Bangkok design studio Supermachine has converted a 600 sq. meter condominium sales office in Bangkok’s Huai Khwang district into an uber cool hostel for backpackers.
The Yim Huai Khwang hostel is the first ever hospitality venture for Peung & Tem, a young working class couple who had an unique vision of offering a vibrant, comfortable and affordable space to travelers of all age.
The designers’ approach towards the design process was based on the idea of ‘archiving’, which means that the building’s interiors and exteriors would have a fresh and different look & feel while keeping the old elements intact. “The project is nicknamed, “Batman hostel”, a version of the superhero that still shows a lot of Bruce Wayne under the black suit. Very clearly, the project is a transformation process that hint to the tracing back of its original condition.”
The exterior reveals the original modernist façade of the existing building which has a very strong expression of its time. The bamboo panels, typically hand-made and used in small houses in rural area of Thailand, are inserted behind the existing sunshade to make contrast background and emphasize the form of the existing architecture. The bamboo walls also act as defining frames of the hostel rooms giving privacy between each unit.
Handmade Bamboo panels separate the units and provide privacy
The interior has more of a pop feel. It is about juxtaposition of different concepts. The marble reception counter left from the previous renter is kept attached to the new collage wall made of old fashion & design magazines. Separating by the giant clock clad with colorful toys, guest dining area is an all-white vintage tile space.
Reception Area
The walls and ceiling of the public area are painted with super bright colours: the turquoise stairway, the orange hallway on 2nd floor and the yellow corridor on the 3rd floor. The interiors of the 16 hostel rooms have a minimalist design with white and natural wood colors which make the compact rooms feel spacious.
Walls & ceiling of the Stairway painted in Turquoiuse
2nd Floor Hallway painted in Orange
3rd Floor Corridor
6 bunk beds are combined and built in capsule-like units to add little more privacy.
Dormitory style room with 6 bunk beds
Private Room with an attached balcony
Balcony area
Yim Huai Khwang Entrance
The hostel is named “Yim”, meaning “Smile” in Thai… vivid colours, creative vibe, modern & fun character and affordable price bring on a “Yim” on the traveler’s face.
Photograph by Wison Tungthunya
