Yellow Submarine Coffee Tank, Harmony in Contrast

Located at Pak Chong, Yellow Submarine Coffee Tank has been promoted to be a must-visit place when you go to Khao Yai province, Thailand.

Yellow Submarine Coffee Tank, Thailand. (cr: Ketsiree Wongwan)

With its black-dominated appearance and location in the middle of an Indian mahogany forest, this cafe's design offers something new from most of the architecture in Khao Yai, which is dominated by wide openings with mountain views or Western architectural aesthetics.

Ambience in Yellow Submarine Coffe Tank. (cr: Ketsiree Wongwan)

Harmonizing nature with architecture is the main priority in the design and construction process of this cafe. The existing slope and the growing forest became the key attraction of the site, so it was decided how the architecture could add value and elevate existing elements.

Harmonizing with nature. (cr: Ketsiree Wongwan)

The structure consists of a 3-meter-high wall with 38 38-meter span along the ramp on the site with a maximum ramp distance of 1.6 meters. Only a third of the building is covered by a roof, with just half relying on air conditioning. The rest of the building has a semi-open concept, giving visitors the freedom to enjoy the changing seasons. Emphasizing the spatial differences through refractive boundaries between buildings and nature while directing visitors' eyes to interior elements.

Yellow Submarine Coffee Tank floor plan. (cr: Ketsiree Wongwan)

Buildings with an overall black color amidst the green trees provide a distinctive atmosphere because of the contrast but still in harmony. The black color and color of the concrete soothe the building in the middle of the existing site. Harmony is also obtained from the reflection of trees on the wall finishing, which uses Chinese black ink and shiny ceramics, providing a visual balance between light and shadow.

Black amidst the greens. (cr: Ketsiree Wongwan)

The harmony of the contrast between the building and the natural surroundings is successfully presented by the Yellow Submarine Coffee Tank, creating a distinctive ambiance for simply enjoying a cup of coffee or even contemplating human perceptions and attitudes towards architecture.