Located in Rama 9, Bangkok, the Floating Garden House for Seniors by FLAT12x is a three-story residence designed on a compact 70-square-wah urban plot. The project addresses spatial constraints through vertical organization, with cantilevered balconies that extend outward to create alternating garden terraces on each floor.

These balconies serve dual purposes: they provide space for small-scale gardening in a dense urban context and function as passive shading devices that protect the interiors from sun and rain in Bangkok’s tropical climate. Additional climate-responsive features include wide roof overhangs and aluminum lattice screens, which enhance ventilation, regulate daylight, and ensure privacy.

all images by DOF SkyGround

interior design by FLAT12x prioritizes senior living

The interior design prioritizes senior living by maintaining clear circulation, barrier-free layouts, and direct access to outdoor spaces on each level. Every floor integrates greenery, encouraging daily interaction with natural light and plants. A sustainable approach continues within the interior, where existing furniture has been repaired and reintroduced rather than replaced. The design team at FLAT12x restores tables, chairs, and the family’s bed for continued use, embedding memory and familiarity into the living environment while reducing waste.

By combining cantilevered garden balconies with adaptive reuse of materials, the house demonstrates how architecture can integrate climate-responsive design, sustainability, and well-being within the limitations of a compact urban site.

Floating Garden House by FLAT12x sits on a compact plot in Rama 9, Bangkok

the three-story residence uses vertical organization to address limited land

each level incorporates space for small-scale gardening in an urban context

garden terraces also function as passive shading devices

balconies protect interiors from direct sun and heavy tropical rains

aluminum lattice screens regulate daylight and enhance ventilation

wide roof overhangs improve climate comfort by blocking heat and glare

cantilevered balconies extend outward to form alternating garden terraces

every floor maintains direct access to greenery and outdoor spaces

project info:

name: 4396 Floating Garden House For The Senior

architect: FLAT12x | @flat12x_

location: Bangkok, Thailand

photographer: DOF SkyGround | @dofskyground

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

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Located in a suburban area of Bangkok, the Reborn House project by DARE – Design Arena + Research sits in a village split by a new public road, transforming a serene area into a busy district. The 30-year-old house, influenced by Thailand’s early modern style with compartmentalized rooms, complex hip roofs, and wooden elements, required a transformation to address the loss of privacy, security, and green space caused by urban disruption. The clients requested a refreshed design and a new spatial experience that encourages family interaction while preserving the house’s spirit.

Recognizing the material value and the aesthetic of craftsmanship, existing key elements, such as the roof, wooden staircase, parquet flooring, and curved wall, are preserved. Rather than blending old and new, the design sets up a visual contrast to create a dialogue. A light-toned palette highlights and elevates the existing features, celebrating them as sculptural presences within a refreshed setting.

all images by Rungkit Charoenwat

DARE transforms a 30-year-old house into an open, social space

The design team at DARE – Design Arena + Research reimagines formerly compartmentalized rooms into an open, light-filled space that fosters family connection. A southwest bedroom prone to heat gain is relocated to the first floor, and its floor plate is removed. This results in a unified double-height space that allows visual and social connections across levels while reintroducing the once-hidden staircase as a sculptural centerpiece. Large openings are introduced for ventilation, natural light, and garden views, while solid walls on the southwest side block intense heat and provide privacy from a new construction site. The entrance, with a stepped planter and a terrace, resolves the existing level change. Meanwhile, other bedrooms, service areas, and sanitary systems are retained to minimize construction cost and waste.

the transformation preserves the house’s harmonic relationship with the neighboring houses

Curved walls and fences reference the village’s existing forms

The facade design emphasizes a simple yet strong expression. Chosen for its translucency, ease of installation, lightness, affordability, and weather resistance, the textile facades gently diffuse daylight and cast soft shadows while providing privacy. They create a reversal at night, glowing softly to give the house a distinctive presence. A combination of solid wall fence and white aluminum louvers provides privacy and security while balancing visibility and interaction with the neighbors. Inspired by the existing curved elements in the village, the curvature of the facades and fences connects the house to its context through a contemporary language.

