circular stepped concrete volume frames pomelo amphawa café in thailand

Looklen Architects devises a café for The Pomelo Amphawa plan

Bangkok-based studio Looklen Architects designs a circular café on the riverside of Amphwa, Thailand, as part of The Pomelo Amphawa master plan composed of five buildings that are integrated into the crops and greenery on the site. Situated in the lychee garden, the café is oriented toward the Mekong River on the North, an ideal direction to protect the structure from the strong sunlight and climate of the tropical region. The design explores the relationship between geometric architecture and nature. A rectangular glazed space is embraced by a concrete circular amphitheater. The building develops an open layout approachable from all directions taking advantage of the surrounding landscape.

all images by Rungkit Charoenwat

circular amphitheater tops the glazed café

The circular amphitheater’s lower side faces the river serving as a viewpoint toward the scenery of the Mekong River. The structure’s main material is concrete shaping the dynamic volume of the curved plane that forms a stepped surface where visitors can walk and climb around. Drawing from the traditional Thai house, the design team composes a space under the amphitheater that resembles ‘Tāithun’, a semi-outdoor area where users can engage in public activities while being protected from the sunlight. Skylights are punctured through the top, embracing the existing trees, and allowing natural light to flow into the ‘Tāithun’.

the dynamic volume of the curved plane that forms a stepped surface

contemporary concrete formation fuses with the landscape

In the evening, the upper part of the amphitheater that faces the river scenery can be used for public events. This design language allows for an architecture adaptable to both daytime and nighttime settings. The café area assembles a variety of seating types both in the indoor and outdoor zones. The interior features bar stools and café tables and seats, while the outdoor space arranges net seating spots and benches covered under trees. The project stands as an all-day accessible public space and a contemporary landmark that fuses with the surrounding landscape of the Mekong River.

visitors can walk, climb around, and sits on the concrete steps

the structure stands as an all-day accessible public space

the outdoor space arranges net seating spots and benches covered under trees

the building develops an open layout approachable from all directions

project info:

name: The Pomelo Amphawa Café
architect: Looklen Architects | @looklen_architects

location: Amphawa, Thailand

photography: Rungkit Charoenwat

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom