onion expands nature-inspired resort with pool villas atop thai mountains

onion expands resort in thailand with three types of villas

Interior design and architecture studio Onion completes the second phase of Sala Khao Yai in Thailand and expands on the original resort, incorporating three types of villas: a three-bedroom Pool Villa, two Pool Villa Suites, and two Pool Villas. Situated on a mountaintop, the design of the development offers sweeping vistas of the country’s National Park. The masterplan prioritizes the orientation of buildings, maximizing natural light, wind flow, and views of sunrise or, in the case of the three-bedroom Pool Villa, a 360-degree panorama. 

The design features natural materials and organic shapes, inspired by the contours of the land and the silhouette of the mountainous environment. The entrance is marked by an open-air pavilion in earth tones, such as dark brown, with a bamboo ceiling that welcomes visitors. Inside the villas and suites, flowy curves and rounded forms reflect the surrounding landscape, filtering natural light. A consistent off-white color palette unites walls, floors, and ceilings with rounded edges that remove sharp shadows. The team at Onion strategically positions bedrooms to frame optimal views and standalone bathtubs to capture reflections of the scenery through mirrors.

all images courtesy of Onion

Sala Khao Yai’s villa offers varied perspectives on thai landscape

Bangkok-based studio Onion pays attention to detail and extends to custom oak furniture, echoing the natural curves of the site. Circular bathroom walls feature rounded corners, clad in small white marble pieces. Light earth tones are used throughout, complemented by pink accents inspired by Khao Yai’s soil. Outdoor spaces, including private pools, rooftop daybeds, and barbecue areas, engage visitors with the natural surroundings, whether it’s stargazing, open-air bathing, or outdoor cooking. 

At the highest point, the three-bedroom Pool Villa invites guests to extend their stay and enjoy varied perspectives, with each en-suite bedroom oriented toward a different view. A spacious open-air living area, complete with a 14-seat dining table and movable furniture, allows visitors to take in different moments throughout the day. A spiral staircase leads to a private rooftop with a 360-degree view, and the swimming pool reflects the sky, offering the illusion of walking on clouds or swimming with the horizon. A main 37-meter swimming pool, located 250 meters from the villas, is positioned to capture the sunset, with an open-air pool bar providing a relaxing space to watch the sun disappear behind the mountains.

interior design and architecture studio Onion completes the second phase of Sala Khao Yai

incorporating three types of villas: a three-bedroom Pool Villa, two Pool Villa Suites, and two Pool Villas

situated on a mountaintop, the design of the development offers views of the Thailand National Park

maximizing natural light, wind flow, and views of sunrise

Sala Khao Yai’s villa offers varied perspectives on Thai landscape

inspired by the contours of the land and the silhouette of the mountains

natural materials and organic shapes characterize the project

the entrance is marked by an open-air pavilion in earth tones

inside the villas and suites, flowy curves and rounded forms reflect the surrounding landscape

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Onion pays attention to detail

custom oak furniture echoes the natural curves of the site

at the highest point, the three-bedroom Pool Villa invites guests to extend their stay and enjoy varied perspectives

light earth tones are used throughout, complemented by pink accents

circular bathroom walls feature rounded corners

standalone bathtubs capture reflections of the scenery through mirrors

project info:

name: Sala Khaoyai | @salahospitality
architect: onion | @onion_work
location: Wangkata Pong Ta Long, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand

photographer: W Workspace | @wworkspace

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edited by: thomai tsimpou | designboom