House No. 1 Sukhumvit 20

Bangkok, Thailand

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Other Projects by Sunsiam Design and Service

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Lobs Lobster Brunch and Bistro

House No. 1 Sukhumvit 20

Bangkok, Thailand

Firm

Sunsiam Design and Service

Type

Hospitality + Sport › Restaurant

STATUS

Built

YEAR

2024

SIZE

3000 sqft - 5000 sqft

BUDGET

$10K - 50K

The renovation project transforming House No. 1 on Soi Sukhumvit 20 into the Taraba Prime Japanese Restaurant is a meticulous exercise in conservation and commercial adaptation. Originally designed by the distinguished Thai architect Pol Chulasewok between 1950 and 1958, the house represents a significant example of Thai Modern Architecture, thoughtfully adapted to the local hot and humid climate. The owners’ decision was crucial: choosing conservation over demolition to revitalize the structure while strictly preserving the original condition and architectural integrity of its Modernist components. This effort rigorously maintained key exterior features, including the low-pitched gable roof with extended eaves, the signature reinforced concrete sunscreens known as "Spider’s Legs," and the unique pattern of repeated square-shaped windows. Crucially, the project ensured the marks and traces of the original column and beam structure remained visible, directly respecting the building's history.

The most significant intervention involved redesigning the functional space to achieve a seamless blend of heritage and hospitality, introducing a luxurious, comfortable, and modern atmosphere infused with a humble Oriental spirit. The interior design strongly adheres to Japanese aesthetic principles of simplicity and order through proportionate spatial arrangements. Embodying this concept, the design utilizes curved, natural stone veneer partition walls adorned with Sumi-e mountain art, which subtly recalls the square grid patterns of Fusuma and Shoji. This conveys profound serenity and natural beauty, adding significant depth and dimension consistent with the Aesthetics of Repetition and Arrangement, thereby enhancing the dining experience. The ground floor was designated as the main public dining area, while the upper floor was partitioned into exclusive private dining rooms, ensuring both efficient flow and appropriate adaptation of the original residential scale.

The design team navigated several technical challenges, including structural crack repairs and the replacement of severely deteriorated materials using new ones that closely matched the originals (like-for-like) to maintain authenticity. Ultimately, the project team meticulously worked to reveal the historical traces of elements, ensuring every deliberate or accidental mark contributing to the building's narrative was retained. The result is a project that stands as a testament to the effective conservation and commercial adaptation of Thai Modern architecture in Bangkok. It successfully fuses the building's enduring Tropical Modernist structure with the elegant simplicity of Japanese design, allowing this important piece of history to continue serving its community as a landmark.

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House No. 1 Sukhumvit 20

Bangkok, Thailand

Other Projects by Sunsiam Design and Service

Lobs Lobster Brunch and Bistro

House No. 1 Sukhumvit 20

Bangkok, Thailand

Product Spec Sheet

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