Nov 27

Ecological Activity and Education Center, Koh Kood, Thailand by 24H Architecture

Set in the grounds of a six-star resort is this children’s ecological activity and education centre constructed from local Thai bamboo

The ‘den’ is situated on a rocky slope close to the sea and is the most prominent structure from the many installations dedicated to promoting ecology at the resort.

This den provides an auditorium/cinema for films, lectures and plays, a library with books on permaculture and local traditions, an art room, a music room and fashion room.

With its Mantra-ray inspired dome, perched in an elevated position, the building appears to launch itself into the bay. The structure and roof are made of bamboo and the interior is made form local River Red Gum wood.

Next to the den is a sleeping pod for toddlers along with a ‘cooking cave’ and vegetable garden.

The open-sided design and translucent elevated rooftop cantilevered 8m allows a natural airflow through the building, whilst also providing solar shading.

Project Ecological Children Activity and Education Center at Six Senses
Location Soneva Kiri Resort, Koh Kood, Thailand
Client Six Senses Bangkok
Architect 24H > architecture
Design team Boris Zeisser, Maartje Lammers, Olav Bruin and Anne Laure Nolen
Design period 2006-2007
Completion 2009
Floor area 165m²
Bamboo consultant Jörg Stamm, Colombia
Local architect Habita architects, Thailand
Structural engineer building Planning & Design, Thailand
Structural engineer for windtunnel tests Ove Arup Thailand
Photography credits Boris Zeisser (24harchitecture) and Kiattipong Panchee

• Subscribe to the Architectural Review