sher maker applies a pearlescent tiled façade to gas station renovation in thailand

in collaboration with PTTOR – an oil and retail organization – thai design studio sher maker has completed a project to renovate an existing gas station in chiang mai. as a country that travels predominately by car, thailand‘s gas stations mark a frequently used yet often overlooked public space. with this in mind, PTTOR has set out to transform the neglected buildings into new hubs for local communities and passersby alike. 

all images courtesy of sher maker

marking the organization‘s pilot project, sher maker‘s renovation of a gas station in the saraphi district of chiang mai focuses on bringing local materials and craftsmanship to the fore. keeping the original 10 meter tall structure intact, the architect has transformed the building with a shimmering façade composed of ceramic tiles made by local craftsmen. coated in a lustrous pearl glaze, this new intervention is designed to play with the changing light throughout the day and the curved shape of the elevation, resulting in a spectrum of beautiful iridescent hues.

to make the tiled façade, sher maker decided to shine a light on local craftsmanship. the team worked with three ceramic studios in chiang mai, first testing the weight of the structure with chatchaiwat studio and developing the design with maerim ceramic, before producing the finished material with its pearl coating at saraphi ceramic art and design, which located in the same area as the gas station.

by utilizing the pearl coating technique in a nearby factory and with local craftsmen, this pilot project aims to showcase the resources and skills that are readily available in the area. the pilot project intends to open the dialogue regarding the use of local resources in non-capital cities, including local human resources, craftsmanship skills, knowledge, to result in real income distribution to real local entrepreneurs.

Different color reflecting between day time of ceramic facade

old style luster pearl glaze

working station of the ceramic kiln in saraphi ceramic arts and design

take of mold process of ceramic tile

ceramic molded of curve tile

project info:

project type: gas station renovation

location: saraphi district, chiang mai province, thailand

architect: sher maker

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.