Thailand's first prize winner, 'Pixel Cube' by Podsatorn Keela THE CONCEPTS OF 3 DESIGN PROJECTS FROM THAILAND WINNERS OF ASDA 2024, EACH PRESENTING A UNIQUE INTERPRETATION OF THE CONCEPT OF ‘HOME’ WITHIN THE THEME ‘HOME AWAY FROM HOME’ WHICH ARE TAILORED TO HOSPITALITY BATHROOM DESIGN
TEXT: NATHATAI TANGCHADAKORN
PHOTO COURTESY OF LIXIL EXCEPT AS NOTED
(For Thai, press here)
The bathroom: an essential, albeit often overlooked, component of any built environment. Its function is unwavering despite the evolving nature of architectural styles—facilitating the most basic human needs from sanitation to personal hygiene. It’s where we humans relieve themselves, wash their hands and faces, clean their teeth and bodies. Yet, as we dig deeper into the layers of daily routines, it’s evident that the role of a bathroom transcends mere functionality. Comfort, as it turns out, is paramount, though its definition varies markedly from one context to another. Consider the comfort found in one’s own bathroom—a sanctuary where waiting is often preferable to the alternatives found in public or unfamiliar settings. But what of comfort when away from home, traveling for days at a stretch?
Audrey Yeo, Leader, LIXIL Water Technology, Asia Pacific
“What defines a bathroom found at home is the balance and our preferences in the design, space, and practicality. A hospitality bathroom has to be designed to be stylish and functional, and still have broad appeal to many different types of travelers. But no matter the style, color, or decor choice, it is the sense of comfort that greets us every time we step into the room,” said Audrey Yeo, Leader, LIXIL Water Technology, Asia Pacific, about the differences and commonalities of bathrooms at home and in hotels.
Having acknowledged such aspect, American Standard Design Award (ASDA) 2024, makes it most recent return with the theme ‘Home Away From Home,’ inviting and challenging design students to rethink bathroom spaces within the hospitality sector, be it hotels, boutique hotels, or resorts—to not only serve the basic functions but also to evoke a sense of relaxation and inspiration for guests. The evaluation criteria remains the same, comprising four key aspects: Purposeful Design – addressing the functional needs, Inviting Style – aesthetic appeal of the design, Originality – unique perspectives and approaches, and Feasibility – practical usability of the design.
This year’s heightened participation from Thailand, with nearly a 40% increase from the first ASDA in 2022, responding to the goal of inspiring a new generation of designers. It also reflects American Standard’s long-standing philosophy of driving bathroom innovation through thoughtful design. Moreover, the competition serves as a vital platform for young talents, offering them a unique opportunity to engage directly with seasoned industry experts and top-tier designers.
Antoine Besseyre des Horts, Leader, LIXIL Global Design, Asia
“We do a lot of work with our local teams in the different markets, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, all these places where we really do spend a lot of time to try to understand the local customers. Right, So to balance that global appeal with local relevance. So it’s part of the strategy of our brands and an initiative like the American Standard Design Award competition is really, again, helping us to get those insights. So I’m always fascinated. When I look at the concepts from the students, I’m always amazed and surprised by how they basically utilize our products.” Antoine Besseyre des Horts, Leader, LIXIL Global Design, Asia stated.
(Left to right) Mai Ha Vo, winner of Vietnam; Davy Sophonn, winner of Cambodia; Ricardo Noel Bonalos, winner of Philippines; Podsatorn Keela, winner of Thailand; Luist Yansen, winner of Indonesia
In the finals of the Asia-Pacific Grand Prize, among six national winners, the entry ‘SereniScape Retreat: Your Personal Urban Oasis’ by Ricardo Noel Bonalos from the Philippines emerged victorious. The national prize for Thailand was awarded to ‘Pixel Cube’ by Podsatorn Keela from Khon Kaen University. The second prize went to ‘The Forest House’ by Apirada Siripanya from Rajamangala University of Technology Rattanakosin, while the third prize was awarded to ‘Mini Secret Base’ by Naphatchanan Chokthananitinan, also from Khon Kaen University. All three projects offered unique interpretations of the theme ‘Home Away From Home,’ despite being developed under the same brief. Each entry retained originality that could endlessly inspire new ideas.
Photo: Ketsiree Wongwan
Thailand’s first prize: Pixel Cube
by Podsatorn Keela from Khon Kaen University
In the vast array of homes, each one remains distinct, extending naturally to their bathrooms. Capturing the essence of ‘flexibility,’ Podsatorn pairs this theme seamlessly with the notion of ‘comfort,’ a sanctuary one yearns for upon returning to the privacy of their own bathroom. The Pixel Cube innovatively allows travelers to personalize their spaces, turning each bathroom into a blank canvas primed for individual expression. The dominant use of white enhances this concept, offering a serene backdrop for personalization.
The interior design introduces a layer of clear, cubic boxes measuring 30x30x40 cm, installed behind the bathroom walls with an integrated lighting system. These boxes serve multiple functions: from storage compartments to retractable steps for children or even temporary seating. Adjacent to the shower area, the wall transforms the space’s ambiance, creating a visual connection with the natural surroundings outside.
“Hotel bathrooms must cater to a diverse range of users, resonating deeply with my design philosophy. This inclusivity is at the core of Pixel Cube, designed to accommodate individuals across all ages,” Podsatorn noted.
