Restaurant by The River Kwai / PHTAA

Restaurant by The River Kwai / PHTAA - Image 2 of 17Restaurant by The River Kwai / PHTAA - Image 3 of 17Restaurant by The River Kwai / PHTAA - Image 4 of 17Restaurant by The River Kwai / PHTAA - Image 5 of 17Restaurant by The River Kwai / PHTAA - More Images+ 12

Tha Ma Kham, Thailand
  • Design Team: Sittavee Borwonjatuwich
  • City: Tha Ma Kham
  • Country: Thailand
More SpecsLess Specs
Restaurant by The River Kwai / PHTAA - Image 5 of 17
© Kukkong Thirathomrongkiat

Text description provided by the architects. Restaurant design in a location that is connected to the Kwai Yai River (Thailand) Preserving the natural scenery of the waterfront will be our main priority. At the same time, the restaurant must be able to be a point of interest that is appropriately linked to local activities in that area. To create an experience for users and at the same time create jobs and careers for local people too.

Restaurant by The River Kwai / PHTAA - Image 3 of 17
© Kukkong Thirathomrongkiat

The idea of using retaining walls to create architecture and space answers the question for this area in many ways. Because the level of the land and the river is about 3 meters different, making a retaining wall is important in terms of helping the riverbank not be eroded by the water over time and also helping to support the main building's weight.

Restaurant by The River Kwai / PHTAA - Image 2 of 17
© Kukkong Thirathomrongkiat
Restaurant by The River Kwai / PHTAA - Image 16 of 17
Diagram
Restaurant by The River Kwai / PHTAA - Image 4 of 17
© Kukkong Thirathomrongkiat

Create an area surrounding the riverbank that is at the level of the water surface for the purpose of being used as a pier, raft dock, and various outdoor activities in order to maintain important local activities along the River Kwai. To demonstrate the importance of choosing local materials in new ways, such as fist-sized honey color river Gravel being used instead of artificial materials commonly used in the area. In building the retaining wall, the main reason was that honey color river gravel is more durable and difficult for water to penetrate, as well is being an important mineral stone with a unique color that was specifically mined in Kanchanaburi Province, creating harmony. With the surrounding nature itself

Restaurant by The River Kwai / PHTAA - Image 9 of 17
© Kukkong Thirathomrongkiat
Restaurant by The River Kwai / PHTAA - Image 8 of 17
© Kukkong Thirathomrongkiat

As for the building, the designers tried to lower the roof of the building to not be higher than the surrounding tree line in order to blend in with the context, resulting in the balcony area protruding from the roof line to be used as a dining area. Also to be an observation area along the Kwai Yai River, which can be seen all the way to the Bridge over the River Kwai. Expanding more about the roof, we used a translucent roofing material to bring in as much natural light as possible, but because the weather in Thailand is quite hot, we built slats on the roof to control the light coming in just enough. Our main structure will be steel and wood sourced from local suppliers. The original building is in the same location as the current building. We dismantled and kept some parts for use, such as The wooden pillars that were cut into pieces and made into an entrance to commemorate the building that was here before.

Restaurant by The River Kwai / PHTAA - Image 11 of 17
© Kukkong Thirathomrongkiat

Project gallery

See allShow less

Project location

Address:Tha Ma Kham, Thailand

Click to open map
Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "Restaurant by The River Kwai / PHTAA" 14 May 2024. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1016543/restaurant-by-the-river-kwai-phtaa> ISSN 0719-8884

© Kukkong Thirathomrongkiat

Kwai河边餐厅 / PHTAA

You've started following your first account!

Did you know?

You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.