IDIN architects completes pa prank hostel in bangkok with façade of black shutters

IDIN architects has renovated two shophouses in phraeng saphasat, one of the most popular historic districts of bangkok, and transformed them into pa prank, a hostel and a cafe. the project takes its cues from traditional thai shophouses, and reinterprets their characteristics in a contemporary manner. as such, the long and narrow building is clad in a continuous surface of shutters in its front façade, which are reminiscent of traditional windows but introduced in a new material and color: steel and black. this new approach causes the building to ‘disappear’ within the surrounding context. in contrast, interior spaces are painted in a white hue, which creates a more comfortable feeling, and are mainly decorated with the original traditional character in mind.

all images courtesy of IDIN architects

IDIN architects has arranged the functions of the pa prank hostel with convenience in mind, placing the common area on the mezzanine level, where guests can have easy access from the cafe on the ground floor, as well as from the activity zone and guestrooms upstairs. above the common area there is a zone for bathrooms, locker rooms and laundry, while the third and fourth floors are dedicated to the hostel’s guestrooms. last, the rooftop floor encloses the yoga and boxing classrooms, and offers space for both indoor and outdoor activities, which can benefit from wide views of the historical surroundings.

the bangkok-based architects have developed the design concept of the hostel according to the common problems of shophouses, such as the lack of light. usually long and set between two adjacent units, this typology allows for very little amount of natural light to enter. therefore, the entire two-meter area that lies along the side of the building in every floor has been removed to let more light infiltrate the interior spaces. moreover, this area provides ventilation and offers itself as a courtyard on the ground floor. private guestrooms are designed to float above this high empty volume, providing them with two sides of light and ventilation. the top of these spaces is also used as a balcony for the rooms above.

the existing structure along with the chapped brick wall has been intentionally preserved as a reminder of the original building. in addition, to highlight the contrast between a modern building and its historical surroundings, IDIN architects chose a huge curtain wall to enclose the functional areas along the building’s depth, which reflects the existing, preserved wall. at the same time, visitors can get a glimpse of the reflection of the old wall on the modern window, and the wall also creates a scenic atmosphere for the guests inside.

project info:

name: pa prank

architect: IDIN architects

location: phraeng saphasat, bangkok, thailand

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edited by: sofia lekka angelopoulou | designboom