CentralWorld is a renovation project, located in Bangkok. Linehouse redesigned the exterior facade and 7 floors of public retail space.

The design conceptually explores contradictions between the chaotic and peaceful nature of Bangkok. Located in an area once abundant in lily pads; Linehouse examined the stemming, radiating and circular profile of the lily pads, translating this into a spatial narrative to the exterior and interior condition. The result is a building that responds to its locality in form and materiality.

The project is nestled in the urban heart of Bangkok, surrounded by Hindu temples. The design concept seeks to embody this sentiment of finding peace in the chaos. The façade utilizes an urban palette of concrete and dark cement render, whist the rhythmic form of the overlapping arches provides a sense of harmony. Upon entering the interior one is transported to space full of light and volume, offering a meditative journey away from the intensity of the surrounding streets.

The design of the exterior is a double layered arched façade, the front layer is defined by concrete form work and the back layer rendered in black. The arches stem in various heights and widths shifting on the 2 planes, creating interesting intersections which operate as framed views through to the interior. Linehouse punctuated the arches in moments to allow for green terraces to the food & beverage floors. Providing a depth to an otherwise flat elevation, and blurring the exterior / interior condition.

Upon entering the interior, white branched columns extend vertically through the atrium space, radiating out to create ceiling canopies. The void shifts through the 7 floors, allowing for an overlapping and shifting ceiling plane. As one ascends, the ceiling plane treatment shifts in materiality; beginning with tech-tonic green metal grids, evolving to natural and tactile textures; timber trellis and woven cane ceilings. Creating a sense of movement from new to old world craft.

A food hall occupies the 4th floor of the building, arched windows of the exterior façade frame views to the park beyond. A paired back palette of natural materials and tactile textures; timber, stone, and earthy materials in off white’s further echo the peaceful nature of the interior.

The design brings new life to a once uninspiring façade and interior. Rather than demolishing the existing building structure and shell, the design works with the existing, reducing its carbon foot print.

Note to editors: Linehouse is an architecture and interior design practice established in 2013 by Alex Mok and Briar Hickling, based in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Auckland.

Lighting Consultant: Inverse Lighting Design Co Ltd

Landscape Consultant:Landscape Tectonix Limited

Photo credit: Depth of Field, Jonathan Leijonhufvud