Supporting the core concept, the selected fixtures and sanitaryware integrate advanced technology and aesthetics. The dry area features a Sensacell system, where sensors embedded in the floor respond to footsteps, activating a sequence of LED lights that complement and light up the walls. The bases of the washbasins cleverly conceal lighting mechanisms, all adjustable via a smart mirror, enhancing both functionality and style. The sleek, modern look of the sanitary fixtures is deliberately chosen to encourage users to add their personal touch.
Podsatorn’s approach is both fresh and profound. Pixel Cube redefines comfort, not merely through traditional luxury but by mitigating discomfort and infusing elements of fun and personalization. “My aim was to design a space that truly meets the needs of every user,” Podsatorn explains. “Thus, I envisioned the bathroom as a white canvas, a space where individuals can define and articulate their own sense of home.”
Podsatorn Keela with his project ‘Pixel Cube’ | Photo: Ketsiree Wongwan
Thailand’s second prize: The Forest House
by Apirada Siripanya from Rajamangala University of Technology Rattanakosin
What conditions best enable the profound relaxation that a home ought to provide? Designers often turn to one overwhelmingly effective answer: nature. Apirada deftly merges the concepts of sparse and deep forests in her bathroom design, establishing clearly differentiated zones that harness natural patterns and materials to transform routine bathroom use into a progressively soothing experience.
“Humanity has resided in natural shelters since the dawn of time,” Apirada begins. “Research indicates that proximity to forests enhances positive mental states and stimulates the release of happy hormones. It’s this primal connection that inspired me to weave nature deeply into the fabric of this design, crafting a tranquil retreat for every guest.”
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In the dry area of The Forest House, a duo of washbasins and a toilet are set against a backdrop of vertically aligned, light wood finishes. This design choice reflects the tall, narrow tree trunks of sparse forests, providing the first visual contact for users. Apirada expertly pairs this wood with travertine countertops, achieving a harmonious integration accented by the contrasting grays of gravel and the deep black of the walls in the wet area. This careful juxtaposition ensures each space maintains a unique character while coalescing into a cohesive aesthetic.
The wet area, conceptualized as a ‘forested watershed,’ diverges from the expected lush greenery. Instead, it introduces elements like boulders and flowing water, creating a moisture-rich environment that sets a pleasant, relaxing mood. Central to this scene is a strikingly white bathtub, encased in a black cave-like enclosure crafted using advanced 3D printing technologies—a stark, visually compelling contrast to the natural scenery visible beyond. Apirada notes the forward-looking potential of using soil in 3D printing, pointing to a fertile ground for future architectural innovation.
“To design within the context of a boutique resort is to already prioritize atmosphere,” Apirada added, further explaining her approach. “My goal is to infuse the hotel with uniqueness, employing pure forms and materials that vividly embody the concept and thematic focus.”
Apirada Siripanya with her project ‘The Forest House’ | Photo: Ketsiree Wongwan
Thailand’s third prize: Mini Secret Base
by Naphatchanan Chokthananitinan from Khon Kaen University
Home is one of the most intimate refuges for human beings. It’s why the feeling of being at home brings great joy and comfort to many. And one’s intimate, private space can take various forms: from bedrooms and bathrooms to the snug corners where they feel safe and at ease. The Mini Secret Base reimagines home as a childhood sanctuary—a secret headquarters hidden from the outside world. With many people treating bathrooms as their own private, safe spaces, fusing these two spatial realms proposes a novel yet not entirely unfamiliar idea.
“People who visit hotels or resorts are inherently in pursuit of new experiences,” observed Naphatchanan. “That becomes a challenge for me to dare to create something new and truly unique.”
Naphatchanan’s design cleverly employs partition walls to create distinct yet interconnected spaces. It separates the toilet from the shower, establishing a discrete unit, while an elevated area above becomes a lounge accessible by a dual-purpose shelving unit that serves as steps. This layout is designed to minimize interruptions, thereby enhancing the utility of the space. The Mini Secret Base maintains a cohesive aesthetic through uniform patterns and materials, while facilitating visual access in areas in ways that do not bring discomfort or awkwardness to users.
In this design, the bathroom ceiling stretches up to 3.6 meters, with architectural elements that introduce decorative details above the bathtub to counteract the sense of openness, while soft curves lend the space a warm, inviting feel. Below, the toilet area features a lower ceiling with reflective aluminum surfaces to alleviate any feelings of confinement, expanding the perceived space. This thoughtful approach transforms ordinary bathroom visits into a delightful exploration, especially for families with young members.
“The inspiration for this design stemmed from the idea of childhood hideouts,” Naphatchanan added. “My goal was to recreate that sense of ease and retreat, reminiscent of days spent in makeshift cardboard forts, which were like private sanctuaries perfectly contoured to our smaller selves; a refuge that brings great contentment.”
Naphatchanan Chokthananitinan with her project ‘Mini Secret Base’ | Photo: Ketsiree Wongwan
So there you have it; the works from the three ASDA Thailand 2024 winners. Each design articulates a distinct interpretation of ‘home,’ extending narratives to their visions of what a hotel can embody, including its strong appeal. For those interested in further creative insights, additional works from other national winners are available for review on the official website: https://asda.americanstandard-apac.com/winners-2024
(Left to right) Wiwat Surapatananon, Leader, Thailand, LIXIL Water Technology; Apirada Siripanya; Loy Liangwei, Leader, Brand Marketing, American Standard, LIXIL Water Technology APAC; Podsatorn Keela; Naphatchanan Chokthananitinan and Tarini Pimolsri, Leader, Brand and Marketing Communication Thailand, LIXIL Water Technology