Hospitality Architecture • Double B Hostel
Architecture & Interior Design • VMA DESIGN STUDIO
Year • 2023
Building Area • 1400 sq.m.
Location: Sao Chingcha District
City • Bangkok Old Town
Country • Thailand
Photographer • Peerapat Wimolrungkarat
In the heart of Bangkok’s historic Sao Chingcha District,
VMA Design Studio has developed the Double B Hostel, a project that blends modern design with traditional craftsmanship. The hostel, clad in a handcrafted wooden facade, dramatically sweeps above the streetscape, drawing inspiration from the site’s rich cultural heritage and the natural grain and textures of wood, reflecting the area’s history of handmade craftwork.
The Sao Chingcha District, known for its cultural significance, attracts numerous tourists each year to its vibrant streets adorned with Buddhist sculpture art and craftwork. However, the location posed challenges for the Double B Hostel project. Strict height limitations and closely packed neighboring buildings, organically expanded over time, left minimal space and restricted access to natural light. The site, previously housing shophouses, a wooden warehouse, and a multi-residence building, created a dense and dim environment.
To address these challenges, VMA Design Studio envisioned a design that maximized natural light and fostered an inviting atmosphere. The solution focused on a visually engaging wooden facade and a strategically designed open-air central courtyard. The facade, inspired by the site’s history of handmade craftwork, features undulating composite wooden rods, individually heat-blown and bent. These dynamic elements wrap around the building, extending into the lobby and the courtyard’s space.
The central courtyard acts as the heart of the hostel, drawing visitors from the narrow front into a bright, welcoming space. A large skylight above the courtyard floods the area with natural light, while mirrors on the internal walls reflect this light into the lower levels, enhancing the sense of openness and connectivity. Lush greenery throughout the courtyard adds a touch of nature, further enlivening the atmosphere.
The Double B Hostel’s courtyard, accessible through the lobby, serves as a communal hub with a cafe and co-working space. The cafe’s stepped seating and facade-inspired furniture blend with the greenery to create an inviting atmosphere for both guests and visitors.
Guest rooms at Double B Hostel are designed with aesthetics, functionality, and easy maintenance in mind. Small pocket light chambers in each room provide natural light and a view of the outside while maintaining guests’ privacy. The rooms feature minimalist designs with vinyl wood flooring, light oak wood tones, and earthy brown accents that complement the wooden facade.
The Double B Hostel successfully integrates thoughtful design with the unique characteristics of its historic surroundings. By addressing spatial challenges and enhancing natural light and greenery, VMA Design Studio has created a welcoming and functional space that serves both guests and visitors, while honoring the rich cultural heritage of the Sao Chingcha District.
Architecture Office • VMA DESIGN STUDIO, Bangkok TH
Contact • ig: @vmadesignstudio
