This project is about designing a wedding venue outside of a hotel. In Thailand, most weddings are held in hotels due to the convenience they offer, including
parking, a variety of room sizes, catering services, and climate control. However, with the influence of foreign trends, more couples are now interested in
hosting their weddings outdoors. Despite this growing preference, the main challenges remain the hot weather and unpredictable rainfall, which are difficult to
control in Thailand. As a result, organizing a wedding outside a hotel becomes a significant challenge.
The designer began the design process by asking the question, “What is the wedding moment?” The answer is that it is a special time when the bride and
groom become like the protagonists of their own story—a moment of happiness, celebration, and heartfelt congratulations. Although it lasts only a few hours,
every second holds great meaning for the couple. This sense of significance led the designer to recognize the importance of a space that truly complements
this fleeting yet extraordinary moment. With this in mind, the concept was to create a venue that feels special—like a hidden realm, difficult to access,
mysterious yet captivating. The space would feature details that subtly distort or diverge from the principles of reality, emphasizing the uniqueness of this
“special moment.”
At the project entrance, the designer created a tall, solid wall to obscure the interior from view, gradually guiding the eye toward an open space designated as
the parking area. From there, all sightlines are intentionally directed toward the reception building, which then leads the gaze further into the project’s inner
spaces.
The arcade walkway was designed as a ceremonial passage for the traditional Thai wedding procession. Its architectural style incorporates classic details but
with an asymmetrical approach—columns of varying designs and sizes, and heavy solid walls that appear to float above the ground, allowing airflow into the
space. Natural light filters in from above, creating dynamic shifts in light and shadow throughout the day. The ceiling features arches that have been stretched
and twisted into circular forms, creating a transition space that heightens spatial awareness before guiding the eye toward the grand celebration hall beyond.
The first floor of the Ceremony Building is designed to accommodate traditional Thai wedding functions, including the water-pouring ceremony, monk
blessings, and a banquet hall. In the Thai wedding room, the ceiling design draws inspiration from floral patterns found in the bride’s gown, while the curved
walls reflect the flowing lines of a wedding dress. Natural light filters through the upper sections, seamlessly connecting the interior with the surrounding
garden. The second floor serves as accommodation for the bride, groom, and their families. It is designed to host two wedding couples simultaneously,
resembling a boutique hotel. To enhance the experience, the venue provides a dedicated butler service for personalized assistance.
The Banquet Hall is designed as a grand glasshouse, allowing guests to fully experience the outdoor atmosphere. The ceiling features large heat-resistant
glass panels, making the most of the open sky, as the venue is located in an area with minimal surrounding buildings. On certain nights, couples may have
the rare opportunity to celebrate their wedding under a starry sky. The glass panels are fitted with adjustable films that can either be transparent or opaque
as needed. To further enhance this special moment, the designer has prepared projector mapping points on the glass to transform the ambiance. However,
due to budget constraints, this feature is not included in the current phase. The exterior of the Banquet Hall is surrounded by a lush garden and a large
swimming pool, seamlessly integrated through curved solid walls. These walls help control the atmosphere and conceal the service areas at the back.
The curved design wraps around the Banquet Hall, creating a spatial connection between the garden and the pool, with the main building at the center.
The swimming pool features stepped entry points, inviting guests to take a dip and enjoy an after-party once the formal ceremonies conclude. At the heart
of the pool, a pavilion serves as a space for live music or a bar for guests who wish to relax in the water. Both the designer and the project owner deeply
believe in the significance of this “special moment.” This belief is reflected in the careful attention to detail, the sequencing of spaces, and the intentional
framing of viewpoints, all aimed at ensuring that every guest experiences joy during their time at the venue.
Architect: Narucha Kuwattanapasiri, Kunatip Thonglueang, Warakorn Chareonrat, Wisan Promsuntorn, Phuvanart Roongsang
Interior Architect: Narucha Kuwattanapasiri, Wisan Promsuntorn
Landscape Architect: Ingyu Co., Ltd.
Lighting Architect: Lundi Light Design Co., Ltd.
Structural Engineer: Kor-It Structural Design and Construction Co., Ltd.
System Engineer: Kor-It Structural Design and Construction Co., Ltd.
Contractor: Zenith Dec-Con Co., Ltd.
Photographs: Soopakorn Srisakul