Located in Samut Prakan province, this Café is a part of The Pomelo Amphawa master plan which is composed of 5 buildings that are integrated into the garden plots and greenery in the site. Situated in the lychee garden, the café is oriented toward the nearby Mekong River on the North which is also an ideal direction for avoiding strong daylight in tropical countries. The location was chosen carefully to preserve the existing trees.
The design explores the relationship of geometry. We introduce a rectangular interior space that is embraced by a concrete circular amphitheater. Without front or back, the building is free to be approached from all directions while taking advantages of the surrounding landscape. Inspired by the traditional Thai house, the space under the amphitheater resembles “Taithun” (a semi-outdoor space under a Thai House) where public activities can be engaged during daytime while being protected from the sunlight. Skylights are punctured through the amphitheater, embracing the existing trees, and allows natural light to penetrate into Taithun. In the evening and night, the upper part of the amphitheater can be fully used for public events that face toward the river scenery. This design language allows the architecture to be active day-and-night.
The utilization on the circular amphitheater includes two types of seats: wooden benches among concrete stairs and hanging net on the punctured area. Moreover, planters are placed along the edge of the amphitheater which determines the usable area, rather than creating railings.
The space utilization of various height scales under Taithun is defined by furniture placement and human interaction. Suspended swings mark the start of the low ceiling area while loose furniture is placed behind that boundary.
The interior space is designed as a flexible open plan with central pantry island enclose the space yet remain visual connection. Columns are clad by recycled teak planks mimicking those surrounding trees.
The result of an architecture design creates an all-day accessible public space and an iconic landmark that sits harmoniously with its surrounding landscape.
