sher maker wraps billowing curtains around a multifunctional space in chiangmai

by carefully considering the effect of natural light on spatial experiences, sher maker has designed a simple yet elegant multifunctional room for la mai hotel  in chiangmai, thailand. fully glazed on three sides and with a curtain that opens around a curved track, ‘the light trap’ offers a flexible gathering space for coffee, cocktail parties, and art exhibitions. 

images by rungkit charoenwat

the building settles within the hotel’s parking area, on a small road that also leads to the back of nong hoi market. the space primarily serves as a coffee bar yet it can be used for other purposes such as private cocktail parties, pre-wedding studio, art exhibitions, and as a welcoming space for hotel guests. the client’s goal for the project was to bring in new revenue following disruption to the business caused by the spread of COVID-19 in early 2020

to design the 538.20 ft2 (50 m2) room sher maker began by observing the changing light from dawn till dark. day by day, they found that sunset light from the west bathes the parking area, even if it is obstructed by rows of buildings. therefore, from inside, the west-facing wall acts as a huge screen for natural light, allowing the building to trap light in a beautiful spatial experience. 

a curving double curtain acts as a kind of skinny boundary to contain the atmosphere of the room. within the modest space, one circle bench serves as a gathering point for everyone in the room. the space is also ambiguous as the gravel on the floor makes visitors feel like they could be outside. 

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: lynne myers | designboom