Addressing the diminishing greenery caused by urban encroachment, the design maximizes green space by preserving an existing garden and trees on the northeast, introducing new ones around the house, and creating a dedicated green pocket along the sculpted fence for sharing visual and ecological benefits with the neighbors. The removal of the front lower roof expands the entrance, transforming it into a more open and welcoming space. In return, its existing beams on the second floor are repurposed as planters, creating vertical greening. The result is a sensitive dialogue between memory and modernity where family interaction is fostered through open and connected space.

large openings are introduced for ventilation, natural light, and garden views

an open space is introduced to establish visual connections both vertically and horizontally

the existing staircase is revealed as a sculptural centerpiece

compartmentalized rooms transformed into open, social space

a light-toned palette highlights the staircase

the facade diffuses harsh daylight and enhances privacy

the existing curved wall is preserved

the facade shifts downward, connecting the master bedroom with the surrounding greenery

white louvers balance privacy and neighborhood interaction

surrounded by greenery, the entrance sequence begins with a stair and stepped planter, leading to a terrace

project info:

name: Reborn House
architect: DARE – Design Arena + Research | @design.arena.and.research

location: Bangkok, Thailand

photographer: Rungkit Charoenwat

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In Bangkok’s Siam Square, ASWA (Architectural Studio of Work – Aholic) inserts the Vela be Siam hotel that reflects and refracts the layered character of the neighborhood. The structure takes cues from traditional Thai domestic architecture and reinvents them through a vibrant material and vocabulary. On its stainless steel facade, shimmering chain links reinterpret the Pun-Lom, a carved wooden gable board found on Thai homes, and nod to mosquito netting once common over beds.

all images by Soopakorn Srisakul

bold colors saturate the spaces inside Vela be Siam

The double-height lobby of Vela be Siam is anchored by an orange, pebble-like reception desk set against a vivid green backdrop, setting an animated tone from the outset. Here, the Bangkok-based team of ASWA constructs not a stage for social interaction. The chromatic intensity continues throughout the communal zones, most notably in the yellow-and-black second-floor common area, visible from the lobby above, a flexible space intended for working, dining, or lounging. A pool bar at the rear of the building, nestled in lush greenery and soft water features, offers a rare moment of retreat within the city.

Each lift hall adopts a different bold color, helping guests navigate the vertical stack of floors while enhancing the playful experience of moving through the building. This vibrant approach is echoed on the railings that line the circulation spaces, extending the color coding across levels. As guests move toward their rooms, however, the tones begin to soften, with muted palettes promoting a sense of calm without entirely shedding their lighthearted character — colorful bathroom tiles, for example, maintain a touch of surprise.

a facade that reinterprets traditional Thai architectural elements

stainless steel chain links cover the exterior of the hotel

guests are welcomed by a vibrant interior lobby

an orange, pebble-like reception desk centers the lobby

a relaxing pool bar offers a serene setting for every guest to rest

the playful lift hall on the second floor displays a playful design

a yellow and black common area on the second floor includes spaces for working, dining, and playing

the colors also continue on the railing all along every floor

different colors give each level its unique character

the guest room provides a harmonious blend of energy and tranquility

the chain links reinterpret the mosquito nets that Thai people used to cover their beds while sleeping

the vivid hue of the hotel’s common area lights up the surroundings

project info:

name: Vela be Siam hotel
architect: ASWA (Architectural Studio of Work – Aholic)

location: Bangkok, Thailand

area: 2,500 square meters

interior design: ASWA (Architectural Studio of Work – Aholic) 

photographer: Soopakorn Srisakul | @soopakornsrisakul

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: thomai tsimpou | designboom

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Located in the San Phisuea district of Chiang Mai, Thailand, Single Origin Store Chiangmai is an adaptive reuse project designed by FLAT12x. The scheme converts an existing residential building into a functioning micro roastery for the coffee brand, expanding upon design principles first established in its flagship location near Chiang Mai’s Phae Gate.

