steel portal frames and ribbed concrete slabs expand factory's premises in thailand

Skarn Chaiyawat Architects expands Buono food factory

Skarn Chaiyawat Architects designs the factory extension of Buono Public Company Limited, a leading brand of plant-based food. With the increasing popularity of the Plant-Based lifestyle, the company requires an expansion of the Factory and Office buildings in Nakhon Pathom province, Thailand, attending to the well-being of the staff.

The three new buildings are positioned laterally to each other while in parallel with the existing warehouse structure on site. Building A is situated in juxtaposition with the existing reservoir closest to the perimeter of the property. The newly established connection between architecture and nature creates a harmonious environment, while the main hall functions as a cafeteria and can be adapted to hold various events, gatherings, and activities. On the mezzanine floor, the meeting room opens out to a balcony overlooking the high-ceiling space, which can be used for special events. Building B has several functions with the first floor serving as administrative office space and storage rooms with direct access to the loading area while its entire second floor is devoted to a testing laboratory. Lastly, linked to the existing cold storage rooms, finished goods are contained in Building C, a -25 degree Celsius temperature-controlled warehouse. Regardless of their functional and programmatic differences, prefabricated steel portal frames are employed as the main structures for all three buildings.

all images by DOF SkyGround

steel frame method provides agile construction workflow

The design team applies portal frames to provide an agile construction workflow and flexibility in building envelope methods. With each building, specific functions call for different envelope treatments. Hollow core precast concrete slabs with polished ribbed texture are placed upright to enclose Building A. The half-lap joints are weatherproof and air pockets take part in insulating the building while the treated concrete texture provides a more refined touch to the leisure space. Building B is wrapped in metal siding to accommodate various programs and storage space while providing flexibility for openings placement and programmatic changes in the future. The advantage of portal frame structures is highlighted in Building C, where -25 degree Celsius storage needs to be wrapped around on all sides by Isowall Sandwich Panels.

To maintain the maximum insulation capacity, the panels need to be free of any holes and punctures. To comply with this requirement, the panels are installed within the bound of portal frames, creating a fully enclosed insulated storage space without any protruding elements that can cause major condensation issues.

prefabricated steel portal frames are employed as the main structures for all three buildings

Textured glass shutters allow natural light and ventilation

The intention to create a space for the well-being of the staff extends further to the design of loose furniture. Cafeteria tables, recycling stations, dish return stations, and cleaning stations are designed to maintain the seamlessness of the design concept. The ‘I’ shaped placement of Building A on-site is designed in consideration of the natural environment. Walking routes around the reservoir form garden space for the cafeteria. Textured glass shutter facing the northeast and stretching from above door height to the top allows maximum natural light to flood in while maximizing the amount of Air Change dynamics and with that, decreases the usage of electricity.

Steel wire nets cover various openings to prevent birds from entering the interior, still providing sufficient ventilation and visual connection to the outside. In addition, service areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and circulation pathways are strategically placed towards the southwestern edge of the property acting as a shield from the blazing afternoon heat. These delicate design features combined with a soaring floor-to-ceiling height create a comfortable and practical working environment. Ultimately, this project aims to provide a well-balanced environment and workplace for the company.

hollow core precast concrete slabs with polished ribbed texture are placed upright

the design concept is seamlessly maintained in the form of loose furniture such as cafeteria tables

textured glass shutters stretch from above door height to the top allowing maximum natural light to flood in

1/5

 

 

 

 

 

project info:

name: Buono (Thailand) Factory
designer: Skarn Chaiyawat Architects | @skarnc

location: Nakhon Pathom, Thailand

photography: DOF SkyGround