Bangkok-based IDIN Architects have skillfully blended architecture, nature, and culture in their Harudot Café project, located in the coastal town of Chonburi, Thailand.
Harudot Café brings together Thailand's speciality coffee brand Nana Coffee Roasters and exotic plant-lover landlord in a unique project. The design and atmosphere of the café are a fusion of these two concepts. At the most striking point of the design, there are two gigantic baobab trees.
The name of the café was created by combining the Japanese word ‘haru,’ meaning ‘spring,’ with the English word ‘dot.’ ‘Haru,’ which symbolizes new beginnings and growth, is paired with ‘dot’ to represent a starting point.
Designed by IDIN Architects, Harudot Café is conceived as a destination café where nature and architecture come together. In addition to the baobab trees, an olive tree has also been incorporated into the design to emphasize the themes of new beginnings and growth.
The baobab trees serve as focal points in two semi-outdoor courtyards, where the gable roof of the architecture has been 'pulled apart" to allow for their growth. These voids create curved forms that add to the dynamic nature of the architecture while allowing rain and sunlight to enter, maintaining a connection with nature.
The café's design is inspired by Japanese culture, embodying simplicity and meticulous attention to detail—the black gable forms of the architecture contrast with the natural and warm interior pine walls.
Guests enter the café through one of the gables, discovering a bright and lively space that morphs and bends throughout. The building is divided into smaller volumes to create different zones, including a bar, coffee-drinking area, lounge, meeting room, and restrooms.
Harudot's graphic elements further enhance its unique character. The custom typography and signs, inspired by the spring season, add a cheerful touch to the environment. The terrazzo floor, with circular dividers and embedded quotes, guides visitors to different areas of the café, while the floral patterns extend outward, creating a playful connection with the outside world.
IDIN Architects have successfully brought their philosophy of integrating nature into design to life in Harudot Café.
https://design-milk.com/harudot-an-undulating-beachside-cafe-in-chonburi-thailand/
https://archello.com/news/bangkok-based-idin-architects-designs-unique-cafe-around-two-baobab-trees
https://www.dezeen.com/2023/12/21/harudot-cafe-thailand-idin-architects/
https://www.archdaily.com/1012431/harudot-by-nana-coffee-roasters-idin-architects
