bangkok tokyo architecture transforms thai family home into upscale hair salon

situated among towering condominiums in bustling bangkok, bangkok tokyo architecture‘s latest renovation project converts a two-story, third generation home into a contemporary hair salon. by removing the interior walls, the building is reduced to its shell, redefining its presence within the lush, urban landscape.

the transparent added facade allows light to fill the interior space

the salon features a central two-story core surrounded by a large roof, creating an atrium with surrounding corridor space on the first floor. the architects added the roof and an extended glass facade to open up the space and bring in ventilation. through the gaps between the roof and walls, plenty of light reflects off the floor and mirrors into the hair salon for a naturally illuminated environment. old, new and relocated windows from the previous salon juxtapose into various shapes of framed greenery. the glazed facade becomes a display-like showcase that allows passersby to look at the salon’s lively interiors.

new space created by the added roof and facade connects interiors with the exterior

the salon’s neutral color palette brings out the natural materials used in its renovation and merge them into a relaxing interior environment. the extended, wooden roof brings warmth into the space and connects it to the outside nature. the geometric, black railing reminds guests of tropical graphics and the house’s heritage. the floor’s reflective, off-white surface brightens the space and makes it a blank canvas for the added decorative pieces and wooden furniture. 

the functional core features the reception desk and is surrounded by a corridor-like space

‘the one-room yet complex interior space is defined by diversified atmospheres and function. the open salon does not only blur the boundaries between the indoor and outdoor environment, but is an also intermediary for each world to coexist simultaneously; an architecture in between spaces.’

new windows frame the outside greenery and bring light into the space

mirrors reflect surrounding landscape that visually enlarge the space

the second floor space comes closer to the exposed structure of the existing roof

central atrium connects vertical spaces with horizontal landscapes

freestanding columns separate space yet keep an open, versatile floor plan

high windows or gaps between roof and walls bring in light and glimpses of green

a more private space for shampooing has a view of the overlapping of roof structures

glowing facade reveals movement and activities inside the salon

facade becomes a display-like showcase behind silhouettes of trees

project info:

project name: rikyu by boy tokyo

office name: bangkok tokyo architecture

completed: 2019

built area: 308 sqm

location: bangkok, thailand

photographer: thanawatchu creative production co., ltd.

lead architects: takahiro kume, wtanya chanvitan

structural engineer: chaiyaphum siphueat

contractor: udomsreewattana ltd.,part.

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: cristina gomez | designboom