Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Faceted Glass Facade and Timber Accents Create An Artist's Retreat in an Urban Oasis

Author:
PAWIN WATTANACHAIYINGCHAROEN
Faceted Glass Facade and Timber Accents Create An Artist's Retreat in an Urban Oasis

Project in-detail

With its angular, faceted glass facade and warm timber accents, this artist retreat seamlessly blends innovative design and sustainability, offering a unique space for creativity and collaboration in the heart of Bangkok.
5 key facts about this project
01
The building features a faceted glass facade that refracts light, creating dynamic visual effects throughout the day.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels are utilized not only for structural integrity but also to enhance acoustic performance within the studios.
03
Charred wooden shingles provide a weather-resistant exterior while showcasing a unique texture borrowed from traditional Japanese practices.
04
A variety of communal spaces encourages spontaneous interactions among artists, fostering a collaborative creative environment.
05
The layout integrates natural ventilation techniques, reducing energy consumption and promoting indoor air quality.
The Bangkok Artist Retreat is an architectural project situated in Thailand's vibrant capital, aimed at providing a conducive environment for artists to create, collaborate, and connect. This facility illustrates a thoughtful integration of form and function, embodying a design that prioritizes creative engagement while responding to the surrounding urban context.

The retreat represents a dedication to fostering artistic expression within a supportive community. It serves not only as a workspace for individuals but as a hub for collective creativity, encouraging interaction between artists from various disciplines. This multifunctional facility includes private studios, communal work areas, exhibition spaces, and leisure zones, all meticulously designed to cater to the diverse needs of its users. The architecture encourages a fluid experience where residents can seamlessly transition between focus and collaboration.

One of the notable features of the design is its unique configuration, which breaks away from traditional architectural layouts. The building's massing is characterized by an assortment of angular, faceted surfaces that create a dynamic interplay of light and shadow. These geometries are not merely aesthetic choices; they evoke a sense of movement, mirroring the creative processes that occur within. Each level of the retreat is carefully planned to support specific activities, with areas designated for solitary work as well as communal gathering.

Integral to the project is its materiality. The use of glass as a primary cladding material promotes transparency, allowing natural light to permeate the interior spaces while providing views of the surrounding environment. This choice fosters a connection not only between the artists and their work but also between the inside and outside, reinforcing the retreat's role within the urban setting. Complementary materials such as metal panels enhance the reflective qualities of the facades, while timber elements introduce warmth, creating an inviting atmosphere ideal for artistic endeavor.

The interior layout supports both individual focus and collaborative interaction. Private studios vary in size, catering to the needs of artists who require dedicated spaces for concentrated work. Meanwhile, communal areas are designed to facilitate spontaneous exchanges of ideas and creativity. This deliberate integration of social spaces promotes a sense of community among residents, encouraging networking and cooperation.

Another distinguishing aspect of the Bangkok Artist Retreat is its careful consideration of environmental factors. The design adapts to the region's climate, providing ample shaded areas while ensuring natural ventilation. This ecological approach not only contributes to the comfort of the inhabitants but also aligns with sustainable design principles, addressing the growing awareness of environmental responsibility in architecture.

The project's location is strategically chosen to immerse artists in the cultural richness of Bangkok, offering them access to diverse influences that can inspire and inform their work. By situating the retreat within an urban context, it serves as both a sanctuary for artistic reflection and a catalyst for cultural exchange.

Overall, the Bangkok Artist Retreat exemplifies a thoughtful architectural response to the needs of artists, providing them with a multifaceted environment that nurtures creativity and collaboration. The combination of innovative design, strategic material choices, and a focus on community engagement creates a space that truly embodies the spirit of artistic exploration. For those interested in architectural plans, sections, and designs that further detail this project, exploring its presentation will provide deeper insights into its conception and execution.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

Microhome

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € PRIZE FUND / KINGPSAN EDITION #10 IDEAS COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 16544 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy