Ronin Bar: An Old House Turned Traditional Japanese Bar with a Touch of Contemporary Architecture

Design firm Studio Nutto renovated a 70s house in Pattaya, Thailand into a Japanese bar. Initially, the bar was an old house with a garden next to a sushi restaurant. Then the owner bought it and worked with Studio Nutto to design the old house into “Ronin Bar”. Located at the back of a sushi restaurant, the bar was built to provide a choice of venue for the restaurant's customers who wanted to continue their activities after dinner. Because of its hidden location, access is only possible through a secret garden path behind the restaurant, which attracts customers to visit. 

Ronin Bar is known for its authentic Japanese decor with traditional Japanese wooden materials (yakisugi). It blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern architecture to create an intimate atmosphere and multisensory venue that serves as a gathering point for customers after a meal at the main restaurant. 

Ronin Bar by studio...nutto (cr: Panoramic Studio)

The Japanese ambiance is evident when diners walk down the garden path. Visitors are greeted by a concrete facade patterned with vertical stripes and simple granite stone accents. The combination of these two components creates a unique architectural character. The exterior visuals embody the guiding design principle of “imperfection of nature and art”.  

Ronin Bar by studio...nutto (cr: Panoramic Studio)

The bar’s design is inspired by Japanese colonial-era architecture which incorporates contemporary materials and techniques. Materials used in the garden and bar include yakisugi, firewood, granite, concrete, metal, and corrugated glass. These materials were chosen for a calm and graceful atmosphere as patrons approached the bar. 

Ronin Bar by studio...nutto (cr: Panoramic Studio)

Studio Nutto chose a black-on-black interior to accentuate the greenery of the surroundings and the bar’s lighting.  The bar’s focal point is the bar itself and the relaxing garden view. The main materials used include lava stone, dark gray granite, dark skimcoat to provide a simple, textured backdrop, and solid wood to maintain the old house aesthetic. 

Ronin Bar by studio...nutto (cr: Panoramic Studio)

To surprise new visitors, the bar's design features several hidden corners. Walking down the hallway, visitors will be mesmerized by the hallway lined with antique glass shoji panels. Visitors are led to the front bar with comfortable armchairs as they watch the bartenders at work. There are also private rooms for small groups and seating with garden views. 

Ronin Bar by studio...nutto (cr: Panoramic Studio)

Ronin Bar by studio...nutto (cr: Panoramic Studio)

Ronin Bar by studio...nutto (cr: Panoramic Studio)

The garden area offers stairs of varying heights that serve both practical and aesthetic purposes. The stairs can be used as seating for relaxing and panels for light the garden. Adjusting the trees’ height with lighting from the varying heights of the steps creates an intimate atmosphere for visitors. 

Ronin Bar by studio...nutto (cr: Panoramic Studio) 

Ronin Bar by studio...nutto (cr: Panoramic Studio)

A large concrete window connects the garden and the bar's interior, framing the garden like a work of art from inside the bar. The renovation of this old house successfully blends traditional Japanese architecture with contemporary design. Providing privacy for visitors through a selection of spaces with a peaceful and exclusive atmosphere. A hidden bar in the city center that will offer visitors an unforgettable experience.

Ronin Bar by studio...nutto (cr: Panoramic Studio) 

Ronin Bar by studio...nutto (cr: Panoramic Studio)

Ronin Bar by studio...nutto (cr: Panoramic Studio)