade markets to promote sales. On weekends it puts on special events to make fresh fruits and produce available to consumers.

The weekend is the best time to relive the past as the lush oasis comes alive with activity, including the much-talked-about Floating Market. Aboard traditional rowboats, vendors come loaded with good foods as well as fruits and produce picked fresh from neighborhood farms.
The weekend is the best time to relive the past as the lush oasis comes alive with activity, including the much-talked-about Floating Market. Aboard traditional rowboats, vendors come loaded with good foods as well as fruits and produce picked fresh from neighborhood farms.

Our team had the opportunity to catch a ferry ride to the opposite side of the river. We landed on a thriving fruit orchard that was organically cultivated. Anirut Khaosanit, also called the local wise man, was kind enough to share his knowledge and years of experience on organic farming. His was a mixed-species vegetable farm, where morning glory, eggplant, climbing wattle and luffa are grown using compost made from green waste.

Herbs and pleasant smelling flowers thrive in the front garden.
Herbs and pleasant smelling flowers thrive in the front garden.

 There was never a dull moment. Our day in Sampran was packed with stories and activities. From the vegetable farm, we proceeded to nearby Sook-Jai Market and Rim-Klong Market looking for delicious meals that were made fresh the traditional way. There were plenty of those.

A wellness spa parlor showcases a full array of “Patom” skin-nourishing products. The house brand offers many aromatherapy products handcrafted from Damask roses and organically cultivated herbs. www.patom.com
A wellness spa parlor showcases a full array of “Patom” skin-nourishing products. The house brand offers many aromatherapy products handcrafted from Damask roses and organically cultivated herbs. www.patom.com

Once a rose garden on the Tha Chin River, the newly renovated hotel has grown and become an awesome destination offering upscale accommodations and exposure to cultural exchanges. The Sampran Riverside no doubt has discovered that going green is the way forward. It translates into happiness for all. Pursuing the sustainable path not only benefits the hotel and its guests, but also contributes significantly to the betterment of society to which it belongs.

This little hill has been standing here for a very long time. It is home to many flowers, especially local species like wild sage, gold showers, yellow cosmos flowers, and gardenia crape jasmine. All of these species thrive in their natural habitat.
This little hill has been standing here for a very long time. It is home to many flowers, especially local species like wild sage, gold showers, yellow cosmos flowers, and gardenia crape jasmine. All of these species thrive in their natural habitat.
The Thai Way of Life Zone isn’t about just farming demonstrations. It offers hands-on experience in every step of rice cultivation. Guests can try their hand at doing it, from sowing seeds and replanting to harvesting and milling.
The Thai Way of Life Zone isn’t about just farming demonstrations. It offers hands-on experience in every step of rice cultivation. Guests can try their hand at doing it, from sowing seeds and replanting to harvesting and milling.
Modern day Thais don’t chew betel nut. But mature Areca palms are kept on the property as part of the original groves that have stood here since times past. They tell stories of unique charm of the way of life in Central Thailand.
Modern day Thais don’t chew betel nut. But mature Areca palms are kept on the property as part of the original groves that have stood here since times past. They tell stories of unique charm of the way of life in Central Thailand.
Anirut, lovingly called the local wise man, is always there to share his knowledge with visitors. /// His blackboard shows the timetable, tips, and tricks for growing plants, making compost, and care for the vegetable gardens.
Anirut, lovingly called the local wise man, is always there to share his knowledge with visitors. /// His blackboard shows the timetable, tips, and tricks for growing plants, making compost, and care for the vegetable gardens.
Kids and parents enjoy a field day on the weekend. It’s a good opportunity to learn about farming while having fun harvesting fresh fruits and produce.
Kids and parents enjoy a field day on the weekend. It’s a good opportunity to learn about farming while having fun harvesting fresh fruits and produce.
Children take stock of fruits, vegetables, and eggs picked fresh and ready for their first lunch on a farm.
Children take stock of fruits, vegetables, and eggs picked fresh and ready for their first lunch on a farm.
A traditional riverboat ferries hotel guests to an organic farm on the opposite side of the river.
A traditional riverboat ferries hotel guests to an organic farm on the opposite side of the river.
A Cycling Hotel / Sleep, Eat, and Ride a Bicycle
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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Morrissey: Hip Hotel in Jakarta
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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

