athita pool villa and spa by studio miti
Athita Pool Villa and Spa, designed by Studio Miti, draws upon Thai vernacular architectural principles to inform its layout and material choices. Located in Chiang Saen, a historic town along the Mekong River, the project adopts traditional design language to integrate with its surrounding context while maintaining a clear programmatic organization. The architectural layout references the organic structure of local settlements, particularly the irregular yet navigable street patterns of Chiang Saen. This approach is applied to the hotel’s internal circulation, where pathways echo the community’s meandering alleys, enhancing spatial continuity without imposing symmetry. The arrangement intentionally avoids strict formalism, instead favoring a system that supports spatial layering and calm movement throughout the site.
The design is divided into two main architectural typologies: brick volumes and timber-clad structures. The brick volumes, placed at the front of the site, house public functions including the spa and massage facilities. These elements act as a buffer between the street and the more private pool villas located deeper within the property. The use of brick references ancient city walls and religious structures found throughout the region. These walls also provide visual and acoustic insulation, contributing to the retreat-like character of the site.
Overview.
The private villas are enclosed by vertical timber louver panels, an adaptation of traditional Chiang Saen house façades. These panels enable controlled privacy while allowing filtered light and ventilation. The semi-open character of the villas supports a connection to the exterior environment, offering views of the sky and maintaining a quiet atmosphere. Both brick and timber elements are constructed using updated methods, allowing traditional materials to be expressed through a contemporary architectural lens. Rather than replicating historical styles, the design employs these elements as frameworks for reinterpretation, aligning the building with its historical and cultural setting while maintaining functional clarity.
Athita Pool Villa and Spa extends the architectural direction of ‘Athita: The Hidden Court Chiang Saen Boutique Hotel’ and continues its emphasis on spatial calm and contextual relevance. The project situates new construction within a landscape of continuity, reinforcing material familiarity and formal restraint.
Landscape.
Brick pattern.
Alley.
Vertical wooden louver panels detail.
Semi public space in villa.
Massage room.
Front of building.
project info:
name: Athita pool villa and spa
architect: Studio Miti | @studiomiti_official
location: Chiang Saen, Thailand
lead architect: Mr. Padirmkiat Sukkan
design team: Mr. Thanwa Chantarasena, Ms. Suchanat Konggamnert, Mr. Thanai Mahakaew
interior team: Ms. Narinrat Chaichat, Ms. Praphavaree Khongchum
structural engineer: Mr. Chiwat Kaewkam, Mr. Phitsanu Bumroong
electrical engineer: Mr. Wutthikrai Srisukho
sanitary engineer: Ms. Siriluk Konkaew
photographer: Pirak Anurakyawachon – Spaceshift Studio | @spaceshiftstudio
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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom
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