A striking new hotel in Bangkok's bustling Siam Square district showcases how modern architecture can honor traditional Thai design elements while creating a thoroughly contemporary experience. The Vela be Siam hotel, designed by ASWA (Architectural Studio of Work Aholic), stands out in the neighborhood with its distinctive stainless steel facade covered in shimmering chain links that cleverly reinterpret classic Thai architectural features.
The building's most notable feature is its innovative exterior treatment, where the chain-link covering serves as a modern interpretation of the Pun-Lom, the intricately carved wooden gable boards traditionally found on Thai homes. This metallic mesh also pays homage to the mosquito netting that was once commonly draped over beds in Thai households, creating a layered visual effect that reflects and refracts light throughout the day.
ASWA's design philosophy for the project centered on capturing and reflecting the complex, layered character of the surrounding Siam Square neighborhood. The architectural team sought to create a structure that would stand out while remaining rooted in Thai domestic architectural traditions, reimagining these elements through a vibrant contemporary lens.
Upon entering the hotel, guests are immediately immersed in a world of bold color choices that define the interior experience. The double-height lobby serves as a dramatic introduction to the hotel's design philosophy, featuring an eye-catching orange reception desk with an organic, pebble-like form set against a vivid green backdrop. This striking color combination establishes an animated, energetic tone that carries throughout the public spaces.
The Bangkok-based design team at ASWA deliberately crafted the lobby not merely as a check-in area, but as a dynamic stage for social interaction among guests. The space encourages mingling and connection, reflecting the hotel's community-focused approach to hospitality.
The bold color scheme continues throughout the hotel's communal areas, with the second-floor common space serving as a particularly notable example. Decorated in a striking yellow-and-black palette, this flexible area is visible from the lobby below, creating visual connections between floors. The space is designed to accommodate multiple functions, serving as a workspace during the day, a dining area for meals, or a comfortable lounge for relaxation.
For guests seeking respite from the urban intensity of Bangkok, the hotel offers a tranquil pool bar located at the rear of the building. This area provides a rare moment of retreat within the busy city, surrounded by lush greenery and enhanced by gentle water features that create a soothing atmosphere.
The hotel's wayfinding system incorporates color as a functional element, with each elevator hall adopting a different bold hue. This color-coding system helps guests navigate the vertical layout of the building while adding to the playful experience of moving through the space. The vibrant approach extends to the railings that line the circulation areas, creating a cohesive color-coding system that spans multiple levels.
As guests transition from the public areas toward their private accommodations, the design team implemented a thoughtful gradual shift in the color palette. The tones begin to soften as one moves deeper into the residential portions of the building, with more muted colors promoting a sense of calm and relaxation without completely abandoning the hotel's characteristic lighthearted spirit.
Even in the guest rooms, where tranquility is prioritized, the design maintains elements of surprise and delight. Colorful bathroom tiles, for instance, provide unexpected pops of color that maintain the hotel's playful character while allowing guests to rest in more subdued surroundings.
The Vela be Siam hotel represents a successful fusion of traditional Thai architectural elements with contemporary design sensibilities. Through its innovative use of materials like the stainless steel chain-link facade and its bold interior color schemes, ASWA has created a hospitality experience that honors Thailand's architectural heritage while offering guests a thoroughly modern and memorable stay in one of Bangkok's most dynamic neighborhoods.
