Melding architecture and nature in Thailand’s Thingamajiggy Coffee Roaster

The last thing that a naturally verdant landscape needs is an immutable structural intrusion that encumbers views or impedes desire paths. In landscapes that remain largely unaltered by fabricated constructions and entities, the inclusion of novel amenities must be done in a manner such that the natural fabric of the space and its vicinity remain unaltered. A project from last year that satisfies these stipulations without imposing a rigid architectural blueprint, is the Thingamajiggy Coffee Roaster. Undertaken by Thailand-based Yangnar Studio, the coffee shop is split across two modestly-sized structures, connected by a pergola. Such a plan ensures the least amount of obstruction in the landscape, whilst still designating both indoor and outdoor spaces for the cafe.

Located in the Mae Rim district in the Chiang Mai province in northern Thailand, the cafe is stationed in the midst of lush paddy fields, overlooking the elongated hills nearby. The cafe design is informed by the shared vision—of including the natural landscape as an intrinsic element in the coffee shop—held by the owner and the architectural studio. Just like natural entities continue to grow, adapt and change form and colour with each passing day, and more so, with changing seasons, Thingamajiggy Coffee Roaster, too, is designed in a manner such that it can change form with dedicated interventions by the owner and the transformation of the vicinal environment. Weighing upon this aspect, the designers at Yangnar Studio share, “This coffee shop is an architectural endeavour that may never truly be completed.”

While the two small buildings stationed on either side of the open-to-air pergola promise to remain stoic to changing seasons and environmental temperaments, the space in between, with its unaltered grass floor, continues to remain open to the possibility of plants and trees reshaping its appearance and experience. Although the open-air portion in the middle has been ascribed the designated purpose of seating visitors and customers, its fluidity also helps denominate it as a third space or an in-between space for the inhabitants of the region. Additionally, the seating space, open on all fronts, encourages one to engage with the proximal landscape.

The middle portion, complete with its grassy lawn, holds a temporary bamboo pavilion that is constructed using materials acquired from within a 20-kilometre radius around the coffee shop. Built by local craftsmen using a simple technique that includes tying different components together with fishing net rope, the entire structure can easily be dismantled, and repaired or replaced. This method of assembly was employed keeping in mind the susceptibility of bamboo towards decay and insect infestation upon exposure to moisture, which is strongly probable due to its contact with soil. The resultant structure is a light pavilion that leaves space for ample interventions. Referring to the pavilion design, the Thai architecture studio shares, “The rooftop filters light temporarily, providing shade during specific times of the day, creating an ever-changing, outdoor experience for visitors. The space remains flexible, awaiting the day when the young trees planted by the owner mature and take their place.” 

In addition to opening up the space to the existing landscape in the area, the architects retained the essence of the locality in the coffee shop by employing vernacular construction techniques and styles in the cafe architecture. For the main building (the larger of the two) of the coffee shop, which houses the bakery, kitchen and coffee bar, the architects derived inspiration from the traditional rice barns that are constructed and used by the locals in the area. A traditional rice barn is a raised structure used to store granaries. While its lower floor, raised on stilts, accommodates farm and poultry animals, the upper floor is designated for storage. This portion is constructed using specific wooden wall frames that are installed on the exterior to support the weight of the stored rice from inside, hence preventing the wall from collapsing.

By employing this construction technique, albeit for a different function, the architects ensure the sturdiness of the coffee shop. Some additional wooden components, salvaged locally, were used to connect the overall structure with the concrete foundation, further reinforcing its strength and longevity, and ensuring protection of the interior space from potential damage due to moisture. “The building’s design aligns with the surrounding context of the rice fields and agricultural areas, reflecting the shape, structure, and use of local materials readily available nearby,” the designers share. Whereas, the other structure comprises toilets and washing areas.

Although built to fulfil the purpose of a cafe, Thingamajiggy Coffee Roaster also serves as an example of the harmonious juxtaposition of nature, vernacular architecture and contemporary facilities, in the same project. The coffee shop negates the arguments that vie for the preference of monumental and iconic structures at the expense of natural landscapes. Instead, it exemplifies the vision of building symbiotically with natural provisions, such that architecture leaves space for people and nature to enhance and re-configure the essence of the structure.

Project Details

Name: Thingamajiggy Coffee Roaster

Location: Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Area: 21 square metres

Year of completion: 2023

Architect: Yangnar Studio

Design team: Dechophon Rattanasatchatham, Apiwat Chainarin

Construction Supervisor: Rungroj Tansukanun, Metee Moonmuang

Builder Team: Yangnar studio builder team, Yaiwood

Building Drawings: Sathita Thammasangwan, Autsadawoot Kumperm, Supawit Rincome, Kan Pinsopon