handcrafted wooden facade sweeps across VMA design studio’s hostel in bangkok

double b hostel enlivens bangkok’s sao chingcha district

In Bangkok’s historic Sao Chingcha District, VMA Design Studio has clad Double B Hostel with a handcrafted wooden facade that dramatically sweeps above the streetscape. Inspiration for the facade design and material pallet drew deeply from the site’s historical culture of handmade craftwork and further guided by the natural directional grain and textures of wood. The concept materialized as a series of undulating composite wooden rods, heat-blown and bent into the dynamic configuration which graces the front of the building and seamlessly wraps underneath to adorn the lobby and internal walls. Additionally, seeking to resolve the site’s height and spatial constraints, the architects realized a central courtyard that gathers visitors to a unified meeting point beyond the main entryway, infused with abundant natural light and glimpses of greenery. 

all images by Art Chitsanupong

wooden rods wrap the facade & interior surfaces in one sweep

The Sao Chingcha area of Bangkok, popular among tourists and steeped in cultural and historical heritage, posed a challenge for the Double B Hostel project due to strict height limitations in the old town area. All the neighboring structures had maximized their usage, leaving minimal gaps on all sides connecting to the site. The only unobstructed areas with natural light were the front space connecting to the street and the roof of the building. The team at VMA Design Studio proposed a solution by envisioning a central courtyard space drawing visitors from the narrow front into the core of the site. The internal court would serve as the lobby area connecting to the hotel function and the cafe and lounge zone, acting as a second front area of the hotel.

Inside, a large skylight window illuminates the main internal court with natural light, while mirrored cladding on internal walls above the courtyard amplifies sunlight into lower levels. Guest rooms feature small pocket window chambers, serving as both sources of light and miniature green balconies. Complementing the natural wooden tones of the facade, earthy brown tones infuse warmth into the interior, while white PU flooring and mirror stainless steel elements create a dynamic interplay of light and reflection. Above the central court, some sections of the facade have been transformed into planters, enhancing each floor with lush greenery, and imbuing the atrium above the main courtyard with a sense of verdant green space and natural light.

VMA Design Studio has clad Double B Hostel with a handcrafted wooden facade

vma design studio infuses light, greenery, and bespoke finishes

Additionally, VMA Design Studio has crafted bespoke furniture pieces for the Double B Hostel, their designs echoing the organic curvature of the facade. Stepped seating arrangements, complete with integrated coffee tables, resemble a miniature version of the facade, with mirrored cladding on the sides that heighten the sense of fluidity and interconnectedness between the interior and exterior spaces. The centerpiece mirror table, accompanied by refined wooden stools, provides a communal gathering space that invites guests to converse within the natural light-infused court, surrounded by greenery.

a central courtyard space draws visitors from the narrow front into the core of the site

stepped seating complete with integrated coffee tables resembles a miniature version of the facade

the facade elements are visible from the street as well as the courtyard

infused with natural light

composite wooden rods were heat-blown and bent into a dynamic configuration

white PU flooring and mirror stainless steel elements create a dynamic interplay of light and reflection

guest rooms feature small pocket window chambers, serving as both sources of light and miniature green balconies

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project info:

name: Double B Hostel

location: Sao Chingcha District, Bangkok, Thailand
architecture: VMA Design Studio

design team: Vichayuth Meenaphant, Peerawin Sawattanawanit, Panupong Sittiwong, Pattitar Na Chart, Suppasit Sirinukulwattana

structural and M&E engineering: Basic Design Co.,Ltd.

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edited by: ravail khan | designboom