Sala Visitor Centre designed by Soh Design Studio, Our vision was to create a building to behold the impressive vineyard against the backdrop of picturesque mountains. The design brief was to capture the beauty of traditional Thai architecture while remaining contemporary.

Design Process

There was two design impetus. Firstly, we were inspired by local building culture in terms of forms and materials. Secondly, we were driven by a traditional passive cooling system which was widely practiced in the region.

We traveled around central and North Thailand observing modern and traditional architecture. The repeatedly seen sensual curvilinear roof on traditional houses and temples caught our attention. The strong and modern curve feature not only serves as a main passive cooling structure but it also reflects the sensuality and elegance. During those visits, we also admired the use of natural materials such as clay bricks, bamboos, rattan, and wood.
A layout of the building is according to the rules of a passive cooling system – large open walkways, platforms with openable doors and windows, high roofs, generous overhangs, elevated from the ground and plenty of in-between spaces for natural ventilation. Most critically, it responds to the local prevailing winds to encourage ventilation and positions the longest elevation away from the afternoon sun. In addition to that, all spaces have large openings cladded with glass windows for natural daylight. Through these tall gla...