A-asterisk's skyscraper public baths frame views of bangkok city

‘panpuri onsen’ resort in bangkok

japan and china-based design studio A-asterisk has completed the ‘panpuri onsen’ public baths, located on the 12th floor of a sky-rise building in bangkok, thailand. for this project, the design team focused more on providing unobstructed views towards the city than creating a decorative interior. avoiding unnecessary details, the interior prioritizes simplicity, inviting visitors into a relaxing ambiance. all images by A-asteriks 

a relaxing atmosphere 

in an attempt to create visual cohesion, the deign team installed the tanks next to the curtainwall covered in a black color scheme. this aluminum-framed glazing allows visitors to enjoy sweeping views and rest their minds from the bustle of daily life. meanwhile, a reflective off-white surface offers a spatial expansion as it blurs the limits of the room yet emphasizes the functions of bathing. to further enhance the experience, when dark, the water surface is illuminated through hidden lights and reflected in the white frame creating an intimate atmosphere.

onsen special room

overcoming challenges

construction-wise, the design team needed to overcome many technical restrictions. the biggest challenge was the structure reinforcement to support the weight of the bath. the solution to that was to reinforce columns by the façade and add cantilever beams to support the bath. as they mentioned, this technique was based on the fact that they couldn’t reinforce the floor because there was a plumbing system under the bath as well as the client’s future reinstatement of the tenant space.

another challenge they had to deal with was the water system. the existing architecture was designed for the use of office buildings: there was not enough existing water supply and drain which causes long hours to drain water after the business hours. for this reason, the design team has evaluated the time schedule of the water supply and drain in order to minimize the number of water tanks. besides, they designed additional mechanical systems and detailed lighting locations in order to avoid any glare which distracts the evening outdoor view. the view of bangkok from the bath, is truly a unique experience and symbolizes the panpuri’s ‘your optimum self realized’ concept.

the water surface is lit and reflected in the frame to create a magnificent atmosphere

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the view of bangkok from relax room

 

entrance hall

shower rooms

project info:

name: panpuri onsen
designer: A-asterisk

leading architect: nakamura nobuhiro

location: bangkok, thailand

area: 1,357 sqm

photography: W workspace

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: christina petridou | designboom