Double B Hostel

Bangkok, Thailand

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Double B Hostel

Bangkok, Thailand

Firm

VMA Design Studio

Type

Hospitality + Sport › Hotel Restaurant

STATUS

Built

YEAR

2023

SIZE

10,000 sqft - 25,000 sqft

BUDGET

$1M - 5M

The Double B Hostel Project is a boutique hostel that merges traditional craftsmanship with organic biophilic design, establishing a distinctive urban retreat in Bangkok’s historic Sao Chingcha District. Featuring a handcrafted wooden facade that dramatically sweeps above the streetscape, the design draws deep inspiration from the local culture of handmade craftwork. It incorporates undulating composite wooden rods and reclaimed onsite wood, both heat-formed and skillfully bent into a dynamic arrangement. This forms a unique social space for both hostel guests and café visitors.

The project utilizes handcrafted wooden facades and traditional woodworking techniques, reflecting the local artistry of the Sao Chingcha district, renowned for its tradition of crafting sculptures and ceremonial artifacts. These age-old crafting techniques are integrated with modern architectural design tools to reimagine classical artistry in a way that honors its roots yet embraces new potential.

Drawing on the concept of traditional Thai community spaces, the hostel's internal courtyard is designed to foster openness and interaction within the densely populated urban setting. This core area seamlessly integrates the hostel and café & bakery into a cohesive design, transforming the building into a vibrant social space for both locals and travelers.

Natural light is an integral part of the design, addressing the dense urban fabric of the historic neighborhood. A large skyroof in the central courtyard channels daylight into the building, while internal mirror walls reflect and diffuse light throughout. In the guest rooms, pocket glass spaces bring in natural light while maintaining privacy from adjacent buildings, creating a bright and comfortable atmosphere.

Bangkok’s hot, humid climate guided the project’s cooling approach. The project incorporates sustainable cooling features and natural ventilation strategies. These are specifically designed to enhance thermal comfort and reduce the energy consumption of the open-air internal courtyard, effectively addressing the environmental demands of the region.