The project emphasizes locality and material authenticity, integrating the structure with its natural context. The architectural form is kept low and linear, with deep roof overhangs that provide shade and protection from seasonal rain. A combination of large openings and passive design strategies enables cross-ventilation and visual continuity with the surrounding garden. The roof’s pitch and orientation are designed to minimize solar gain while allowing consistent natural illumination. Locally sourced materials are used throughout the project to reduce environmental impact and reinforce connections to regional craft traditions. Neutral finishes, ceramic tile textures, and tactile surface treatments define the café’s interior palette.

all images by BKKgrapher

FLAT12x constructs custom coffee bar from local hardwood

Inside, a custom-built coffee bar constructed from local hardwood anchors the main space. A stepped-down floorplate introduces a sunken seating area, where coffee beans are used as ground cover beneath the stairs, creating both a sensory and visual reference to the store’s function. The architects at FLAT12x arrange this configuration to enhance spatial layering, promoting fluid movement between different zones for communal and individual activities. Seating is arranged to support various modes of use, including informal reading, tasting sessions, and small group interaction. Natural and artificial lighting is calibrated to shift the ambiance throughout the day, drawing attention to the material finishes and creating a responsive interior atmosphere. The design of Single Origin Store Chiangmai creates a space that supports the brand’s focus on origin, process, and craft through its architectural language.

Single Origin Store Chiangmai is located in the residential San Phisuea district of Chiang Mai, Thailand

the café adapts a former house into a functioning micro roastery for the coffee brand

FLAT12x leads the architectural design, emphasizing reuse and local context

a low-profile form blends into the site’s residential surroundings

deep roof overhangs offer protection from sunlight and seasonal rainfall

the building is oriented to minimize solar heat gain while maintaining natural light

coffee beans cover the floor beneath the stairs, referencing the store’s roastery function

ceramic tiles and tactile finishes create a neutral and textured interior palette

large openings promote cross-ventilation and connect the interior with the garden

the stepped-down seating area introduces varied spatial levels in the café

a custom coffee bar made from local hardwood serves as the interior focal point

natural and artificial lighting highlight the material qualities of the space

Single Origin Store offers a calm and grounded environment rooted in local design values

project info:

name: Single Origin Store Chiangmai
architect: FLAT12x | @flat12x_

location: San Phisuea, Chiang Mai, Thailand

photographer: BKKgrapher | @bkkgrapher

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Located adjacent to the existing Chai Thung Restaurant, Morjor Café was conceived by Studio Bewell as an extension to accommodate additional visitors while maintaining the spatial and atmospheric continuity of the original site. The new café sits partially over a pond and integrates local materials and construction knowledge drawn from Dan Kwian, a village renowned for its pottery traditions in the Korat region of Thailand. The architectural approach centers on the reinterpretation of Dan Kwian’s terracotta, a material selected for its availability, durability, and cultural relevance. Characterized by its bronze-like tones, ranging from deep red-browns to near black, the terracotta is fired at high temperatures without added pigments, producing a natural and consistent palette that defines the café’s material language.

Terracotta roof tiles, cut-edge and installed at a slight incline, reference the geometry of the nearby restaurant roof while adapting it into a contemporary architectural form. This roof treatment, along with terracotta floor tiling, creates material continuity across surfaces. In addition, red solid bricks were assembled along a curved entry route. This design move, inspired by the forms of traditional pottery, scales down the approach to the building and establishes a threshold that connects the built structure to the surrounding natural context.

all images courtesy of Studio Bewell

Morjor Café Embeds Regional Ceramic Traditions in Design

Internally, the café floor features white terrazzo incorporating fragments of terracotta grade B tiles sourced from local factories. These fragments, repurposed and rearranged by local craftsmen, form a distinctive surface that highlights both reuse and artisanal input. A notable feature of the design is the use of jor, ceramic saggars traditionally employed during firing processes in Dan Kwian kilns. Typically serving as support containers to protect more delicate pottery in the kiln, these utilitarian forms are recontextualized as sculptural objects within the café. Their inclusion offers a direct material reference to local ceramic production, integrating function, history, and spatial narrative.

