Project: Cha Arnon Farm
Architects: Yangnar Studio
Area: 74 m²
Year: 2023
Photographs:Rungkit Charoenwats
Lead Architects: Dechophon Rattanasatchatham, Thanakit Kaewruamwong
General Contractors: Yaiwood
Design Team: Thanakit Kaewruamwong
Project Management: Rungroj Tansukanun, Metee Moonmuang
Country: Thailand
Belief reflects people’s way of living and their environment, especially in rural areas where they live close to nature with respect. Everybody has their own way of narrating their background, as well as architecture, which is one of those mediums where all anecdotes vocalize within themselves, including “Cha Arnon”.
This mystical coffee cafe, “Cha Arnon” is located in the north of Thailand. Embraced by a chain of mountains and enveloped in mist, this agricultural zone along the Mae Chai River, on the way to Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park, there’s a small wooden hut humbly nestled among a group of date palm trees that exudes a mystifying vibe. Its simple, large gable roof harmonizes with the shade of the leaves, seamlessly integrating with its surroundings while emanating a mysterious sensation.
Different architectural elements are crafted from local materials such as reused wood and handmade clay bricks, variously rearranged using vernacular techniques to form unique spaces that tell the story of the owner's fascination with the myth of an ogress (Phee Porb). This inspiration also drives the owner's creation of artworks that reflect the sense of belief woven into those textiles. Combined with showcases of other artworks and coffee products, the architecture is well-woven and clearly expresses the identities of the owner and the builders.
These aspirations, blending the woodworking wisdom of craftsmen, manifest in the commercial building's function as an exhibition space in itself. All architectural improvisations draw from the experience of Yangnar Studio, bringing together skills from various disciplines including architecture, craftsmanship, artistry, and entrepreneurship, including YAIWOOD, a craftsman who immersed himself in the aesthetics of carpentry, driving him to merge his woodworking skills with fine art to represent local wisdom. Through this combination, artistry is tactfully integrated into architectural designs in details such as carved wooden battens, railings, diffused voids, and architectural structural patterns that showcase artwork resulting in exotic space that exudes a paranormal ambiance. All design details and owner’s intentions are crafted by the architect and artist, allowing the architectural elements to showcase their inherent beauty while allowing the art pieces to shine without overshadowing.
There exists a blurred boundary between art and architecture, and "Cha Arnon" exemplifies this convergence, serving the functional requirements while also acting as a storytelling medium that narrates the owner’s beliefs without any need for words.
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