IDIN architects tops the roof of choui fong tea cafe 2 in thailand with conical skylights

IDIN architects has completed the choui fong tea cafe 2 in chiang rai, thailand, topping it with a flat roof with extruded conical skylights that bring natural light into its enormous, single-story interior. the cafe has been built to serve the excess tourists that have flooded the first cafe of the choui fong plantation, transforming it in one of the most popular attractions of the area. located on the plantation hill near the first cafe, the project consists of a dining area with 250 seats, a large souvenir shop, and an exhibition area where the staff demonstrates the process of tea making and its history.all images by skyground architectural film & photography

identifying the main client of the cafe as family groups with elders, IDIN architects has proposed a rectangular, single-story interior, where most areas benefit from a view of the surrounding landscape. ‘the main concept of the design is to provide visitors with a view of the plantation, close to the natural surroundings, and without inconveniences for elders and disabled people,’ explains the bangkok-based studio. to widen the scenery in the slope area, the dining area is split into several steps that follow the land contour, which allows all customers to enjoy the view from different eye levels. moreover, an in-between space with extended eaves has been added to secure and cover the dining area from heavy rain. under the eaves, the ramp surrounding the dining area allows the handicapped to access all platforms.

catering to the owner’s requirements for a large number of usable areas in a single-story building, IDIN architects has designed the project with an enormous size floor plane, scattering skylights throughout to resolve the lack of natural light within the space. the skylights do not only solve the lighting problem, but also avoid issues caused by the rain due to their extruded, conical shape. the openings are thus not covered by huge glass planes with many joint structures, but each of them is extruded and differently distorted, thus leaving only a small piece of glass plane and reducing their costs.

‘these cone-like openings also help diffuse light sufficiently for entire areas, and create several patterns from a different time in each spot,’ explain the architects. ‘the openings’ volume is so immense that trees can be planted underneath them, while they are also arranged harmoniously with the surrounding mountains.’

along the stone wall at the entrance area, only a void is left for visitors to enter, which acts as a wind tunnel that visitors pass through and face the blow of the wind as a welcome greeting. while moving through this tunnel, the dim atmosphere is gradually brightened along the way to the dining area, where visitors enjoy their food and plantation scenery. the materials of the project are harmonious with the first cafe, using pinewood, steel, glass and, additionally, mountain stone, all of which represent choui fong’s philosophy of organic plantation.

project info:

name: choui fong tea cafe 2

architect: IDIN architects

location: chiang rai, thailand

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edited by: sofia lekka angelopoulou | designboom