“Home Ground Cafe and Restaurant” is a fusion eatery situated in the Chatuchak District of Bangkok Province, occupying a long, rectangular strip of land with road access from both the front and back, making it a prime location for a potential business venture.
The restaurant property has been located adjacent to the former residence of the family. This strategic decision to co-locate a public restaurant with a private residence was made by the project owner, with the aim of realizing maximum mutual benefit. The designer has taken this into consideration and has positioned the restaurant at the front corner of the land, while still ensuring that there is adequate distance from the original house, thereby creating a free space between them.
In the initial project proposal, the objective was to construct a restaurant building with a usable area of 185 square meters while adhering to budget constraints and ensuring ease of management. To achieve this, the designer has suggested locating the building close to the corner of the land. Its mass is carved into a rectangular form to avoid interrupting 3 existing trees. This form also ensures an open space and maximizes distance between the new restaurant and the existing house.
The building’s floor plan was designed with a triangular shape, resulting in some unusable space. To optimize the space, a mezzanine area can be added to create a multi-purpose area for hosting live music events and other activities. This would allow for the appropriate utilization of the space that was previously unoccupied.
The structure features a right-angled triangular roof that spans a single slope on the side that faces the existing residence. This design element not only provides a capacious interior ambience without the necessity of constructing a two-story edifice but also reduces the distance between the building and the primary dwelling from the vantage point of the latter. As a result, the building appearance can be conceived as a triangle from both plan and section.
The open space located between the two buildings has been thoughtfully designed to provide a vegetable garden area, which is shared by the residents. This approach aims to promote a sense of community and coexistence within the buildings. The well-designed landscape architecture allows for the space to be used for multiple purposes, making it an ideal area for both chefs and family members to prepare meals. Overall, the space has been designed to meet the needs of its users effectively and is well-suited for their use.
Due to budget constraints, the design team faced the challenge of creating a cost-effective solution for the construction. To address this, the team decided to source readily available materials from the market and incorporate an innovative installation technique. The use of brick blocks arranged in a diagonal line adds an element of playfulness while complementing the building’s shape, resulting in a design solution that is both functional and visually appealing. To produce a nuanced interplay of light and shadow, the designer has employed effective sound insulation measures on both the kitchen and road-facing walls in the ceiling area. Triangular rubber veneer sheets have been arranged parallel to the slope of the roof structure to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere akin to that of a home-cooked meal.
Incorporating Passive Design principles in building design is an essential concept for reducing energy consumption. The building should operate efficiently in sync with the weather conditions and the requirements of its users at all times.
Designed as an open plan, the interior planning and seating can be adjusted independently according to the hosted events. Windows are installed in both dining areas and kitchen for passive ventilation. Additionally, the roof’s slope provides shade throughout the day, effectively reducing heat inside the building, and creating a comfortable environment that can be utilized throughout the day, akin to dining under a shelter.
