integrated field tops café in thailand with latticed roof canopy

integrated field tops café in thailand with latticed roof canopy
all images by ketsiree wongwan

bangkok-based studio integrated field has completed the design of a café in thailand topped with a giant latticed canopy. named ‘it’s sara’, the eatery is located in saraburi — a province located at the heart of the southeast asian country. the scheme is defined by a series of intertwining and overlapping layers that blur the boundary between internal and external space. responding to the client’s great love of nature, the design team placed plants, trees, and shrubs on smooth steps surrounding the building. meanwhile, structural components — such as the roof and the glazed walls — float above the garden, supported by intentionally misaligned steel columns.

the eatery is located in saraburi, a province located at the heart of thailand

the steel structure is entirely clad with artificial wood, allowing the scheme to blend into its surroundings. the elevated roof canopy features translucent panels that allow daylight to penetrate the building, while glass walls help illuminate the scheme’s air-conditioned internal spaces.

integrated field, or IF, has previously completed the interior of a restaurant in bangkok that references the city’s thriving street food scene. the studio has also designed a residential property that offers a careful balance between private and shared living spaces.

layered components blur the boundary between internal and external space

the roof is supported by intentionally misaligned steel columns

small bodies of water act as a cooling presence

the steel structure is entirely clad with artificial wood

a sheltered area for public congregation

the design team placed plants, trees, and shrubs on smooth steps surrounding the building

glass walls help illuminate the scheme’s air-conditioned internal spaces

animation illustrating the project’s development

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project info:

location: nong khae, saraburi, thailand
owner: pimpaka wongmanasuk
architect: IF (integrated field co.,ltd.)
landscape architect: IF (integrated field co.,ltd.)
lighting designer: kullakaln gururatana
structural engineer: basic design co.,ltd.
electrical / sanitary engineer: site 83 engineering studio
main contractor: SE surasak engineering
interior contractor: the brick design & construction
softscape contractor: M.J. gardens co.,ltd.
D&W contractor: mongkol karnchang
electrical contractor: ST 2511 engineering co.,ltd.

area: 460 sqm (indoor), 120 sqm (outdoor), 980 sqm (hardscape), 1,060 sqm (softscape)
completed: january 2015
photography: ketsiree wongwan