Projects / Farm cafe / Tha Muang · Kanchanaburi
Rai Kalavela Farm Cafe
A meeting place under the trees with natural materials
- Location
- Tha Muang, Kanchanaburi, on the banks of the Mae Klong river
- Type of space
- Organic farm, cafe and outdoor event lawn
- Scope of work
- Site plan · Shaded terrace · Bamboo structures · Planting beds · Identity and photography
- Role
- Designed together with the family (since 2013)
01
Context
Rai Kalavela began as family land on the Mae Klong river, growing organic vegetables for market, before opening a cafe and event space so people could come and spend time on the farm.
02
Concept
The big existing trees became the natural roof, with activities placed under their shade instead of a large building covering the site.
03
Design
A courtyard under the trees, with shade sails stretched over a long banquet table. Arches and benches made of bamboo. Raised vegetable beds and paths lead guests through the working farm, and a tunnel of climbing plants connects to the greenhouse.
04
Materials
We chose bamboo, timber and local materials that are easy to repair and belong on a farm, so the space reads as part of the growing fields rather than a set built beside them.
The buildings appear as context for the space. It does not mean the team designed every part of them.
Next projectChokul Shabu