onion renovates sala rattanakosin eatery bar + guest rooms in bangkok

onion renovates sala rattanakosin eatery bar + guest rooms in bangkok
all images courtesy of onion

the ‘sala rattanakosin’ has been transformed by thai architecture and interior design firm, onion from seven shop houses into a boutique hotel. located in a vibrant part of bangkok in thailand, the ta tien community surrounding the building has a bustling market and atmosphere. the luxury sala resort and spa is spread over 1,500 square metres and consists of 17 guest rooms, restaurants, an outdoor deck, indoor bar and a roof top bar.

on arrival, the first glimpse of the ‘temple of dawn’ – one of the most recognizable silhouettes of the city, becomes visible after turning away from the reception area – inviting one to move closer towards the waterfront deck. a roof top bar also offers panoramic views across the chao phraya river and in the other direction towards the ‘wat po’, or ‘temple of the reclining buddha’, a home to more than 90 pagodas, four halls and one central shrine.

the restaurant has views over the waterfront towards the temple of dawn

in the upper restaurant a laminated glass partition coated with black and golden films is partly reflective and slightly transparent, reflecting the actual scenery and its mirrored images to create an illusory effect. each guest room offers uninterrupted vistas to the outside, while paying particular attention to the fine details on the interior.

the bar incorporates both old and new materials

the structure’s original architectural elements and materials were carefully considered, integrating them with the character of the new design. the existing set of folding doors were kept at the entry and the ornamented cement handrails are also still used. the cement surface on the restaurant wall was pealed back to reveal the brick-wall underneath. custom-made traces of fallen ceramic tiles were inserted in the hallway, as well as dark-gold laminated glass and aluminum panels.

the outdoor restaurant

the entrance from the street

reception

public area

corridor

corridor

guestroom

guest room

roof top bar

project info:

architect: onion
interior designer: onion
original text: M.L. chittawadi chitrabongs
photography: wison tungthunya
sala rattanakosin: eatery bar and rooms
area: 1500 sq.m
location: ta tien, bangkok thailand
year: 2013

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