overlapping social areas and lush gardens emerge from renovated warehouse in thailand
refurb by Housescape design lab evokes memories in Chiang Mai
Housescape Design Lab has transformed an old warehouse in Chiang Mai, Thailand, into Gimme Shelter, a commercial multi-use development consisting of a cafe, restaurant, office, and workshop area. The design uses the language of the original structure, incorporating neat geometries and industrial materials. Open, fluid spaces generate overlapping social areas for the visitors, while large openings help users maintain a close relationship with the surrounding nature.
According to the architects, the entire concept is based on evoking memories: ‘We’re convinced that real architecture will leave indelible traces in our minds by only elementary architectural action’ they explain.
studio and panoramic void with nature
images by Rungkit Charoenwat
overlapping social areas
Steering away from viral design trends and ‘instagrammability’, Housescape Design Lab completed the refurbishment through meaningful architectural interventions. The new design replaces the old warehouse with a multifunctional establishment including a cafe, a restaurant, and a number of spacious offices and workshop areas. Vsititors first encounter the lounge and dining spaces, while the office, workshop, and garden areas are hidden in the back. The renovated building borrows the design language of the original warehouse, combined with simple lines and large openings for separating the space and bringing light into the building.
The open, fluid configuration of the interior encourages visitors to communicate with each other, as well as with the restaurant staff. Small mahogany gardens are interspersed throughout the Gimme Shelter, also promoting social interaction in-between breaks from working in the office. By creating these overlapping social dimensions, the architects hope that some small traces of memory will be left in the quality of the various face-to-face conversations.
lighting and materiality in the Gimme Shelter
the restaurant area
