honey-colored gravel walls delineate PHTAA's restaurant by river kwai in thailand

PHTAA’s Restaurant by The River Kwai blends with natural scenery

PHTAA‘s design for Restaurant by the River Kwai in Thailand prioritizes the preservation of natural scenery along the waterfront while integrating seamlessly with local activities. The restaurant aims to create an engaging user experience and stimulate local employment and economic growth in the area.

The design incorporates retaining walls to address the three-meter elevation difference between the land and the river. These walls prevent erosion of the riverbank over time and support the weight of the main building. By creating a water-level area around the riverbank, the design facilitates outdoor activities and maintains key local practices along the River Kwai.

all images courtesy of PHTAA

PHTAA utilizes locally sourced natural materials for the design

Local materials play a significant role in the design, such as fist-sized honey-colored river gravel used instead of artificial materials. This choice offers durability and resists water penetration, while also showcasing a unique mineral from Kanchanaburi Province, harmonizing with the surrounding environment.

The building’s roof is kept below the surrounding tree line to blend with the context, while the balcony area extends beyond the roofline to provide a dining and observation space overlooking the Bridge over the River Kwai. Translucent roofing materials allow natural light to enter, moderated by slats to control heat and light levels.

PHTAA utilizes steel and wood sourced from local suppliers. Some original elements from the previous building on the site, such as wooden pillars, have been repurposed and incorporated into the new design, paying homage to the site’s history.

retaining walls address the three-meter elevation difference between land and river, preventing erosion

the roof is designed to stay below the surrounding tree line for context blending

steel and wood sourced from local suppliers are featured in the structure

translucent roofing allows natural light, moderated by slats to control heat and light levels

an extended balcony provides dining and observation spaces with views of the Bridge over the River Kwai

the design creates a water-level area around the riverbank, enabling outdoor activities

local materials like honey-colored river gravel are used, offering durability and water resistance

for the flooring, PHTAA applies pink-colored slate, a mineral stone specifically mined in Kanchanaburi Province

project info:

name: Restaurant by The River Kwai
architect: PHTAA | @phtaalivingdesign

location: Thailand

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom