Angled metal screens protect Bangkok office building from direct sunlight

Thai firm IDIN Architects has completed an office building in Bangkok, featuring angled metal cladding that reflects sunlight away from a nearby shrine and helps prevent the interior from overheating.

IDIN Architects designed the Suanphlu Office for a site next to the Lao Pueng Thao Kong shrine in the Thai capital's commercial district. The private office building also contains a penthouse for the owner on its top floor.

The building's main elevation faces west and receives strong sunlight. Its proximity to the shrine informed a design that aims to be an attractive backdrop and to minimise how the sun's rays reflect onto the shrine.

The facade design shields the glazing behind a layer of aluminium cladding that reduces the amount of sunlight entering the building.

"The double-skin facade is designed to protect the building from the harsh sunlight, reduce the reflection on the glass facade, and encourage the wind flow and ventilation," said IDIN Architects.

Demand for high levels of comfort and external views from inside the building also influenced the positioning of the different types of cladding panels.

In some areas the window openings are left exposed, while in others the glazing is shielded by perforated or opaque metal screens.

The cladding is broken up into vertical sections that are individually angled to limit reflections onto neighbouring buildings.

IDIN Architects explained that "the diagonal cuts in the design visually separate the facade into panels across the building, creating movements and adding dynamism."

The metal surfaces feature a semi-gloss titanium finish that produces constantly changing patterns of light and shadow throughout the day.

The building's facade also steps back in places to incorporate pocket courtyards.

The planted voids extend the full height of the building and help to reduce the overall area of the reflective surfaces, as well as adding variety and a natural element to the exterior.

The position of the planting alternates on each storey to provide varied views from within the office.

Full-height openings or bands of windows look out through the greenery towards the surrounding neighbourhood.

IDIN Architects was founded in 2004 by Jeravej Hongsakul. IDIN is an acronym for Integrating Design into Nature, which describes how the firm's projects respond to Thailand's tropical climate.

The practice designed its own studio to slot into a narrow site in Bangkok and obscured it using tall trees. It has also completed a house on the outskirts of Bangkok that is enclosed by wooden shutters to prevent it from overheating.

The photography is by Ketsiree Wongwan.

Project credits:

Owner: Vinsmor groupArchitect: Idin architectsTeam: Jeravej Hongsakul, Eakgaluk Sirijariyawat, Sakorn Thongdoang, Wichan KongnokInterior designer: Inblock studioStructural engineer: C-insight companySystem engineer: Eakachai Hamhomvong, Panot kuakoolwongContractor: Sorawee Karnchang, Inblock group

Our most popular newsletter, formerly known as Dezeen Weekly. Sent every Thursday and featuring a selection of the best reader comments and most talked-about stories. Plus occasional updates on Dezeen's services and breaking news.

Sent every Tuesday and containing a selection of the most important news highlights. Plus occasional updates on Dezeen's services and breaking news.

A daily newsletter containing the latest stories from Dezeen.

Daily updates on the latest design and architecture vacancies advertised on Dezeen Jobs. Plus occasional news.

Weekly updates on the latest design and architecture vacancies advertised on Dezeen Jobs. Plus occasional news.

News about our Dezeen Awards programme, including entry deadlines and announcements. Plus occasional updates.

News from Dezeen Events Guide, a listings guide covering the leading design-related events taking place around the world. Plus occasional updates.

We will only use your email address to send you the newsletters you have requested. We will never give your details to anyone else without your consent. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link at the bottom of every email, or by emailing us at [email protected].

For more details, please see our privacy notice.

You will shortly receive a welcome email so please check your inbox.

You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link at the bottom of every newsletter.

Studio Seilern adds subterranean spa and reflective ...

MVRDV designs demountable office building as "source to ...

Atelier Guy uses mass-timber structure for Canadian wood ...

Gensler and Civilian transform 1930s Detroit post office ...

TP Bennett "sets a very high bar" for sustainability with ...

(W)rapper Tower in Los Angeles has "eternal" lifecycle says ...

Wooden logs frame Forest Office in Japan by Tomoaki Uno ...

Bell Phillips adds mirrored pavilions to science campus in ...

Visit our comments page | Read ourcomments policy