TIDA AWARDS 2019
BEST OF PRESERVATION DESIGN
INTEGRATED FIELD (IF)
PHOTO: PANORAMICSTUDIO
(For Thai, press here)
Amidst the rapid changes that have been taking place in Phaya Thai area after the development of infrastructure such as the Airport Rail Link, resting among the sea of concrete is a two story wooden house turned hostel that tells the many stories and memories of Bangkok.
The approach Integrated Field (IF) takes with the design focuses on preserving the original structure of the house. All the interior wooden walls were polished and repainted to strengthen their usability. Some of the windows are kept with additional glass openings added to the program to help bring natural light into the interior spaces. The designer readjusts the entire floor plan to accommodate the functionalities of a hostel. Each unit of the bed is designed to have compartments and a personal workspace, offering more spatial alternatives for the guests.
The space between the two buildings is where the new steel structure is situated. The novel addition functions as a reception terrace where hostel’s guests may hang out and enjoy meals. The suspended rope floor at the mezzanine offers another resting area for the guests. The black steel symbolizes the present time and modernity, while functionally it serves as a bridge that connects to the old wooden structure that represents the past. Collectively, the entire architectural program is designed to generate new conversations and introduces visitors to another side of Bangkok they may not have known.
