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Terracotta Tones and Bamboo Structures Enhancing Community Dining Experience

Author:
Tanakorn Sukpaisal
Terracotta Tones and Bamboo Structures Enhancing Community Dining Experience

Project in-detail

With a terracotta façade and bamboo accents that echo local craftsmanship, the design fosters a communal dining space while integrating natural elements for an inviting culinary experience.
5 key facts about this project
01
Terracotta tiles reflect local building traditions while enhancing thermal performance.
02
Bamboo elements are incorporated into partitions and fixtures, showcasing regional craftsmanship.
03
A fish pond serves as a central feature, promoting biodiversity and tranquility in the garden space.
04
Skylights are strategically placed to optimize natural light throughout the day.
05
The bent A-frame roof design merges traditional Thai aesthetics with modern architectural lines.

### Overview
Located in Chiang Mai, Thailand, Sapaa Restaurant is designed to integrate diverse cultural influences within its urban context. The restaurant's concept, derived from the Thai word meaning "mixed," reflects a commitment to fostering community through shared dining experiences. The architectural approach emphasizes connectivity and engagement, creating spaces that accommodate both communal gatherings and intimate dining.

### Architectural Layout and Unique Features
The layout of Sapaa Restaurant comprises distinct yet interconnected areas, including public dining spaces, private rooms, and an outdoor garden. This configuration allows for varying dining experiences, from large communal tables to secluded settings. The outdoor garden enhances the environment with elements of nature, featuring a fish pond that provides a serene focal point. A roof design that honors traditional Thai architecture juxtaposes modern aesthetics, creating a visual anchor for the structure.

### Materiality and Color Scheme
The material palette is deliberately selected to enhance both the sensory experience and connection to local tradition. Terracotta tiles, reflective of regional building practices, are used for paving and wall surfaces, while dark wood elements in furniture lend warmth to the interiors. Large glass windows invite natural light and blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces. The color scheme employs muted terracotta tones paired with gentle pastels, creating a sophisticated atmosphere that resonates with the natural landscape of Chiang Mai and promotes a calming dining experience.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

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
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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