ASA JOURNAL 14/2023

OLD INTO NEW
101
The wooden components of Kimpton Kitalay were redesigned
in collaboration with Suntan Viengsima, a woodcraft expert.
The collaborative effort resulted in the enhancement of structural
components, joinery, the leakage prevention system, and details
that facilitate easier future replacement and main- tenance. The
incline laths contribute their own accent to the design language
of the walls and various sections of the roof.
ปิ ติรัตน์ ยศวัฒนา
สถาปนิกและนักวาดภาพ
ประกอบอิสระ ที่สนใจใน
การอยู่ร่วมกับธรรมชาติ
อย่างสมดุล ให้คุณค่า
หาความสุข-จากสิ ่งรอบ
ตัว และสอนโยคะเป็ นบาง
คราว
16
Pitirat Yoswattana
is a freelance architect,
an illustrator and a
yoga teacher. She is
passionate about the
balance between humans
and nature, and
always seeks simple
happiness.
16
มุมมองเปิดสู่ทะเล จาก
ระเบียงห้องพักชั้นบน
17
มุมที่นั่งในสระส่วนตัวของ
ห้องพูลวิลล่าสองห้องนอน
ริมทะเล
However, despite some limitations that restricted
the use of wood in less prioritized areas, the natural
material remains a crucial element in setting the
overall mood and tone of the resort. This is especially
true in the lobby and the U-shaped common
area, where guests are welcomed with a panoramic
view of the pool, leading to the beach and the
sea. Here, they can fully appreciate the interplay
of light and shadow created by the wooden laths
on the roof.
In addition to the wooden laths, the architecture
team and the woodcraft expert conducted further
research on the details of the woodwork. They
utilized life-sized models to better understand
and enhance the buildings’ functions, durability,
aesthetics, and practicality of construction. This
included studying the joints of building corners,
roof frames, wood joinery, and the combination
of different materials and components throughout
the buildings.
The architecture team worked impressively with all
aspects of the wooden components, from aesthetics
and construction to cost-effectiveness and maintenance.
Several wooden elements from the initial
design have been either covered or removed for
various reasons, just like what has occurred in many
other projects. The architecture team’s initial vision
did not come to fruition exactly as intended due to
a number of factors, both anticipated and unforeseen.
Compromises had to be made due to budget
constraints and the need to find solutions that satisfied
all parties, including investors and the resort’s
executive team. Despite these challenges, it is clear
that the final result, which was achieved through a
lengthy design development process, is a testament
to the collaborative efforts of everyone involved that
ultimately conceive a beautifully completed creation,
a message that Kimpton Kitalay passes on to its
visitors in the most impressive manner.
habitaarchitects.com
Project: Kimpton Kitalay Samui Location: Choengmon Beach, Koh Samui, Surathani, Thailand Hotel Operator: IHG Hotels & Resorts Year of Completion: 2021 Architect:
Habita Architects Interior Designer: P49 Deesign Landscape Designer: TK Studio Lighting Designer: CWL Structural and MEP Engineer: Beca Signage design: Shrimp Asia
Branding & Design Agency Bangkok