Sala Kin Khao: 27-sqm Steel & Timber Pavilion in Chiang Mai
ROOF RAIN designed a 27-square-meter flood-resilient pavilion in Chiang Mai, Thailand, featuring an open kitchen and hygiene facilities.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- ROOF RAIN created the 27-sqm Sala Kin Khao pavilion in Chiang Mai, Thailand
- The structure is elevated 70 centimeters above ground for flood protection
- Built on a 3x3-meter modular grid using over 80% dry construction methods
- Combines industrial steel with reused antique timber frames for warmth
Following the major floods that struck Chiang Mai, Thailand, in 2024, local studio ROOF RAIN designed Sala Kin Khao as a compact temporary architecture project to address immediate community needs. The 27-square-meter pavilion brings together hygiene facilities, storage, and an open kitchen, responding to the post-flood period when a dry space to cook and secure basic belongings becomes essential.
The pavilion is organized around a 3 x 3-meter modular grid derived from locally available six-meter steel sections cut precisely in half. This approach minimizes material waste while establishing a repeatable structural system capable of future expansions. Furthermore, more than 80% of the pavilion utilizes dry construction methods, reducing on-site labor and relying on familiar regional techniques.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
ROOF RAIN elevated the entire structure 70 centimeters above natural ground level, creating a buffer against future floods and a ventilated void beneath the floor. This clearance grants residents time and space to relocate possessions if waters rise again. Off-the-shelf industrial elements remain largely unmodified, allowing local craftspeople to assemble steel-to-timber connections using standard tools.
Disaster-resilient architecture utilizing modular systems and dry construction represents a vital approach for flood-prone regions. By empowering local craftspeople with standardized materials and elevated foundations, such structures offer practical everyday utility while maintaining long-term adaptability against environmental challenges.
Externally, matte-black corrugated fire-resistant asphalt sheets wrap the pavilion in a vertical skin selected for durability and low glare. Against this dark industrial envelope, reused antique timber frames collected by the owner introduce texture, history, and a domestic character that softens the overall industrial aesthetic.
Whether another severe flood arrives or stays away, the pavilion remains fully functional as an everyday living space shaped by shared meals and community gatherings. Disaster preparedness is seamlessly integrated directly into the flooring, structure, and material selection.
Source: designboom
Found something wrong in this article? Report an issue with this article
Comments
Leave a Comment