A086 SUN SPIRIT

Bang Pu – the area around the mouth of Chao Phraya is not a sea front location one would typically associate with Thailand.

In place of islands tanker and container ships cruise slowly below horizon, sandy beach is replaced by an asphalt path flanked on one side by robust breakwater and factories or unused swathes of land on the other. There are few people and in spite of all the industry around, the area is surprisingly quiet.

Severity and simplicity of this scenery generates unique atmosphere transpiring certain feeling of eerie calmness.

Sun spirit building aims to respond to this functional and simple environment with reduced form consisting out of 3 essential elements: one slab and two walls.

The 850 cm tall walls are positioned perpendicularly to each other and at 45 degree angle to the sea edge. Diagonal line connecting their sea-side ends outlines open terrace – the restaurant itself which is covered by light roof and can be extended towards the sea thanks to full length sliding – folding doors.

Kitchen as well as restrooms are located on ground floor obscured from visitors view.

The sequence of arrival focuses on maximizing the impact of first impression of the sea.

In the beginning the building appears as a large square against the sky and partially obscured by trees. Going around the extended front, from this perspective, wall a deliberately as narrow as functionally suitable staircase emerges leading visitors to restaurant level. The view of the sea gradually opens before their eyes as they ascend.

Roughly cast plaster finish of the walls lends them softer appearance dispersing sun rays upon their surface.