Through site-sensitive planning and material reuse, Morjor Café by architectural practice Studio Bewell reflects a broader strategy of working with local knowledge systems and craft-based materials. The project serves as both a functional public space and a quiet documentation of regional ceramic practices, embedded within the architecture itself.

Morjor Café sits partially over a pond, extending Chai Thung Restaurant

the café was designed as an integrated expansion, maintaining the original site’s ambiance

local terracotta from Dan Kwian forms the project’s core material palette

cut-edge terracotta roof tiles are set at a subtle incline, echoing traditional forms

a curved brick path at the entrance draws from traditional pottery shapes

Studio Bewell collaborated with local craftspeople from Korat’s ceramic community

red solid bricks help scale the approach and connect to the surrounding landscape

the café emphasizes reuse of grade B materials to reduce waste and support artisans

every material element contributes to a quiet narrative of reuse and craft

project info:

name: Morjor Café

architect: Studio Bewell | @studio.bewell
lead architects: Nattarapong Pitaktanin, Wannaleela Choosakun
location: Korat, Thailand

area: 153 sqm

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

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Heatherwick Studio reveals the design for Hatai, a mixed-use development in Bangkok, marking the firm’s first project in Thailand. Situated on the site of the original Narai Hotel in the city’s Silom neighborhood, the scheme integrates two new hotels with a public plaza, canal restoration, and open-air community programs.

The architecture draws from the material and symbolic qualities of traditional Thai lanterns. Vertical structures are conceived as stacked volumes, their surfaces textured and articulated to diffuse light and soften the development’s silhouette against the city’s sharp commercial skyline. The composition introduces a layered rhythm that contrasts the blank, repetitive facades common in the area.

‘There’s a richness to Thailand’s culture and historic architecture, but the anonymous, blank severity of many so-called modern buildings in Bangkok does not speak to this at all,’ Thomas Heatherwick explains. ‘We wanted to do something that connects with the country’s heritage in a deeper way and builds detail, feeling and story back into the city.’

Heatherwick Studio reveals its first project in Thailand, sited in Bangkok’s Silom district | images © DEVISUAL

Integrating Public space and Native planting

Hatai will house both a new Narai Hotel and a Six Senses hotel, totaling over 300 guest rooms. Amenities include a wellness center, ballroom, and conference facilities. The upper volumes are designed to appear light and luminous, while the lower levels are rooted in a denser program of activity that ties into the surrounding street life.

At ground level, the design by Heatherwick Studio prioritizes public access and engagement in Bangkok, Thailand. The open plaza is shaded by a wide canopy structure and interspersed with native planting to create a more temperate microclimate within the dense urban setting. A once-buried canal is set to be restored, reintroducing flowing water into the landscape and offering a contemplative counterpoint to the city’s pace.

Additional elements in the public realm will include a shrine, event space, children’s nursery, and a traditional open-air market. These programs reflect the studio’s intent to embed civic infrastructure within the development, allowing it to serve as more than a hospitality project.

the architecture is inspired by the craft and glow of traditional Thai lanterns

heatherwick studio learns from Culture of thailand

According to Thomas Heatherwick, the studio approaches the commission with sensitivity to Thailand’s architectural heritage, aiming to offer an alternative to the region’s increasingly homogenous high-rise developments. The design of Hatai is shaped by local craft traditions while incorporating new construction methods to support complex mixed-use functions.

