Architectural Connection
“The best architecture seamlessly blends with nature, where the boundaries between the built and the natural world are imperceptible.”
Our project is nestled in the heart of GaoZhuang, the cradle of Dai ethnic culture in Xishuangbanna, a land rich in cultural heritage and natural wonders. The site consists of two distinct structures, housing a spa center on the left side and a restaurant on the right. A central promenade connects these spaces, offering both unity and privacy.
Project Name: Chon Buri
Project Location: Gaozhuang, Xishuangbanna, China
Project Area: 1700㎡
Design Time: March 2022
Completion Time: February 2023
Design Team: Funs Design (www.funspbs.com)
Space Director: Luo Bin
Copywriting: Zhang Hongming, Zhou Zengni
Photography: Yu Photography
Chon Buri Outdoors
Here, the air carries a sense of freshness, vegetation breathes life, and stones exude primal strength. These seemingly simple elements are the grand tapestry of nature, weaving us into its intricate web.
The restaurant’s design draws inspiration from the humble leaves found in the local tropical rainforest. These unassuming leaves, like a perpetual spring, uphold the equilibrium and harmony of the entire rainforest with every gentle breath.
Our design philosophy is rooted in nature, where we look to the inherent forms found in the natural world to guide our architectural choices. We use materials that mirror nature, making only subtle design enhancements to reduce the artificial aesthetic. This approach creates a building with a more natural and harmonious atmosphere.
In the extended space beyond the staircase, we embrace the traditional bamboo weaving technique of the Dai people from Xishuangbanna. This deepens our connection with nature, seamlessly blending the boundaries between the inside and outside, offering a panoramic experience and the rejuvenating essence of nature.
Throughout our design process, we’ve been careful not to displace or disrupt the lives of the indigenous people. We’ve artistically preserved the homes of the birds, and every detail has been meticulously crafted to pay the utmost respect to nature, integrating the building into the rainforest seamlessly.
Within the courtyard, encircled by trees and red bricks, the distinction between indoors and outdoors blurs. This captivating space provides a genuine connection with nature, allowing you to fully immerse in its serenity and beauty.
Chon Buri Indoors
Inside the restaurant, small wooden bridges and green slate stones are thoughtfully arranged amidst lush foliage, creating a sense of anticipation and intrigue for diners.
We’ve carefully curated wooden and bamboo furnishings to craft an immersive ambiance, transporting diners into the heart of a thriving rainforest, promising a unique and unforgettable dining experience.
Our exploration revolves around the harmonious alignment of space, the human body, and nature, creating a serene resonance. The spa center, in contrast, embraces minimalism, simplifying space to its essence, evoking profound tranquility. Here, the complexities of the world yield to silence, enabling a pure environment for finding inner peace.
