CLAY: Transforming a Bangkok Rental House into a Nature-Inspired Restaurant

A Clay restaurant in Bangkok, Thailand, has undergone an impressive renovation by the talented architects at ASWA (Architectural Studio of Work - Aholic). This unique project involved transforming a 40-year-old rental house into a stunning dining establishment that harmoniously blends with nature. To achieve this concept of "Living with nature," the architects utilized materials such as concrete plaster, wood, and terrazzo, both in the design and on the restaurant's menu.

Respecting the beauty of the original house, the architects made the decision to remove various additional structures that had been added by previous tenants over the years. These included a car parking area, storage room, maid house, and aluminum canopies. In their place, a new steel structure with wood cladding was implemented, creating a new canopy and glasshouse area. This allowed for ample natural light to flood the dining area, providing guests with a pleasant view of the surrounding greenery.

While preserving some of the outstanding features of the old house, such as the existing roof tiles and wood frames, ASWA decided to remove the white coating on the wood frames to showcase the natural beauty of the grain. Additionally, the exterior walls were stripped of old paint and covered with new cement plaster, giving the restaurant a fresh and modern appearance.

The kitchen, located at the back of the house, was converted from the original kitchen that was adjacent to the main house. ASWA incorporated new glass windows into the workstation, allowing customers to observe the chefs' activities during meal preparation. This added an interactive element to the dining experience, providing a glimpse into the culinary artistry happening behind the scenes.

Inside the restaurant, a new white terrazzo floor seamlessly extends to the counter, complemented by an exposed ceiling that showcases the wooden floor structure from the upper level. In contrast, the floor in the new greenhouse area features a dark gray terrazzo, creating a distinct separation between the two spaces. The existing window frames further contribute to this division, creating two atmospheres—one bathed in natural light and the other with a more intimate, darker ambiance.

The Clay restaurant is a testament to ASWA's innovative design approach and their ability to transform an aging rental house into a stunning culinary destination. By incorporating natural materials and embracing the concept of "Living with nature," this renovation project has created a unique dining experience that seamlessly blends with its surroundings.

Read also about the Contemporary Transformation: Paradise Lane Project by Billinkoff Architecture project