cathedral-like concrete arches punctuate TOUCH architect’s french kitsch III café in thailand

french kitsch III café by touch architect in thailand

As its name alludes, the French Kitsch III café and patisserie in Thailand welcomes guests inside a highly aesthetic space that embraces imperfection, play, and whimsy. Local practice TOUCH Architect completed the concrete structure by taking the French cathedral as a primary reference, recreating arches without their traditional symmetry, but rather as imperfect curvatures of different scales. Tying the design together is a pink sculpture of the owner’s French bulldog at the main entrance, reinforcing the brand identity and concept of ‘Kitsch’.  

a concrete design with sweeping imperfect arches

The design of French Kitsch III by TOUCH Architect (see more here) started from a perfect rectangular mass, made imperfect by carving out irregular arches on the first level and inverted arches on the second level. On the first floor, these arches embrace visitors with their antique yet modern looks, creating a shadow along the path; when light passes through the arched window, a reflection on the floor emerges, similar to that from cathedral glass. The oversized imperfect arch also creates a continuous space from the counter to the second floor, highlighting the full-function counter, allowing it to be seen from both floors.

On the second floor, voids are carved into the inverted curves, allowing sunlight to filter through while acting as a shading device.

 By using textured concrete, the studio strengthens the ‘perfection of imperfection’, whereby the wall is not completely smooth but still ‘reflects the authenticity of the material which can be beautiful by itself,’ shares TOUCH Architect. Moreover, by using concrete, the furniture, decorations, and LED lights are made outstanding, emphasizing the irregular arch curves within the tunnel space, creating a strong memorable image of the French Kitsch III café. 

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project info:

name: French Kitsch III

location: City Link, Mueang, Nakornratchasima, Thailand

architect: TOUCH Architect | @touch_architect

owners: Chanon Jeimsakultip and Anuchit Vongjon

civil engineer: Chittinat Wongmaneeprateep

M&E engineers: Yodchai kornsiriwipha and Isarapap Rattanabumrung


contractor: Samma Construction

photographers: Metipat Prommomate and Anan Naruphantawat