In the heart of Chiang Mai, Thailand, an architectural transformation has merged history with contemporary functionality. Renowned for their innovative and sustainable designs, PAVA Architects have completed the Kaomai Museums and Tea Barn project. This ambitious undertaking breathes new life into a sixty-eight-year-old tobacco processing plant estate, known as Kaomai Estate 1955, transforming it into a vibrant hub of culture, education, and leisure.
Kaomai Museums & Tea Barn Technical Information
- Architects: PAVA Architects
- Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Topics: Museums
- Completion Year: 2023
- Photographs: © Spaceshift Studio
PAVA architects revitalizes a sixty-eight-year-old tobacco processing plant in Chiang Mai into Kaomai Museums and Tea Barn, marrying old barns with contemporary uses to sustain the community’s legacy and create an oasis amidst urban development.
– PAVA Architects
Kaomai Museums & Tea Barn Photographs
A Symbiosis of Past and Present
The essence of the project lies in its adaptive reuse approach, preserving the industrial heritage of the community’s socioeconomic heart. The architects carefully crafted a masterplan that fosters a harmonious coexistence between the historic tobacco drying barns, mature trees, and new additions. This symbiotic framework is not only a nod to the past but also a sustainable strategy to ensure the estate’s economic and ecological longevity.
Educational and Recreational Transformation
The Kaomai Museums have undergone a thoughtful restoration and expansion. The first museum maintains its authenticity by preserving original architectural elements like brick surfaces, gable roofs, and tobacco hanging sticks. The second museum, in contrast, is a blend of old and new, featuring a steel structure that allows for flexibility and future extensions. This juxtaposition of materials and design philosophies embodies the project’s respect for history while embracing modernity.
The Tea Barn: A Modern Oasis
Perhaps the estate’s most striking feature is the Tea Barn. PAVA architects have masterfully transformed a dilapidated barn into a serene public space. The use of reclaimed bricks and minimalist steel structures complements the surrounding landscape, creating an immersive experience that connects visitors with nature. The barn’s transformation includes innovative water management systems, hidden lighting that echoes the ambiance of traditional drying barns, and furniture made from reclaimed wood, all contributing to a sustainable and atmospheric environment.
Local Inclusion and Sustainable Practices
Central to the project’s ethos is community involvement and sustainability. The inclusion of local artisans and former estate workers provided invaluable insights into traditional construction methods and historical context, ensuring that the renovations remained true to the estate’s roots. The use of locally sourced materials and local labor not only supported the regional economy but also minimized the environmental impact of the renovations.
Kaomai Museums & Tea Barn Plans
Kaomai Museums & Tea Barn Image Gallery
About PAVA Architects
PAVA Architects, an innovative environmental design studio based in Bangkok, Thailand, is distinguished by its interdisciplinary approach, addressing climatic challenges, environmental degradation, and urbanization. Their philosophy transcends traditional architectural confines, integrating architecture, interior architecture, landscape architecture, and urbanism. This holistic methodology, driven by extensive research and a commitment to sustainability, enables PAVA Architects to develop cutting-edge, environmentally conscious solutions. Renowned for their diverse and impactful projects, they are dedicated to transforming spaces into sustainable, functional, and aesthetically harmonious environments.