A network of elevated walkways will further integrate the site into the surrounding neighborhood, improving pedestrian movement and offering shaded paths between buildings. With 5,200 square meters of new public space, the project is framed as both an architectural gesture and an urban intervention. Hatai is currently under development and is expected to open in 2028.

a stacked composition of illuminated forms softens the outline of the Bangkok skyline

the ground level features a green public plaza with native planting and a restored canal

project info:

name: Hatai

architect: Heatherwick Studio | @officialheatherwickstudio

location: Bangkok, Thailand

completion: expected 2028

visualizations: © DEVISUAL | @devisualchina

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Athita Pool Villa and Spa, designed by Studio Miti, draws upon vernacular Thai architectural principles to inform its layout and material choices. Located in Chiang Saen, a historic town along the Mekong River, the project adopts traditional design language to integrate with its surrounding context while maintaining a clear programmatic organization. The architectural layout references the organic structure of local settlements, particularly the irregular yet navigable street patterns of Chiang Saen. This approach is applied to the hotel’s internal circulation, where pathways echo the community’s meandering alleys, enhancing spatial continuity without imposing symmetry. The arrangement intentionally avoids strict formalism, instead favoring a system that supports spatial layering and calm movement throughout the site.

The design is divided into two main architectural typologies: brick volumes and timber-clad structures. The brick volumes, placed at the front of the site, house public functions including the spa and massage facilities. These elements act as a buffer between the street and the more private pool villas located deeper within the property. The use of brick references ancient city walls and religious structures found throughout the region. These walls also provide visual and acoustic insulation, contributing to the retreat-like character of the site.

all images by Pirak Anurakyawachon – Spaceshift Studio

Brick and timber construct Athita Pool Villa and Spa

The private villas are enclosed by vertical timber louver panels, an adaptation of traditional Chiang Saen house facades. These panels enable controlled privacy while allowing filtered light and ventilation. The semi-open character of the villas supports a connection to the exterior environment, offering views of the sky and maintaining a quiet atmosphere. Both brick and timber elements are constructed using updated methods, allowing traditional materials to be expressed through a contemporary architectural lens. Rather than replicating historical styles, Studio Miti’s design team employs these elements as frameworks for reinterpretation, aligning the building with its historical and cultural setting while maintaining functional clarity.

Athita Pool Villa and Spa extends the architectural direction of ‘Athita: The Hidden Court Chiang Saen Boutique Hotel’ and continues its emphasis on spatial calm and contextual relevance. The project situates new construction within a landscape of continuity, reinforcing material familiarity and formal restraint.

brick volumes mark the public-facing edge of Athita Pool Villa and Spa

brick walls evoke the region’s ancient religious structures

circulation paths mimic the meandering alleys of local settlements

vertical wooden panels reinterpret traditional house facades

public areas are positioned as a buffer along the site’s front edge

villas are oriented to maintain visual and acoustic privacy

the spa and massage areas occupy the site’s brick volumes

materials reflect the character of Chiang Saen’s built heritage

the design references the organic street patterns of Chiang Saen

vernacular Thai architectural forms inform the building’s spatial logic

project info:

name: Athita pool villa and spa

architect: Studio Miti | @studiomiti_official

location: Chiang Saen, Thailand

lead architect: Mr. Padirmkiat Sukkan

design team: Mr. Thanwa Chantarasena, Ms. Suchanat Konggamnert, Mr. Thanai Mahakaew

interior team: Ms. Narinrat Chaichat, Ms. Praphavaree Khongchum

structural engineer: Mr. Chiwat Kaewkam, Mr. Phitsanu Bumroong

electrical engineer: Mr. Wutthikrai Srisukho

sanitary engineer: Ms. Siriluk Konkaew
photographer: Pirak Anurakyawachon – Spaceshift Studio | @spaceshiftstudio

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

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Chiangmai Life Architects unveils its latest bamboo creation, The Bull at Zabb e Lee, a pavilion set amidst the rice paddies on the outskirts of Chiang Mai in Thailand. Designed for a traditional Thai cooking school founded by a young local couple, the structure brings together food, architecture, and the expressive qualities of natural materials. The structure marks the third collaboration between the architects and Zabb e Lee Cooking School, following the popularity of their previous bamboo ‘sala’ buildings. 

