keaton by PHTAA is a curious + cozy tailor shop in downton bangkok

located in downtown bangkok, ‘keaton’ by PHTAA living design is a modern reinterpretation of a vintage tailor shop. nestled in a central part of the city, keaton is in close proximity to a range of bars, cafés and clothing boutiques and, with the increasing popularity of vintage products and production techniques, hopes to kick-start a bit of a renaissance for the professional tailor.

PHTAA hopes to kick-start a bit of a renaissance for the tailor profession

in developing their vision for the space, PHTAA living design turned to ‘a handbook of weaves’ by G.H. oelsner. the studio used the structure of cloth as a point of reference, noting how a weaved pattern is represented differently on opposite sides of the fabric. it is this liminal space between two patterns that influenced the final design of the location: of viewpoints that shift depending on perspective and scale.

a full height window display provides an uninhibited view into the tailor shop.

two distinct patterns were chosen to represent the store: straight, uninterrupted lines and small, square holes. bold lines define the dimensions of space and create a humble, simple environment, while the squares are used as a recognizable visual reference to textile patterning that also serves as a bridge between interior and exterior. the architects have selected mainly pure concrete and navy blue metal to create the face of the building. the storefront is opened to the street with an uninterrupted floor to ceiling glass window, providing an uninhibited view into the shop space.

the concrete screen creates a curiously humorous face for the store

around the corner however, PHTAA have covered the exterior with a feature wall, concealing three quarters of the shop’s façade. the concrete screen adds an air of mystery to keaton’s outward personality, and is broken only by the pattern of small square holes. a glass window seals the gap between floor and wall and provides passers-by with a brief glimpse of shoppers feet — seeing the whole outfit however, requires heading inside yourself.

bold straight lines and small repeated squares are the patterns at the heart of the design

the interior design focuses on generating a gentle and simplistic atmosphere. it’s a small store, with just 25 square meters, but succeeds in using this to its advantage to create an intimate and charming environment. the reception desk is made of plywood, and is peppered with the same pattern as the exterior wall. the micro squares from the concrete screen allow in small pinpoints of light. this, combined with the exposed brick of the building’s walls and cosy overall atmosphere makes for a charismatic and inviting space.

at the back of the store, the brick wall creates a natural partition for changing

it’s a cosy store, with just 25 square meters of space

dots on interior details reflect the building’s exterior

the new façade of the tailor shop is inserted into the existing building

wood, concrete, brick & iron: a range of materialities are used in the store’s design

a glass panel front invites the street inside

viewpoints shift depending on perspective and scale

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: peter corboy | designboom

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