an array of white pebble-like forms shapes VMA’s coastal restaurant in thailand

vma design studio emphasizes a fluid connection between the built environment and nature.

Vichay edited by christina vergopoulou September 1, 2024 4 min

Tide Bangsaray blends into Bangsaray Beach’s landscape

VMA Design Studio has completed Tide Bangsaray, a coastal restaurant and bar situated on the tranquil Bangsaray Beach in Pattaya, Thailand. The design draws from the natural shoreline and tidal movements, with the architecture embodying smooth, pebble-shaped forms that echo the organic patterns revealed as the sea ebbs and flows. These forms create a unique identity for the restaurant, integrating it into the coastal landscape.

The restaurant’s design prioritizes a fluid connection between the built environment and its natural surroundings. Elliptical canopies provide shade for an open-air lounge, while the interior dining space is designed to be light and airy, emphasizing comfort through natural illumination. The rooftop lounge offers panoramic views of the coastline, reinforcing the establishment’s connection to the sea. The use of pebble-shaped structures extends beyond aesthetics, serving functional purposes such as planters and shading canopies that enhance the restaurant’s lush, green atmosphere. Inside, the minimalist design approach creates an inviting ambiance, with a geometric ceiling pattern in the main dining area evoking the experience of being within a pebble, revealing its unique internal layers.

an array of white pebble-like forms shapes VMA's coastal restaurant in thailand - 1 — seasonal foliage and tall Yangna trees surround the project | all images by Peerapat Wimolrungkarat

VMA Design Studio follows a minimalistic design approach

Large glass walls allow uninterrupted views of the ocean, ensuring that diners remain connected to the coastal landscape. A central fern tree garden serves as a natural link between the dining areas and the rear spaces, which house the main kitchen, staff services, and a washroom courtyard. This garden also includes the staircase leading to the upper lounge, contributing to the restaurant’s cohesive layout. The washroom courtyard features wooden lavatory pods and a spacious, pebble-shaped handwashing station, maintaining a luxurious yet natural ambiance. These semi-outdoor facilities provide a continuous connection to the surrounding environment, emphasizing the restaurant’s nature-centric design.

Tide Bangsaray stands as a thoughtful integration of architecture and environment, offering a dining experience that harmonizes comfort with a deep respect for the coastal landscape. Bangkok-based architecture firm, VMA Design Studio, commits to creating spaces that are both innovative and rooted in their environmental context.

an array of white pebble-like forms shapes VMA's coastal restaurant in thailand - 2 — greenery lines the path to Tide Bangsaray’s pebble-shaped entrance

an array of white pebble-like forms shapes VMA's coastal restaurant in thailand - 3 — curved forms, lush greenery, and an elliptical roof canopy shape the outdoor spaces

an array of white pebble-like forms shapes VMA's coastal restaurant in thailand - 4 — steps lead to the interior bar, revealing a warm, cozy space

an array of white pebble-like forms shapes VMA's coastal restaurant in thailand - 5 — the outdoor seating space features an overlapping elliptical roof canopy

an array of white pebble-like forms shapes VMA's coastal restaurant in thailand - 6 — curved geometric patterns adorn the ceiling, echoing the soft lines of the exterior

vma-tide-bangsaray-coastal-restaurant-thailand-designboom-1800-2 — the design emphasizes the connection between built form and nature, with elliptical canopies shading the lounge

an array of white pebble-like forms shapes VMA's coastal restaurant in thailand - 7 — the building extends outward, providing natural shade around the main dining space

an array of white pebble-like forms shapes VMA's coastal restaurant in thailand - 8 — the structure’s elliptical canopy creates a shaded oasis within the natural landscape

vma-tide-bangsaray-coastal-restaurant-thailand-designboom-1800-3 — VMA Design Studio’s Tide Bangsaray respects and reflects its environmental context

an array of white pebble-like forms shapes VMA's coastal restaurant in thailand - 9 — a pathway leads to the rooftop and WC area, surrounded by lush greenery

an array of white pebble-like forms shapes VMA's coastal restaurant in thailand - 10 — soft natural tones and a geometric ceiling define the interior dining space

an array of white pebble-like forms shapes VMA's coastal restaurant in thailand - 11 — the main bar’s smooth curves and gentle lighting offer a relaxed vibe

an array of white pebble-like forms shapes VMA's coastal restaurant in thailand - 12 — the WC area features an open-air design, blending natural elements with modern fittings

project info:

name: Tide Bangsaray
architect: VMA Design Studio | @vmadesignstudio

design team: Vichayuth Meenaphant, Peerawin Sawattanawanit, Pattitar Na Chart, Suppasit Sirinukulwattana

structural and M&E engineering: Basic Design Co., Ltd.

location: Bangsaray Beach, Chonburi, Thailand

photography: Peerapat Wimolrungkarat | @addcandid

logo: Gazedane

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