ArchShowcase Sumit Singhal
Sumit Singhal loves modern architecture. He comes from a family of builders who have built more than 20 projects in the last ten years near Delhi in India. He has recently started writing about the architectural projects that catch his imagination. Plearnwan in Huahin, Thailand by Openbox Architects co.,ltdApril 19th, 2018 by Sumit Singhal
Article source: Openbox Architects co.,ltd It all started with the owner’s dream to create a “place” for lively and colorful activities on an old family land. The development should reflect memorable unique style. Also, the development should be able to handle broad variety of activities. With no other preconceived ideas about the appearance, the owner came to OPENBOX with the first concept keyword, “Ngan Wat” (Temple festival). Then, we began by studying the site and develop “Ngan Wat” into tangible images and forms.
Problems and constraints in Design With the frontage of 16.0 m, along side of ordinary shop houses, and the overall length of 148.5m towards the back, the site is both small and odd shaped. The overall proportion of the site is very challenging. The location is on the main road to Huahin, but nowhere near the beach or any other attractive features. This is not ideal for developing a place to draw a lot of crowd and activities. Design is about resolving problem creatively. Unique problems bring out unique design. Creative Economy concept was brought up to solve problem creatively and make the development standout from the rest. Then, the style and the physical appearance has been studied through extensive research. The retro era of Thailand from1950’ to 1960’s was agreed to be the most colorful, enjoyable and romantic period that still have great nostalgic impact until today. Finally, the concept has evolved from “Temple Festival” to “Eco, Retro Village” displayed as a “Live museum”. Master Plan, Architecture and Landscape that work together seamlessly to deliver the concept powerfully Master planning began with placing sequences of feeling, experience and activities, and then the main open space is placed in the center, completely surrounded by buildings and landscape to contain and intensify feelings and experiences. Alignments and axis of buildings were twitched and tilted, create the illusion of larger space that it actually is. The front building was to capture attention by stretching across the 16.0m wide frontage. The space through the front building creates the effect of a “gate” or “time tunnel”, bringing visitors back in another time and place. The exterior is clad by old and rustic materials, as the interior is heavily decorated for surreal and photogenic effect. Landform is gradually raised from entrance towards the back to create a lower floor for parking and service. Despite differences in levels throughout the development, wheelchair can easily access all area. Openbox Architects OPENBOX Architects (OPNBX) has been founded in 2004 by NUI Ratiwat Suwannatrai and PRANG Wannaporn Suwanntrai, architect and landscape architect / husband and wife. The design studio has been formed, based on the core belief that architecture and landscape should be designed and perceived as one. For the past decade, OPNBX has been involved in numerous projects of various types, that illustrate the importance of unified concept, boldness and harmony between architectures and their surroundings. Contact Openbox Architects co.,ltd
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