Liquefied natural gas (LNG) serves as an ideal alternative energy source for many countries and offers an effective solution to the global energy crisis. Visitors can gain a better understanding of its significance by touring related facilities. The design of the Nong Fab LNG receiving station building is fundamentally based on the production process and benefits of liquefied natural gas.
LNG storage tanks are the primary facilities for storing liquefied natural gas. The initial design concept for the Nong Fab LNG receiving station was to immerse visitors in the unique atmosphere of these storage tanks. To achieve this, the main office space mimics the diameter and shape of a storage tank.
To reduce the overwhelming feeling caused by the large scale of the “tank” space and to enhance the contrast between the aboveground and underground areas, the natural landscape extends inside the building. The green roof flows down to the ground, seamlessly merging the structure with its surroundings.
Moreover, the regasification process converts LNG back into its gaseous form, introducing cold air that is efficiently reused within the facility. This approach prevents cold energy from being wasted by releasing it into the sea, thereby minimizing environmental impact.
At the Nong Fab LNG receiving station, the cold energy is reused to regulate the building’s internal temperature and supports a new feature: a cold climate plant cultivation area. Unlike other buildings owned by the same entity, where plants bloom for only two weeks annually, these plants flourish year-round in this facility.
Outside, the building is designed to blend harmoniously with its environment. The project preserves the original wetland area, known locally as Nong, along with the native Heart Wing Tea trees, Fab. Unfortunately, part of the wetland was damaged, so the project restored the natural water flow system to revive the local ecosystem and environmental vitality.
A key element of this restoration is a large pond that serves as the watershed for the surrounding region, forming an integral part of the water supply system.
Project Information
△ General layout plan
△ First floor plan
△ Second floor plan
△ Third floor plan
△ Roof plan
△ Elevation drawing
△ Section diagram
Project Details
Architect: Architects 49
Area: 13,500 m²
Project Year: 2022
Photographers: DOF Sky | Ground, Nattakit Jeerapatmaitree
Manufacturers: ALUINCH Alumination, Alucobond, AutoDesk, Bambunique, EQUITONE, Knauf, Robert McNeel & Associates, Schimmer, Solartube, TGSG, Tostem
Lead Architects: Prabhakorn Vadanyakul, Somkiat Lo-Chindapong, Dr. Narongwit Areemit, Tikumporn Theerapongpakdee
Design Team: Architects 49
Owner: PTT LNG
Structural Engineering: Architectural Engineering 49 Limited
Interior Design: Interior Architects 49
Landscape Design: TK Studio
Floodlight Design: 49 Lighting Design Consultants
Location: Matapu, Thailand
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