type: interior design

program: cafe

location: Bangkok, Thailand

area: -

client: SCG

design: 2020

" The making of Patom cafe "

Patom’s philosophy is to use ancient wisdom to create sustainable, organic products by recycling, upcycling and aiming for zero waste.

PHTAA was inspired by this philosophy when searching Patom’s farm to find waste material that could be reused in the design of their cafe in Bangkok. It was found that in the manufacturing process of one product, logs cut into pieces were trimmed to create a square section, leaving a waste product of four semi-circular sections of the log. These leftovers would normally be reused for other purposes, but it was decided that they could be used in the cafe design, due to the natural beauty of their texture and silhouette.

The design solution was to create a strong steel wire framework, shelving the rough log pieces, to act as the front panel of the counters in the cafe. Over 200 wooden log sections were placed in rows, alternating between longitudinal elevation and sectional elevation, to show both exterior bark and interior tree rings. The use of a regular steel grid frame and stainless steel benchtops contrasts and showcases the natural shape, colour, and texture of the rough log sections.

The log / steel framework is used for two separate areas: the cafe counter and product display counter. To the side is another counter, complete with hand basin and display shelving, used for organic soap testing.

main entrance designed by Salt and Pepper design studio