The pavilion sits in a tight corner of the property, with a large tree on one side and a small pond on the other. It wasn’t an easy spot to build on, but the architects treated it as an opportunity. They came up with a U-shaped layout that wraps neatly around the edges of the site, making the most of the space without blocking the view of the surrounding rice fields. As they worked with the curves and flow of the design, a distinctive shape began to appear, one that resembled a bull’s head, complete with raised ‘horns’. These upward arches became the entrances to the building, giving the structure a strong, energetic presence.

images courtesy of Chiangmai Life Architects

domed bamboo vaults hosts The Bull at Zabb e Lee

Inside The Bull at Zabb e Lee, the layout supports the three main parts of the cooking school experience – food preparation, cooking, and communal dining. The Thai team of Chiangmai Life Architects arranges activities across three distinct yet interconnected spaces, which transition smoothly beneath a continuous vaulted roof. Overlapping arches made from bundled bamboo rods shape the structure and cross at its top, forming domed interiors with rhythm and lift.

This construction method allows the space to breathe, creating a light and open environment that feels more generous than its compact footprint suggests. With natural ventilation and framed views of the surrounding fields, the interior becomes a calm setting where students can focus, learn, and enjoy the process.

The use of raw bamboo, one of the studio’s signature materials, gives the pavilion a distinct warmth and character that connects it to local tradition and its natural surroundings. During the day, the pale tones and curved forms allow the building to blend into the rice field landscape. In the evening, soft lighting reveals the textures and details of the structure, turning it into a glowing presence that quietly anchors the site. 

the pavilion sits in a tight corner of the property

the pavilion is set amidst the rice paddies on the outskirts of Chiang Mai in Thailand

designed for a traditional Thai cooking school

the structure brings together food, architecture, and the expressive qualities of natural materials

making the most of the space without blocking the view of the surrounding rice fields

the layout supports the three main parts of the cooking school experience

Chiangmai Life Architects arranges activities across three distinct yet interconnected spaces

the spaces transition smoothly beneath a continuous vaulted roof

upward arches became the entrances to the building

overlapping arches made from bundled bamboo rods shape the structure

the pavilion resembles a bull’s head, complete with raised ‘horns’

the construction method allows the space to breathe

project info:

name: The Bull at Zabb e Lee Cooking School

architect: Chiangmai Life Architects | @chiangmailifearchitects

location: Chiang Mai, Thailand

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Located on a trapezoidal site in a medium-density suburb west of Bangkok, Casa T is a dual-purpose residence designed by SSAA for a tattoo artist. The project integrates two distinct programs within a single structure: a working atelier and a private family home.

Set on a trapezoidal site, the design turns its angular facade toward the adjacent main road, providing a visual and acoustic buffer for the spaces within. The building’s exterior geometry, defined by sharp lines and angular surfaces, draws reference from the precision inherent in tattoo artistry. The massing strategy emphasizes a monolithic form with selective openings toward internal courtyards, introducing daylight and vegetation into the interior spaces.

a street-facing solid facade reveals only a sharp cut | all images by Chakkraphob Sermphasit

SSAA’s design retains privacy while emphasizing visual openness

The atelier occupies the front portion of the house and is accessed via a concealed entrance. A double-height volume serves as the focal point of the workspace, introducing verticality and connecting to an internal courtyard. This spatial configuration allows natural light to penetrate deep into the interior while creating a controlled environment suitable for the nature of the craft. The material palette of the atelier is intentionally dark, drawing on inky tones that reference the artist’s medium, while internal finishes prioritize durability and ease of maintenance.

