triangular skylights pierce café’s concrete volumes by ASWA in thailand

an external angular bridge connects the café's two structures, enhancing circulation.

ASWA edited by christina vergopoulou February 21, 2025 3 min

geometric volumes and voids define DIFF Coffee Roasters’ design

Located in Phitsanulok, Thailand, DIFF Coffee Roasters consists of two cubic volumes—one gray and one black—connected by a triangular bridge. The café’s design by ASWA (Architectural Studio of Work – Aholic) incorporates an existing large tree, integrating natural elements into the spatial arrangement and providing shaded outdoor seating. The material palette includes smooth concrete, wood, and glass, reinforcing a minimalist design approach.

triangular skylights pierce café's concrete volumes by ASWA in thailand - 1 — all images by Soopakorn Srisakul, courtesy of ASWA (Architectural Studio of Work – Aholic)

ASWA links café’s geometric volumes with triangular bridge

The larger gray volume, positioned at the forefront, features a series of triangular openings that allow light to filter through, creating shifting patterns within the space. DIFF Coffee Roasters’ interior is defined by a high-ceilinged atrium, where triangular skylights emphasize verticality and openness.

The smaller black cube, housing the bar, contrasts with the main café through square openings and distinct voids that shape the lighting and spatial experience. The triangular bridge linking the two structures establishes a visual and functional connection, enhancing circulation between spaces. The overall composition by ASWA architectural studio balances geometric forms, material contrasts, and natural integration, creating a setting that encourages interaction and relaxation.

triangular skylights pierce café's concrete volumes by ASWA in thailand - 2 — ASWA integrates geometric forms with natural elements in this Phitsanulok café

triangular skylights pierce café's concrete volumes by ASWA in thailand - 3 — the café’s design incorporates an existing tree, providing shaded outdoor seating

triangular skylights pierce café's concrete volumes by ASWA in thailand - 4 — smooth concrete, wood, and glass define the minimalist material palette

triangular skylights pierce café's concrete volumes by ASWA in thailand - 5 — the existing tree integrates with the built environment

triangular skylights pierce café's concrete volumes by ASWA in thailand - 6 — shifting light patterns enhance the dynamic spatial experience

triangular skylights pierce café's concrete volumes by ASWA in thailand - 7 — a high-ceilinged atrium inside the gray cube emphasizes openness

triangular skylights pierce café's concrete volumes by ASWA in thailand - 8 — triangular skylights introduce vertical light into the café’s interior

triangular skylights pierce café's concrete volumes by ASWA in thailand - 9 — the design balances material contrasts between concrete, wood, and glass

triangular skylights pierce café's concrete volumes by ASWA in thailand - 10 — light and shadow interact across surfaces, adding depth to the space

diff-coffee-roasters-aswa-thailand-designboom-1800-2 — the café’s layout encourages both movement and relaxation

triangular skylights pierce café's concrete volumes by ASWA in thailand - 11 — a dynamic interplay of forms, light, and nature defines the experience

triangular skylights pierce café's concrete volumes by ASWA in thailand - 12 — geometric voids shape the café’s interior ambiance

diff-coffee-roasters-aswa-thailand-designboom-1800-3 — DIFF Coffee Roasters features two cubic volumes linked by a triangular bridge

project info:

name: DIFF Coffee Roasters
architects: ASWA (Architectural Studio of Work – Aholic) | @aswa_bangkok

design team: Phuttipan Aswakool, Chotiros Techamongklapiwat, Prassapol Sanguanwattanaraksa, Napasorn Luengkiattikhun, Visarut Vongjirasak

location: Phitsaulok, Thailand

area: 800 sqm

photographer: Soopakorn Srisakul

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