GET TO KNOW A DESIGN STUDIO WITH EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE ACROSS A RANGE OF PROJECT TYPES THAT FOCUSES ON CREATING ‘SATHAN’ TO CREATE A ‘COMFORTABLE LIVING ENVIRONMENT’ IN A POST-MODERN TROPICAL STYLE

TEXT & PHOTO COURTESY OF SA-THANN ARCHITECTS EXCEPT AS NOTED

(For Thai, press here)

WHO

The design studio ‘Sa-Thann Architects’ derives its name from the Thai word ‘Sa-Thann,’ which signifies a space, area, or architectural zone that people can occupy and live. At the same time, it conveys a sense of ‘place,’ reflecting the culture and lifestyle of the local community. Therefore, Sa-Thann Architects represents a collective of architects dedicated to creating spaces that foster a comfortable and appropriate living environment, harmoniously tailored to the context in an aesthetically pleasing way.

WHAT

Sa-Thann Architects is a design studio specialising in architecture and interior design, with extensive experience across a range of project types, including private residences, hotels, real estate developments and clubhouses, restaurants, cafés, schools, theatre stages, dental clinics, exhibition and urban development projects aimed at tourism. Our design philosophy is based on a postmodern tropical approach to create a ‘comfortable living environment’. The studio was founded by two architects, Pontt-Schyutt Warachatdacha and Fax-Chayapol Plianchobtham.

WHEN

Sa-Thann Architects was founded in 2021

WHERE

Sa-Thann Architects is situated in Bangkok, Thailand.

WHY

Sa-Thann Architects is deeply committed to creating an uplifting environment for residents. To achieve this, we prioritise every step of the design process, including planning layouts that allow each space to receive ample natural light and ventilation, as well as carefully selecting materials and textures in order to create a distinctive living and functional experience.

How do you define your own style of work?

Postmodern Tropical Style

What inspires you and what principles do you apply to each project?

Our inspiration often stems from designing in response to, and in harmony with, the unique context of each project. This includes factors such as sunlight, wind, and rain, user behaviours, landscape characteristics, and the surrounding art and culture. These considerations lead to creativity, distinctiveness, and creating an identity in the architecture and spaces we design.

Which project are you most proud of and why?

Each project is a source of pride for us. However, we would like to share about the ‘Ocean Man Cafe’ project in Khao Lak, Phang Nga—a project that authentically embodies the essence of Sa-Thann Architects. Given its location at the first turn to Khao Lak from Phuket Airport, we designed this place to serve as a gateway to Khao Lak, a welcoming space for visitors.

The interior of Ocean Man Cafe is crafted to immerse guests in the serene, natural atmosphere of Khao Lak. Brick was chosen as the main material, symbolising nature beauty over time. We reinterpreted the classic architectural element of the ‘arched gateway,’ simplifying it into a series of inverted arches of varying heights, metaphorically representing waves. This row of arches also acts as a welcoming screen, providing privacy from the public road. Additionally, the concrete roof is designed to be thin, giving the structure a light, open feel that does not obstruct views of the mature trees surrounding the project.

Which part of the process do you enjoy the most during work?

We most enjoy the initial stages of the design process, as it allows us to explore all the possibilities of the project from a variety of perspectives.

If you could invite any ‘creative’ for a coffee, who would it be and why?

We would like to invite Geoffrey Bawa, the Sri Lankan architect and pioneer of Modern Tropical design, as we greatly admire his work, which seamlessly blends an understanding of local culture, climate and landscape, construction technology, while adding a distinctive personal touch.

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