CL3 builds gaysorn II, a business and retail hub in bangkok's CBD

gaysorn II is a mix-use development designed by hong kong-based studio CL3 that aims to create a new approach to commercial design through careful planning and curation of lifestyle, work, play and grow in a holistic environment. inspired by the traditional thai culture of craft and hospitality, the project synergizes and combines the components of retail, dining, workplace, conferencing and wellness through an integrated and sustainable design in the heart of bangkok’s CBD and retail area.

ground floor entrance connecting gaysorn tower and gaysorn plaza 
photo by bbaloney

the use of wood, greenery, metal craft, water reflection aims to create a tactile, warm, calming and cultural environment that weaves through the 4-levels retail podium, the workplace lobby entrance on level 1, the conference facilities on level 19 and 20, the beauty and spa tenants on level 10 to 12, and restaurants and cafés on strategic area throughout the building. a 19-meter tall timber ‘cocoon’ located at a glass link bridge between the old and new parts of the retail area, acts as a visible symbol from outside of the buildings, visually connecting the drop-off area to the various levels of the retail floors.

cocoon interior
photo by terry tam

curvilinear voids and staggered floor plates provide visual connectivity to various levels, coupled with a curated approach to tenant mix including unique local fashion, food, lifestyle design products, convenient stores, cafés, and restaurants. this results in a unique retail experience that caters to tourists and locals. the floating floor slabs are suspended from the ceiling structure by cables to minimize bulky columns in the space.

gaysorn tower lobby 
all following photo by nirut benjabanpot unless otherwise stated

located on level 1 of the retail floor, the working lobby is half sunken yet connected to the retail component, giving certain privacy to the people going to their offices, integrating with the overall environment both visually and with the use of consistent materials throughout. the space incorporates green planting and vertical wooden louvers, inspired by thai architecture, to screen off the busy driveway yet allowing natural light to penetrate. two large lanterns, inspired by traditional paper pieces, add a touch of thai culture to the space.

gaysorn resort lobby (level 19)

named the ‘gaysorn resort’, the sky conference area aims to provide a relaxing social space where the office users and the visitors can meet. consisting of a conference space with a capacity of 200 people, a large outdoor terrace, café, day-offices, co-working spaces, meeting rooms of various sizes and the unique garden pods, glass rooms that are weaved into large tree planting, and a glass internal lift linking the two levels, this part has become a social event hub for the neighborhood and the bangkok creative community.

bar lounge

co-working space

working area

bathroom

meeting pods
photo by gaysorn property co., ltd

sky garden

gaysorn tower exterior view
images by gaysorn property co., ltd.

project info:

name: mix use landmark combines new retail and office ︳bangkok’s gaysorn II

interiors: CL3 architects limited

exterior: architects 49

landscape: landscape 49

completion: 30 october 2017

address: bangkok, thailand

client: gaysorn property co., ltd.

floor area: 62.000 sqm

site area: 3.480 sqm

photography: nirut benjabanpot / CL3 architects limited, gaysorn property co., ltd., bbaloney

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.

edited by: maria erman | designboom