ASA Journal 16/2023

OUT OF THE BLOCK
47
The composition of rectangular window frames is drawn
from the visual characteristics of brick pagoda bases in the
vicinity. It forms a prominent orange frontage connected
vertically with protruding and recessed dimensions that
create distinctive architectural features.
12
The historical themes, including U Thong, resulted
in the construction of a substantial hotel made of
orange bricks with around 60 rooms. The structure
of the building is a straightforward rectangular
form made of concrete, featuring a post-tension
floor similar to that of a conventional large residential
complex. The primary goal is to prioritize
simplicity in construction and minimize expenses by
avoiding excessive architectural embellishments.
Nevertheless, the architect attributes the distinctiveness
of the building’s appearance to the narrative
and historical background of the city. The
layout of rectangular window frames is drawn from
the visual characteristics of brick pagoda bases in
the vicinity. It forms a prominent orange frontage
connected vertically with protruding and recessed
dimensions that create distinctive architectural
features.
Ekaphap adds that brick was selected as the
primary material for the exterior due to its ability
to convey the envisioned historical story effectively—nevertheless,
the inherent characteristics
of the material present challenges in accurately
implementing the intended design. The material
utilized is glass fiber-reinforced concrete, commonly
referred to as GRC. GRC, or Glass Fiber
Reinforced Concrete, is a material used to mold the
entire piece. It is prefabricated in the factory and
can be mixed with color powder to form a substance.
It is easy to carry and install using a dry
system. All of this has facilitated the realization
of the facade shape of the pagoda base pattern.