Architectural Cases

In Bangkok's Yannawa district, Pachapasa Studio has masterfully reimagined a private residence and its surrounding green spaces, converting them into the distinctive ARVIE Bangkok restaurant and hospitality venue. Instead of demolishing the original structure, the design strategy involved preserving the building's shell and removing interior dividers to forge a seamless dining environment. A newly constructed pavilion, strategically placed across the courtyard, introduces a second architectural element, activating the previously neglected garden area between the two structures.

The central courtyard emerges as the heart of this architectural endeavor, establishing a vital connection between the original house and the modern pavilion. As evening descends, light permeates the pavilion's exterior, endowing the structure with a radiant, lantern-like quality that visually extends the restaurant's ambiance into the garden. The pavilion is conceived as a versatile space, capable of hosting up to sixteen diners in a single configuration, dividing into two distinct rooms for eight guests each, or opening entirely to the courtyard for outdoor gatherings. This adaptable design allows the interplay between indoor and outdoor areas to fluidly adjust based on varying functional needs.

Within the former residence, Pachapasa Studio's design team meticulously removed internal walls to craft an expansive, continuous dining hall centered around a prominent bar. This bar not only anchors the layout but also serves as a captivating focal point for culinary demonstrations. It is meticulously fashioned from red glazed bricks, a material developed in collaboration with local artisans and produced from compressed demolition waste, thus integrating recycled elements into a key architectural feature of the establishment. The material narrative extends to the flooring and furniture: handmade brick tiles from a family-run manufacturer in Ang Thong impart warmth and texture, while intricately woven papyrus mats infuse the contemporary dining setting with traditional Thai artistry. These material choices collectively underscore a profound connection to local production methods and cultural heritage.

This project consciously avoids direct replication of traditional Thai architectural forms, opting instead to incorporate indigenous materials, artisanal skills, and fabrication techniques into a modern hospitality context. The thoughtful relationship between the preserved house, the new pavilion, the central courtyard, and the carefully chosen material palette establishes a unique spatial framework. This framework effectively bridges existing architecture with novel functions, breathing new life into a site that was once underutilized, and creating an inviting and inspiring destination that honors its heritage while embracing contemporary design principles.

Galetto Estudio has crafted 'Pabellón Los Troncos,' an airy and temporary structure nestled under a canopy of ancient pecan trees. This architectural gem is situated adjacent to the 18th hole of the Estancia La Paz Golf course in Ascochinga, Córdoba, Argentina. Conceived as an extension of the golf club’s primary facilities, the pavilion offers a peaceful sanctuary for golfers concluding their 7,360-yard round, all while maintaining an intimate connection with the expansive landscape.

The design of the pavilion is a masterful response to its environment, rather than an isolated creation. Its placement beneath the dense pecan foliage fosters a deep bond with the trees, while its expansive, open layout and translucent walls ensure uninterrupted views of the surrounding natural beauty and the inviting final green. The architectural rhythm is established through the repetition of a singular structural element, which not only streamlines construction but also introduces a harmonious structural and spatial pattern. This consistent framework beautifully contrasts with the organic, irregular silhouette of the existing tree canopy.

The design by Galetto Estudio prioritizes a harmonious blend of materials and a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. The walking surface is subtly elevated above the natural ground, guaranteeing clear sightlines across the terrain and towards the concluding golf hole. A generously proportioned roof provides ample protection from sunlight and rain, with its gentle slope artfully guiding the gaze of golfers as they approach the end of their game. Large, retractable glass panels offer versatility, allowing the pavilion to adapt to varying conditions and uses. The flexible layout can be reconfigured to suit different weather patterns, events, or daily activities, effortlessly transitioning between a more enclosed interior and a space that fully embraces the natural environment.

The material selection, curated by Galetto Estudio’s architects, features a warm interplay of timber, delicate steel components, and transparent glass. These elements work in concert to preserve visual openness while simultaneously defining the pavilion’s structural framework and environmental boundaries. This thoughtful integration blurs the lines between the interior and exterior, enabling the space to evolve with the changing daylight, the shifting seasons of vegetation, and the dynamic activity of the golf course, creating an ever-changing and engaging experience.

This innovative architectural project exemplifies how design can respectfully integrate with nature, enhancing human experience without overshadowing the environment. It encourages a deeper appreciation for the interplay between built structures and natural landscapes, offering a model for future developments that prioritize ecological harmony and user well-being. Such thoughtful constructions demonstrate that functional spaces can also be places of beauty, reflection, and connection to the world around us, fostering a sense of peace and belonging.