Four Tropical Houses Combined into a Resort in Tranquil Living
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Four Tropical Houses Combined into a Resort in Tranquil Living

 /  Uthai Thani, Thailand /

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

/ Photographs: Damrong Leeviroj, Xaroj Phrawong /

“Saving every tree on the property” is the motto from this resort owner. Studio Miti designed these tropical houses that blend in with the forest, as architecture that fuses modern and traditional Thai tropical living styles.

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The house-on-stilts design allows nature to permeate and ensures good air circulation. Plenty of under-floor spaces allow small vegetation to thrive.

At a glance, the houses conjure up images of little houses in the big woods. Four beautiful and tranquil tropical houses are nestled in a surrounding forestland of northwestern Uthai Thani.

This house-becomes-hotel is the brainchild of the owner, Chantita and Paisan Kusonwatthan. They started re-growing and restoring the area some thirty years ago. Later when development began in earnest in 1996, the area was meant to be their retirement home.

Through hard work and dedication, the property grew to become a lush woodland full of vitality. It gave rise to the idea of opening it to the public.

Now the post-retirement project becomes a resort, appropriately named “Bansuan Chantita.” Bansuan is Thai for garden home.

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The architect of the project, Prakij Kanha of Studio Miti, explains:

“First and foremost, we set out to save every tree on the property. It is our duty and responsibility to find common ground between nature and architecture.”

In the design process, the architect took great pains to measure every space among the trees. The average area was then used as the basis for designing homes on the property.

Only after that did the design team begin work on the design concept. The project took the form of a “plus” symbol as its layout.

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The tropical living house design and remain Thai lifestyle by design terrace in front of the house.

“The plus symbol plans fit in well amongst the trees. The result was perfect harmony between architecture and the existing natural environment. The design scheme was about putting together five rooms, all of which are easily accessible from the central court,” explained Prakij.

“The four homes come complete with wood decks, seating spaces, bedrooms, and bathrooms. The house-on-stilts design keeps them elevated from the forest floor.

“Each home is set at a different level to promote good air circulation through the hotel property. It is the different level design that creates an enchanting aesthetic.”

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All living spaces are designed to be proportionate with one another in size, amount, and frequency of use. Different spaces are designed with different needs in mind.

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The design scheme calls for the four tropical houses to be conveniently linked by a system of wood passageways winding through the lush botanical garden setting. From the outside in, the resort looks and feels like it is an inextricable part of the forest in the backdrop.

By emulating the Thai-style design, the architect ensures that no space goes to waste. Small vegetation thrives on the forest floor below. Crisp, cool breezes are ever present, and nature permeates everywhere.

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Inspired by the Thai-style house design, the wood deck provides a lot of nature at the doorsteps and easy access to all parts of the hotel.

The house’s exterior walls and outdoor decks are made of recycled wood. The preference was based on two reasons.

First, it was a smart move because the price was right. Second, it creates a warm and enchanting atmosphere in the midst of nature.

Recycled wood still shows signs of use, while painted surfaces in a variety of colors serve as camouflage clothing that blends in with the surroundings.

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The owners, Paisan and Chantita, on the wood deck of their little homes in the big tropical  woods

Somehow it is the roofing made of steel sheets that often go unnoticed. Asked why he chose steel over other roofing materials, the architect said:

“If boats made of steel can float on water, likewise roofs crafted of steel can effectively keep the weather out.

“Steel construction is expedient especially where roofing is composed of multiple parts. Such is the case here.”

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What makes these tropical houses stand out is the understanding of nature and the knowledge to incorporate it into the design scheme. The garden paradise is an escape into nature.

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Owner: Chantita and Paisan Kusonwatthan.

Architect: Prakij Kanha of Studio Miti (www.studiomiti.com)

 

 

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