overlapping social areas and lush gardens emerge from renovated warehouse in thailand

refurb by Housescape design lab evokes memories in Chiang Mai

Housescape Design Lab has transformed an old warehouse in Chiang Mai, Thailand, into Gimme Shelter, a commercial multi-use development consisting of a cafe, restaurant, office, and workshop area. The design uses the language of the original structure, incorporating neat geometries and industrial materials. Open, fluid spaces generate overlapping social areas for the visitors, while large openings help users maintain a close relationship with the surrounding nature.

According to the architects, the entire concept is based on evoking memories: ‘We’re convinced that real architecture will leave indelible traces in our minds by only elementary architectural action’ they explain.

the offices enjoy panoramic views of the natural surroundings

images by Rungkit Charoenwat

overlapping social areas

Steering away from viral design trends and ‘instagrammability’, Housescape Design Lab completed the refurbishment through meaningful architectural interventions. The new design replaces the old warehouse with a multifunctional establishment including a cafe, a restaurant, and a number of spacious offices and workshop areas. Visitors first encounter the lounge and dining spaces, while the office, workshop, and garden areas are hidden in the back. The renovated building borrows the design language of the original warehouse, combined with simple lines and large openings for separating the space and bringing light into the building.

The open, fluid configuration of the interior encourages guests to communicate with each other, as well as with the restaurant staff. Small mahogany gardens are interspersed throughout the Gimme Shelter, also promoting social interaction in-between breaks from working in the office. By creating these overlapping social dimensions, the architects hope that some small traces of memory will be left in the quality of the various face-to-face conversations.

lighting and materiality in the Gimme Shelter

the restaurant area

the bar area

1/5

project info:

name: Gimme Shelter
designer: Housescape Design Lab
lead architects: Peerapong Promchart Architectural
design team: Thiprada Jindatum, Wachira Pakkla, Panuwat Donthong

clients: Gimme Shelter Co.,Ltd
engineering: Kriangsak Mutnanchai
collaborators: C.Wiruj, C.Tuy, C.Cha, C.Funh, C.Lung Boon, C.Too
internship supporting team: Siriwimon Wimonsuk, Nuttakrit Panya, Phunnathon Phrianphanich, Thanakorn Namrueang

location: Chiang Mai, Thailand

photography: Rungkit Charoenwat

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: Myrto Katsikopoulou | designboom