Vaslab Co., Ltd

Mason Resort

Mason Resort
© Spaceshift Studio

Mason Resort 

VaSLab Architecture

CLIENTS
K Wave

LANDSCAPE
Rafa

ENGINEERING
Collage Engineering

CONSULTANTS
Fontory

ARCHITECT IN CHARGE
Vasu Virajsilp

DESIGN TEAM
Kittipat Sirijumpar, Nattapon Panjasakulwong

COLLABORATORS
Ang Sila Stone Sculptor Community, Chardchakaj Waikawee

MANUFACTURERS
Daikin, Grohe, Mitsubishi Electric, Roca, Sketchup, Autocad, Empire Granite, Toa, Thaisun, Tostem

PHOTOGRAPHS
Ketsiree Wongwan, Wara Suttiwan, Spaceshift Studio

AREA
9039 M²

YEAR
2019

LOCATION
Thailand

CATEGORY
Hospitality Architecture

Text description provided by architect.

Inspired by its local craftsmanship of stone masonry, Ang Sila community, concrete and stone has been carefully cut and crafted, forming a unique architectural design. Mason is a hideaway pool-villa resort, located at Na Jomtien Beach, Chonburi, between fishermen’s village and the city of Pattaya.

It was intended to be the project that is naturally blended into existing land and seascapes. The resort was designed to create a new experience for relaxing with the stunning ocean backdrop, boasting a private pool in every single villa, exposing sunlight by its large greenery roof-deck, and eventually dining in a romantic sun-setting scenario at beach-side bar.

Mason Resort
© Spaceshift Studio
Mason Resort
© Wara Suttiwan
Mason Resort
© Spaceshift Studio

The private pool-villa architecture is harmonized within its topography of the land not only by its material selection, but also within its individual setting of 35-unique-villas, that is to preserve its site condition as much as possible, minimizing impact to the environment.

Approaching from double-height welcoming lobby space, our senses will be emerged when walking through stepping-stone grand stairs.

Mason Resort
© Spaceshift Studio
Mason Resort
© Spaceshift Studio

Before reaching to the beach, architectural hierarchy of space is conceived not only by visual dynamic through different level of reflective pools, but over proprioceptive sensation through a combination of transitional space between outdoor and semi-outdoor as spatial manipulations as well.

In descending the slope, the cave-like villas are carved on one third of the 48,000 square-meter site, maximizing the sea view, while keeping tranquility and privacy within.

Mason Resort
© Wara Suttiwan
Mason Resort
© Spaceshift Studio

Located nearest the sea, two rows of one-bedroom villas are entered from above, via an open-air staircase from the back, which arrives on the spacious sundeck terrace. Light and shadow play with positive and negative space in a light-filled enclosure beneath the staircase.

Mason Resort
© Spaceshift Studio

Further inland, family two-bedroom villas with full height opening from the entrance, creating dramatic scenes by framing the seascapes. Behind those are two rows of duplexes that guests enter via a landing between floors. Furthest from the sea, garden villa maintains privacy within an extra-large private pool, and spacious bathroom.

Expression of light is interlaced into its interior by skylight and it is changing dramatically during the day. Resting on granite rock hill, the architecture has been metaphorically sculpted in order to become one with nature. Local material like granite has been used for sculpting walls, defining spatial perception.

Mason Resort
© Spaceshift Studio

These are also including the over-sized terrazzo bathtub and other decorative artisans, shaping a carving-like effect by either day-lighting and artificial indirect lighting within interior space. Designing architecture as an art and craftsmanship, there are three main contributors.

Mason Resort
© Spaceshift Studio
Mason Resort
© Spaceshift Studio

First, its interior space exhibits as an art gallery of wet-plate photography by Chardchakaj Waikawee (i.e., architecture, elements, food). Second, decorative elements like hand sculpted woven bamboo lights are designed by Korakot Aromdee.

And finally, sculpture of wash basins, vases and other artisans are contributed by the local stone sculptors from Angsila community.

Mason Resort
© Wara Suttiwan
Mason Resort
© Spaceshift Studio

Masonmay well include having a positive impact on its context. A dying breed, the stonemasons of Ang Sila need projects like this if their craft is to stand a chance of survival. As a matter of fact, their generation may well be the last.

Thus, the collaboration between the project owner, the architect and the local artisans makes Mason not only a retreat resort, but the architecture that helps local people and their community to have the new opportunities in their lives and careers.

Mason Resort
© Ketsiree Wongwan


Mason Resort
Section 01
Mason Resort
Section 02


Mason Resort
Site plan
Mason Resort
Master plan


Mason Resort
Elevation

Vaslab Co., Ltd
T +66 2 7418099
Vaslab Co., Ltd
344 Sukhumvit 101 Alley, Bang Chak, Phra Khanong, Bangkok 10260, Thailand