Lighting Is Used To Highlight The Rounded Balconies Of This Building

PAON Architects has completed Kalm Penthouse Ari, a residential building with 23 units in Bangkok, Thailand. At night, thin lines of exterior lighting follow the rounded balconies and make the shape of the building easy to read.

Curved corners for the neighbourhood

The architects wanted a building that feels current and works well for residents, while still fitting the character of the area. Mid-century modern buildings are common in this part of Bangkok, so the new block was given curved corners that echo them.

A layered facade

The facade combines planters clad in stone veneer, aluminium composite panels, steel railings and composite timber ceilings. These parts are set out in a varied pattern rather than the regular rhythm usually found on mid-century modern facades.

The planters tie the building to the many trees and gardens around it, while the mix of materials keeps the elevation clearly contemporary.

Lines of light

Slim light strips are built into each balcony and run around the curves of the facade. The same lines continue on the ceilings inside the apartments, and because the windows are large, they can be seen from the street. Inside and outside read as one design after dark.

Lighting as part of the facade

As a general point, light that is planned together with the architecture, rather than added later, can bring out a building’s form at night with very little equipment. Thin linear fittings work best when they follow edges that are already strong in daylight.

Project credits

• Project: Kalm Penthouse Ari, Bangkok, Thailand
• Architect: PAON Architects
• Design directors: Chanon Petchsangngam, Roongnapa Dormieu
• Photography: DOF Sky|Ground
• Source: Contemporist