HQ MRT HUALAMPHONG COMBINES THE CLASSIC CHARM OF AN OLD BUILDING AND HUA LAMPHONG STATION VIEWS INTO A MODERN WORKSPACE, DESIGNED BY PANVASA CHAVALITMONTIEN AND TOPONG CHEEWAKRIENGKRAI OF SENSE OF SPACE
TEXT: NATHATAI TANGCHADAKORN
PHOTO: KETSIREE WONGWAN
(For Thai, press here)
Today, even with digital connectivity so advanced that the importance of physical workplaces may seem to be fading, the reality suggests otherwise. Many companies are steadily returning to a hybrid mode of working, which has helped ensure that rental office spaces continue to retain their relevance. They continue to be integral to both thoughtfully renovated older buildings and the newest mixed-use developments.
Selecting an office location involves a host of considerations. Accessibility often aligns closely with rental costs and the overall cost of living in the area. The identity of the neighborhood also plays a vital role. If clients are unfamiliar with the area, the simple act of getting there can feel like an inconvenience. How these factors are weighed ultimately depends on the company itself. The story of HQ MRT Hualamphong, housed within the historic Tang Hua Puk building, began with a search for a new home for the interior design studio Sense of Space. That search eventually led Panvasa Chavalitmontien and Topong Cheewakriengkrai to be drawn in by the unmistakable charm of Hua Lamphong Railway Station.
Just minutes from Bangkok’s rapidly growing CBD and 0-mins walk from MRT Hua Lamphong, the project provides unparalleled convenience. Furthermore, the building is situated in a vibrant neighbourhood known for its restored shop houses turned restaurants and bars, this area is Bangkok’s one of the best food streets—ideal for after-work networking with colleagues and clients.
“Because we want this office to be an excellent place for your business to call home.” Panvasa and Topong told us as they recounted the beginnings of HQ MRT Hualamphong.
Both designers recognized the potential of a location directly connected to the MRT and wanted others to benefit from this advantage. They began by studying the typical requirements and functions of serviced offices, paying close attention to the needs and challenges faced by newly established small businesses. Many operate with limited capital and require a presentable, reliable front-of-house space to welcome clients with confidence. These considerations shaped the renovation of the two wings of HQ MRT Hualamphong. The spaces were organized into private offices accommodating one to seven desks per room, as well as hot-desk areas supported by essential services. The result meets the needs of a wide range of organizations that depend on flexibility.
The ‘Iconic’ view of Hua Lamphong Station, one of the project’s most striking features, was designated as the shared space of the offices. It also serves as the main reception area mentioned earlier. The design team believed that this exceptional view should not be reserved for any single tenant but should instead be accessible to everyone. This idea informed the use of, large wall-to-wall glazing throughout the interior, allowing users to enjoy a full, uninterrupted view of the historic railway station from the entrance corridor all the way through to the ten-seat meeting room, which is available for all tenants to use.
The interior design draws closely from the character of the site, guided by a concept the designers describe simply as the ‘old soul in a modern shell.’ The raw texture of the tightly packed concrete beams, a reminder of the building’s former life as a parking level, is woven together with the modern functions of a serviced office to create a distinct identity. They also envisioned the reception area as a space that delivers a sense of quiet luxury, reminiscent of a hotel lobby, while remaining comfortable for everyday work. Within this palette of wood, marble, and black metal, contemporary spherical luminaires and vivid orange accents introduce a striking contrast that forms what the designers call a ‘sexy space,’ a signature of Sense of Space. The idea behind this zone stems from their belief that every project should include at least one memorable space that sets it apart for everyone who steps inside.
Across the building’s core lies a larger zone composed of offices of varying sizes. The central corridor in this wing reveals the building’s original beams, while glass partitions enhance openness and visual continuity, echoing the atmosphere of the reception area and unifying both sides of the floor. Tenants seeking greater privacy can opt for frosted film without sacrificing access to natural light. Each unit is intentionally simple and minimally decorated, creating a canvas that allows users to express their own identity. This wing also includes shared amenities such as restrooms, waiting areas, and a pantry.
HQ MRT Hualamphong is operated by IWG, a global leader in workspace solutions, reflecting the founders’ trust in a professional partner who understands that a successful office is shaped not only by its physical environment but also by the quality of its services. Smooth, uninterrupted operations are at the heart of the experience here. A wide range of services supports tenants throughout the day, from the option to work in the lounge for a change of atmosphere to the presence of a professional reception team, parcel handling, printing services, and daily cleaning that allows every tenant to focus fully on their business. Whether occupying a Serviced Office, a Dedicated Desk, or even a Virtual Desk, all tenants have equal access to the meeting rooms with views of Hua Lamphong Station, ensuring that the benefits of the location are shared by everyone.
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