In contrast, the private residence is accessed separately and organized across two floors. It employs warmer materials and lighter tones, creating a distinct spatial character compared to the atelier. Private courtyards positioned along the plan provide filtered daylight and views of greenery, supporting a calm domestic environment. The layout prioritizes privacy while maintaining visual connections to the outdoors. Circulation between work and living zones is carefully managed to support both separation and proximity, allowing the resident to transition between professional and domestic activities as needed. By using spatial thresholds rather than rigid divisions, Casa T by SSAA architectural practice offers a nuanced balance between these two aspects of daily life.

the project sits on a trapezoidal site in a medium-density suburb west of the city

the entry is hidden behind the monolithic facade

a double-height volume anchors the atelier, bringing natural light and greenery into the space

dark finishes frame a sunken lounge, oriented toward the garden

material contrasts reinforce the distinction between the atelier and the residence

the concealed door sits flush within the dark wall, reinforcing the room’s geometric order

the atelier features a dark material palette with inky tones referencing the tattoo artist’s medium

a floating concrete stair step evolves to form a dining table

the private residence is arranged across two floors, accessed separately from the atelier

warmer materials and lighter tones create a distinct atmosphere in the living areas

cantilevered concrete stairs lead to the upper level of the home

a monolithic massing strategy defines the exterior form, punctuated by selective openings

sculptural form stands out within the streetscape

the building’s sharp lines and geometric surfaces reference the precision of tattoo artistry

project info:

name: Casa T
architect: SSAA | @ssaa_studio

design team: Sukatouch Songsombat, Sukrit Sukasam

area: 230 sqm

location: Bangkok, Thailand

photographer: Chakkraphob Sermphasit | @aacs.photo

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

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Located along the Chao Phraya River in Thailand, the Rarin Wedding Venue by ASWA (Architectural Studio of Work – Aholic) presents a circular architectural design that references the symbolic form of a wedding ring. The structure employs continuous curves to unify two adjacent courtyards, creating a spatial loop that links indoor and outdoor elements.

The primary entrance opens onto an enclosed oval courtyard that receives direct daylight through an open void extending vertically through the building. This design strategy enhances natural ventilation and illuminates the central space without mechanical systems. A spiral staircase situated in this courtyard provides vertical circulation, connecting guests to the second level while acting as an architectural focal point.

all images by SkyGround

ASWA’s design balances open and intimate spatial configurations

Programmatically, the second floor accommodates an engagement room and an adjacent restaurant. The restaurant has a seating capacity of approximately 80 and offers panoramic views of the river through a 180-degree glazed facade. This area can also be reconfigured for alternative event functions as needed.

On the ground floor, access to the main hall is defined by a path lit with linear ceiling lights, subtly guiding movement. The hall is designed to host both dining and dance events, balancing open spatial requirements with an intimate configuration. Toward the rear of the site, a large outdoor courtyard provides additional space for ceremonies or receptions. The design team at ASWA integrates landscape elements, including soft lawns and modular seating, to support various event setups and seasonal conditions.

the venue’s circular form evokes the symbolism of a wedding ring

The venue’s spatial planning allows for phased usage and future adaptation. A rooftop after-party bar is currently under development and scheduled for completion by the end of 2025. Overall, the design emphasizes circulation, flexibility, and the integration of indoor and outdoor environments, making the venue suitable for a range of event formats while maintaining a coherent architectural identity.

continuous curves unify the building’s two main courtyards

indoor-outdoor transitions define the venue’s spatial identity

the venue sits along the banks of Thailand’s Chao Phraya River

the wedding-ring-shaped structure connects the two open courtyards

the design prioritizes adaptability and coherence in a symbolic design

a centrally located, spiral staircase ascends to the second floor

upon arrival, guests enter through the main entrance outlined by an enclosed oval courtyard

at ground level, guests navigate through the ring-shaped entrance, guided by a ceiling lighting pattern

natural ventilation and daylight shape the core spatial experience

natural sunlight from the void brightens the engagement space

second floor includes an engagement room and river-view restaurant

a restaurant can be converted into additional event space, offering panoramic views of the Chao Phraya River

project info:

name: Rarin Wedding Venue

architects: ASWA (Architectural Studio of Work – Aholic) | @aswa_bangkok

design team: Phuttipan Aswakool, Chotiros Techamongklapiwat, Puwan Wattanajarungrat, Ananya Rakaphai, Peerada Porkaew, Napasorn Luengkiattikhun

area: 2,000 sqm

location: Bangkok, Thailand

photographer: SkyGround architectural film & photography | @dofskyground

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