this luxurious raft in western thailand borrows the anatomy of freshwater fish
the PLA2 project is a large and private floating unit, built as an expansion of the famous Z9 resort in kanchanaburi, thailand.
PLA2 is private floating unit sitting in the sinakharin dam
designed by architectural firm dersyn studio co., the PLA2 sits in the sinakharin dam of western thailand as a tessellated and private floating unit where guests can enjoy rafting, jet skiing, karaoke, jacuzzi nights, group dining, and more casual gatherings. the project is an expansion of the firm’s successful Z9 resort, completed back in 2017 with dramatic curved lines that break into straight and dynamic planes in the PLA2 raft.
the overall volume borrows the anatomy of freshwater fish
the team at dersyn studio co. envisioned the shape of PLA2 as two abstracted volumes that echo the anatomies of a male and female snake-head fish swimming together. males are smaller in size, and fresher in color, while females are larger and darker – hence the differences in tone and size observed in each spatial block. the final design binary layout communicates a clear spatial flow – both internally and externally – with a mix of organic and mechanical shapes that reflecting life growing in freshwater environments.
materials wise, the architects cloaked the exterior shell in two different shades of wood – reflecting the female/male distinction. each wooden volume is then punctuated by rusty-looking etched steel frames on the front façades, evoking the gills of the snake-head fish when its mouth opens up. to further illustrate freshwater life, the outdoor pool stands out with its light blue tone while darker and more sandy colors accentuate the interiors – from the bedroom suite to the entrance hall and gathering space.
in terms of technical amenities, PLA2 is equipped with a closed SAT tank system and a water tank, a generator that powers the raft if it floats away from the shore, a regular electricity system if it remains on-shore, and a tugboat from Z9 to transport the guests to the pier. based on the design criteria, material selections and construction techniques, the project will offer a new, eye-catching destination where guests can relax amid the freshwater landscape.
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project info:
name: PLA2
architecture: dersyn studio co., ltd.
location: si sawat, kanchanaburi, thailand
photography: beer singnoi
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