Bitter Kiss Café, a harmonious blend of old and new
Renowned designer Phuttipan Aswakool, of the ASWA architecture studio, has ingeniously transformed a loft-style rental building into a chic café, dubbed Bitter Kiss. Located in the eastern suburbs of Bangkok, close to an iconic zoo, this cafeteria invites customers into an enchanting space featuring 70 seats with red brick, black hues and intricate steel detailing.
In Bangkok, Thailand, a former loft-style rental building with red bricks, black walls and steel ornamentation undergoes a remarkable transformation into a new café space. The refreshing renovation, by ASWA, has changed the perception of the building. Nestled in the eastern suburbs of the capital, the 70-seat Bitter Kiss cafeteria covers 300 m2 and is surrounded by a high-density residential area close to Bangkok Zoo. Initially, the architects planned to frame the space with arches and inverted arches, creating abstract frames from the exterior entrance to the interior. These arches not only welcome guests, but also beautifully frame the greenery of the nearby golf course. What’s more, they change the mood and tone of the café throughout the day, oscillating between light and shadow. Arched plywood partitions shape the space, providing semi-private areas for guests. In this way, they play a crucial role in creating a picturesque and functional architectural form. Balancing old and new, the design incorporates new elements into the original structure. These additions align with the structural grid, cleverly camouflaging the central concrete column. Similarly, arched frames conceal the old elements and warmly welcome visitors. This approach skilfully fuses historic preservation with modern innovation, positioning Bitter Kiss as an outstanding example of contemporary architecture.
