‘Headquarter of mArchten’: A Playground for Creative Architecture

What If… Asking the right questions is an essential tool for fostering innovative ideas. Crafting these questions requires a solid grounding in the possibilities of design and a willingness to experiment to yield the best results. At mArchten, we believe that these inquiries can lead us to groundbreaking outcomes.

Let’s Explore To illustrate this, consider the approach taken in the design of the main building, utilizing a steel structure. The use of steel not only accelerates construction time significantly compared to traditional concrete but also offers greater flexibility in design. While concrete constructions are recognized for their easy maintenance and durability, the advancements in technology today provide vast opportunities for integrating both steel and concrete within a singular building. 

Our architectural team embraced this challenge, experimenting with a hybrid approach for this project, documenting insights into the respective advantages and disadvantages of each material. This approach empowers us to provide valuable data to clients, presenting them with informed options for their projects.

Embracing Innovation In our journey toward sustainable architecture, this building incorporates a cutting-edge solar panel system, marking it as one of the pioneering structures to deploy household solar technology in Thailand. Despite some perceptions that solar energy is a distant possibility, its growing acceptance within residential designs is becoming the norm. Throughout our trial period with the solar system, we observed tangible benefits, including substantial long-term savings in energy costs, particularly as electricity prices continue to rise. The investment in solar panels not only aids in reducing utility expenses but also aligns with a larger movement toward sustainable living.

Moreover, we undertook a spatial experiment by integrating a small koi pond within the premises. This design not only created a visually appealing element but also maintained a balance with the building's overall aesthetic and functional design. The pond acts as both a decorative feature and a practical thoroughfare, making the walkways more engaging while enhancing air circulation and improving water quality through increased oxygen levels.

Quality Work Begins with the Well-being of the Team The third floor of this headquarters has been designated as a dining area, with a portion of the space set aside for staff accommodation. This thoughtful design allows team members to relax during their breaks and offers comfortable lodging for overnight stays to alleviate the exhaustion associated with daily commuting—all at no expense to them. Additionally, understanding the importance of physical well-being, we have transformed the rooftop into a fully equipped fitness area. This space provides ample opportunities for team members to engage in physical activity, mitigating the fatigue that accompanies long hours spent working on computers.

Creating communal spaces for collaborative activities is integral to our company ethos; after all, a healthy and well-prepared team is foundational to maximizing productivity and enhancing overall performance at work.

Creating a Personal Experimental Playground At mArchten, we embody the principle of "We Are You in the Form of an Architect." Our mission involves conducting experiments aligned with the unique needs of our clients, ensuring that every square meter of space is utilized for testing various architectural hypotheses. By establishing our own experimental playgrounds through tangible physical testing, we can provide not only feasible construction techniques but also suitable design alternatives that resonate deeply with our clients’ goals and aspirations.