The Choice Company headquarters is situated in the Amphoe Mueang district of Chiang Mai, an area rich with cultural heritage. Local Thai architectural elements, such as Long Kao buildings (traditional rice harvesting houses), the ancient city walls of Chiang Mai (including Suan Dok Gate), and traditional Thai balconies, inspire the design. These features help distinguish the modern architecture while blending harmoniously with the natural surroundings.
The building features a simple layout with four city towers supported by a reinforced concrete frame. At its heart lies a central courtyard that floods the interior with natural light.
To enhance natural ventilation, the entrance hall is elevated. The grand staircase acts as a transitional space, separating the plaza on the first floor from the open space on the second floor. It also serves multiple functions, fostering a harmonious environment for employees. This versatile area hosts employee activities, provides a place to rest, and accommodates meetings or lectures.
The spatial planning prioritizes facing prevailing winds and providing shaded areas. The Core Area (CORE), located on the west side, serves as a temporary venue. Long-term spaces such as offices and conference rooms are distributed along the north, south, and east sides.
The building employs a sparse column layout, creating wide open spaces and flexibility for future interior modifications. The main staircase is designed as a welcoming hub, encouraging movement and social interaction among all users. Its grand scale aims to promote physical activity and reduce energy consumption.
The office space is divided into approximately 75% formal and 25% informal areas, providing adaptability to various work styles and fostering a friendly atmosphere. This setup encourages creativity and helps employees adjust to lifestyle changes driven by technological advancements.
The primary material used in the building is vernacular brick, a locally sourced material known for its affordability and availability. The design incorporates a blend of natural materials such as wood and raw concrete, alongside modern elements like glass and aluminum windows, achieving a seamless balance between traditional Thai materials and contemporary construction.
Vernacular brick is featured prominently in several areas:
1. Building façade: Local bricks are arranged as heat-insulating louvers. These hollow bricks are meticulously installed on the exterior façade, enhancing both function and aesthetic.
2. Grand staircase area on the first floor: The use of local bricks in the flooring creates material continuity, reduces the building’s visual mass, and enhances security by integrating with the large staircase design.
3. Entrance lobby: The lobby walls consist of black rustic bricks, adorned with ceramic tiles above, paying homage to the grandeur of the historical Lanna dynasty.
Sustainability is a core principle throughout the design. The Choice office building is currently applying for the White Gold Tree certification from the Thai Green Building Institute (TGBI), reflecting its commitment to environmentally responsible architecture.
Project Drawings
△ General Layout Plan
△ First Floor Plan
△ Second Floor Plan
△ Third Floor Plan
△ Fourth Floor Plan
△ Analysis Chart
△ Analysis Chart
△ Detail Drawing of Blinds
Project Information
Architectural Design: Plan Associates
Area: 5,300 m²
Project Year: 2021
Photographer: DOF Sky | Ground
Manufacturers: A.P.K. Dawkoo, AGC, Fameline products
Partners: PSAA Consulting Engineers Co., Ltd., EEC Engineering Network Co., Ltd.
Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand
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