In the middle of Bangkok City, Sixseven Studio (67s) has completed a new urban retreat that offers authentic Japanese onsen and Thai massage. The building comprises two parts: an old apartment building and new building, separating the function of onsen and spa treatment facilities.
The bridging of old and new is inspired by Kintsugi, a Japanese art of repairing broken pottery. The result is a modern Japanese minimalist aesthetic fused with local materials.
The key challenge of the project is the narrow nature of the plot. In the heart of Bangkok CBD, the site is surrounded by tall dense buildings on all sides. 67s found a design solution with the insertion of various courtyards that allow for natural light.
Upon entering the lobby on the second floor, a bamboo-formed concrete wall runs the length of the atrium which is surrounded by a lush green courtyard. Wood veneer flooring and concealed lighting add to the sense of peace and relaxation.
On the upper floor, restaurant ‘Happy Rice’ sits next to a garden with seating surrounded by greenery. The bar counter is clad with a Japanese-style chiseled wood texture.
The interior design on the 3rd and 4th floors becomes more simplified, with lighter shades of material and rhythm in surfaces. Natural slate and indirect lighting feature throughout.
In treatment rooms, wooden screens with a diffusing acrylic sheet reference an illuminated sho-ji screen. Alongside this, light tones of wood and neutral soft finishing in beige, ivory and grey create a sense of calm and harmony.
