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mArchten

mArchten

Bangkok, TH

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Varinah Resort

Varinah Resort is strategically situated in Sam Roi Yot District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, merely a 30-minute drive from Hua Hin. The resort is enveloped in a tranquil environment, with the majestic Sam Roi Yot National Park to the west, offering mesmerizing sunsets that cast orange and golden hues through the mountain vistas. Unique atmospheric conditions, like the cascading “Waterfall fog” alongside the ridges, interacting with evening sunlight, ensure an ever-evolving, picturesque backdrop. To the east, the pristine Gulf of Thailand extends its natural allure, characterized by seasonal red krill clusters along the coastline and the playful sight of Bryde’s whales engaging visitors. These natural phenomena underscore the resort's distinctive geographic allure.

Our design philosophy is rooted in adopting an owner’s perspective through an architect’s lens. The mArchten design team engaged deeply with the project owners, from land analysis and concept planning to name ideation, linking the essence of water and tranquility with the family name "Krisanavarin."

The design journey began by harnessing the natural landscapes of mountains and beaches as foundational elements. This vision integrates fishing life motifs like boats, ropes, nets, hammocks, and sails, imbuing the resort with a distinctive seaside ambiance. The development is divided into two zones: the hotel and Pool Villas. Privacy is a priority with Villas positioned at the rear, while the hotel is oriented towards the beachfront road, deliberately elevated to enhance panoramic sightlines.

During the design phase, the team spent five days on-site, experiencing a different view each day. The sky transformed into hues of orange and purple, changing the sea's reflection accordingly. On particularly fortunate days, they witnessed fog cascading down the Sam Roi Yot mountain ridges, creating a waterfall-like effect—an experience they could not have anticipated without spending time at the site.

The hotel comprises three buildings, arranged in a U-shape to create a central Reflection Pond. This design ensures that guests in every building enjoy a connection to the sea. The lobby, positioned centrally, is open and airy, providing a clear view through the entire project. This design choice is pivotal, allowing guests to fully engage with the natural surroundings from dawn to dusk. Additionally, detailed design elements are carefully woven throughout the project to enhance the overall experience.

The Reflection Pond serves as a serene focal point, enhancing the sense of closeness to nature as it is flanked by buildings on both sides. Preserving the site's original charm, a native coconut tree from the old landscape has been relocated to the pond's edge. This enhances the seaside ambiance with ropes adorning the tree, evoking the essence of a fishing voyage.

Inspired by the Patterns of Coconut Shells :Originally a coconut grove, the site retains its natural heritage by preserving existing trees. This concept is reflected in the building's façade, which incorporates real coconut shells to create a play of low and high relief, echoing the texture of adjacent pillars. These pillars, draped with rope, mimic the texture of coconut trunks, blending seamlessly into the surroundings.

Rooftop Swimming Pool with 360-Degree Views: Accessible from the hotel rooftop, the swimming pool offers an unparalleled swimming experience with panoramic views of Sam Roi Yot mountain and the Gulf of Thailand. This design immerses guests in nature, with beautiful skies and sea breezes enhancing the tranquil poolside atmosphere, ensuring both relaxation and privacy.

Rooms with Panoramic Nature Views: The resort offers three room types Superior Room, Deluxe Room, and Super Deluxe Room, each designed to provide sweeping ocean views. The Super Deluxe Rooms are closest to the beachfront, featuring corner glass windows that offer expansive vistas of the beach and the Gulf of Thailand as soon as the curtains are drawn. Guests can fully engage with the natural surroundings, even from the bathroom. The warm interior palette, blending wood tones with nautical rope accents, fosters a cozy and soothing atmosphere. The mix of wooden decorations, including rope-wrapped furniture, maintains a seaside charm throughout. In the bathroom, adjustable blinds allow guests to enjoy the outside views while maintaining privacy.

Pool Villas Enclosed by Nature: Accessible via a Sky walk from the hotel area, the resort offers eight Pool Villas, each featuring a private pool and a pathway leading to a central larger pool. Tall hedges create a natural boundary, providing privacy without feeling constrained. These hedges balance opacity with transparency through leaves, maintaining a secluded ambiance. The Pool Villas incorporate wood extensively throughout, from floors and doors to furniture and frames, instilling a sense of relaxation. Manila rope pendant lights hanging from the ceiling add a nautical touch that harmonizes with the wooden interior. The villa pools are each distinct, tailored to their specific settings, and screened off from the outside by high hedges, ensuring privacy.

Let Your Spirit Drift Away at "Liu La Long": For the dining area, the designers aimed for a fluid aesthetic inspired by the restaurant's name, "Liu La Long." Positioned at the front of the hotel by the roadside, the restaurant features curved glass walls that open views to the hotel and the sea. These pivoting glass panels can be adjusted to embrace the breeze or create a cozy air-conditioned space as needed. The ceiling is adorned with fabric ribbons, mimicking the gentle curves of ocean waves, while wooden elements maintain harmony with the broader hotel design.

Watching the Sunset: As evening falls, find a peaceful spot on the beach in front of the hotel to enjoy the gentle breeze and stunning views. The designers have carefully curated every detail, including beachside lamps with graceful, curved lines that blend perfectly with the coastal setting and the hotel's atmosphere.

A Harmonious Blend of Nature and Design: The tranquil setting, distant from urban chaos, offers 360-degree views of the Sam Roi Yot mountain and the Gulf of Thailand. This meticulous attention to detail embodies the designers' effort to weave the hotel’s narrative seamlessly together. By infusing the design with ocean-inspired elements, using real coconut shells for façade textures, choosing warm wood tones, or creating decorative nets spanning walls and ceilings, every aspect invites guests to indulge in a peaceful retreat. Leave behind the noise of the city, let the sound of the waves wash over you, and recharge on a perfect weekend escape.

 
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Status: Built
Location: Prachuap Khiri Khan, TH
Firm Role: Architect
Additional Credits: Area: 4,000 sq.m.
Year: 2018
Location: Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand
Project Architects: Akapatr Chiraarreebutr
Architectural Design Team: Pichate Sanguanchaipaiwong, Puvadol Pothanuluck, Danaipun Seangsawang
Interior Design Team: Niramol Woolsey, Kannika Kaewopas
Engineering: mArchten Co., Ltd.
Landscape: mArchten Co., Ltd.
Consultants: mArchten Co., Ltd.
Contractor: mArchten Co., Ltd.
Collaborators: Nadia Dahlan (Chief Interior Designer)
Photographer: beersingnoi