InJoy Snow Hotel Bangkok cuts an ethereal figure in the Thai urbanscape
InJoy Snow Hotel Bangkok by HAS design and research brings a sense of calm and a touch of the French mountains to Thailand
InJoy Snow Hotel Bangkok by HAS design and research brings together its owner's Thai and French heritage in a building that bridges cultures and spatial experiences. Blending images of snowy French landscapes with the Bangkok urban condition, and adding notions of sustainable architecture and restoration, the architecture studio came up with the concept of 'Thai Snow', explain its co-directors, Jenchieh Hung and Kulthida Songkittipakdee, who were part of the Wallpaper* Architects Directory 2022.
InJoy Snow Hotel Bangkok by HAS design and research
InJoy Snow Hotel Bangkok works with the city's microclimate and an existing building to transform the site into a haven of 21st century urban hospitality and minimalist architecture. A perimeter of folding perforated aluminum panels creates a kind of architectural 'veil', gently separating the building from the street's bustle, while creating privacy for the users. It is a gesture the pair of architects has used before in their own home and studio, Phetkasem Artist Studio, using transparencies, minimalism and perforation to play with ideas of light, permeability and seclusion.
Here, Jencheh Hung and Songkittipakdee use the same methods to filter light and frame sightlines. Meanwhile, the ethereal presence of this screen is a nod to snowflakes.
Inside, this is continued and reflected in the interior's fabric space dividers, in the form of curtains and a series of 'threads' hanging from the ceiling, which balance the tightrope between functional elements and sculptural pieces of art. A pared-down approach to decor is accentuated by the consistent use of the colour white, which helps compose a neutral canvas and calming backdrop for the guests.
'InJoy Snow Hotel Bangkok takes sustainability as its philosophy, and the result is a distinctive new vernacular architecture,' write the architects. 'The perforated aluminium panels, introduce natural wind convection from the outside. The “threads”, which can block the western sun while maintaining visual transparency, and the movable fabric allows for a variety of guest room layouts. The building not only provides a respite from Bangkok's dense urban environment, but its snow-inspired concept contrasts with the surrounding environment, bringing visitors spiritual tranquility and ritual.'
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
Ellie Stathaki is the Architecture & Environment Director at Wallpaper*. She trained as an architect at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece and studied architectural history at the Bartlett in London. Now an established journalist, she has been a member of the Wallpaper* team since 2006, visiting buildings across the globe and interviewing leading architects such as Tadao Ando and Rem Koolhaas. Ellie has also taken part in judging panels, moderated events, curated shows and contributed in books, such as The Contemporary House (Thames & Hudson, 2018), Glenn Sestig Architecture Diary (2020) and House London (2022).
-
Looking forward to Tate Modern’s 25th anniversary party
From 9-12 May 2025, Tate Modern, one of London’s most adored art museums, will celebrate its 25th anniversary with a lively weekend of festivities
By Smilian Cibic Published
-
‘Music is in the DNA of the brand’: AV Vattev on creating this year’s loudest accessory
Rising London designer AV Vattev – who has recently outfitted Charli XCX and Troye Sivan for their viral ‘Sweat’ tour – talks about the influence of music on his ‘bold and unapologetic’ collections
By Jack Moss Published
-
The case of Casa Batlló: inside Antoni Gaudí’s ‘happiest’ work
Casa Batlló by Catalan master architect Antoni Gaudí has just got a refresh; we find out more
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2024: meet the practices
In the Wallpaper* Architects Directory 2024, our latest guide to exciting, emerging practices from around the world, 20 young studios show off their projects and passion
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Explore Touch Architect's triangular Thai home
Based in the Thailand, Touch Architect joins the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2024, our annual round-up of exciting emerging architecture studios
By Tianna Williams Published
-
Inside-outside living at Crescent Bay Beachfront Villas, Thailand
A piece of Phuket paradise is now available for purchase, in the form of Crescent Bay Beachfront Villas by Duangrit Bunnag
By Simon Mills Published
-
Tour Back of the House, award-winning architect Boonserm Premthada’s Bangkok home
Back of the House by Bangkok Project Studio is founder Boonserm Premthada’s Thai home; take a tour inside its bespoke brick walls to find out about its ‘50% design’ approach
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
The Standard Bangkok and The Standard Hua Hin bring pioneering hospitality to Thailand
The Standard Bangkok, in Ole Scheeren’s Mahanakhon tower, and The Standard Hua Hin, designed by Onion, bring the global hospitality brand to Thailand
By Shawn Adams Published
-
Wonderfruit 2022 balances art, culture, music and nature in Thailand
Wonderfruit 2022 featured a masterplan by Ab Rogers with pavilions and installations that blend art and culture, music and nature
By Daven Wu Published
-
MPavilion 2022 opens and invites all under its bright orange roof
MPavilion 2022 opens in Melbourne to a design by All(zone), the Bangkok studio of Rachaporn Choochuey
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Wallpaper* Design Awards 2022 winning Thai restaurant supports Ayutthaya community traditions
The Artisans Ayutthaya: The Women Restaurant in Thailand by Bangkok Project Studio is crowned Best Restaurant: Wallpaper* Design Awards 2022, celebrating the work of architect Boonserm Premthada that supports the Ayutthaya region’s communities and their age-old culinary traditions
By Ellie Stathaki Last updated