NAOMI: CHIANGMAI
PROJECT OWNER: TANA SRIYARANYA
ARCHITECT: PIJIC ARCHITECT SARAYUT JAIKUMPAN
Amid the dynamics of an urban context shaped by fast-moving traffic along main roads, projects located close to the street inevitably face a wide range of design constraints. One of the key challenges is redefining quality of living through FACADE design, while also negotiating a sophisticated coexistence with the speed and intensity of the city.
The FACADE, therefore, goes beyond being a mere building envelope. It becomes an intermediary layer that defines both the quality of living and the architectural identity. This is clearly demonstrated in the NAOMI project in Chiang Mai, designed by PIJIC Architect, led by Sarayut Jaikhamphan. Here, the FACADE plays an active role in solving design challenges while elevating the living experience through aesthetics.
Due to the elongated site running parallel to the road, the project had to confront unavoidable conditions such as noise, dust, and odor from traffic. Even with a 10-meter setback, the façade serves as the first line of dialogue between the building and its surrounding context. Initially, the FACADE design proposed expanded metal mesh, reflecting a contemporary industrial aesthetic. However, after carefully considering budget, aesthetics, and the quality of interior experience, the design team ultimately selected SHINKOLITE FIN&SHADE panels as the primary FACADE system. With its translucent properties, the material allows soft natural light to filter through while acting as a buffer that mitigates the harshness of the external environment. Its flexibility in design and ease of installation also contribute to construction efficiency.
“AFTER INSTALLATION, THE FIRST NOTICEABLE QUALITY IS THE SENSE OF OPENNESS. IF WE HAD USED EXPANDED METAL AS ORIGINALLY PLANNED, THE INTERIOR VIEW WOULD HAVE BEEN OBSTRUCTED BY THE STRUCTURE BEHIND IT. WITH SHINKOLITE FIN AND SHADE, THE VISIBILITY BECOMES ALMOST COMPLETELY SEE-THROUGH,”
said Than Sriyaranya, the project owner.
“WE ENHANCED THIS EFFECT BY INTEGRATING LED STRIP LIGHTING ALONG THE LOWER EDGES OF THE FAÇADE. AT NIGHT, THE BUILDING EMITS A SOFT GLOW THAT FEELS LIGHT AND RELAXING—ALIGNING PERFECTLY WITH THE PROJECT’S INTENTION OF CREATING A HOME FOR REST.”
The transparency of the FACADE reveals the architecture more honestly, without concealment. Interior voids, intentionally designed throughout the space, become visible from the outside, creating a layered visual connection between interior and exterior while maintaining privacy.
In terms of FACADE structure, the owner personally designed the details, particularly the steel framework. Custom steel members, up to 13 meters in length, were specially fabricated in Bangkok to minimize joints—compared to standard 6-meter sections. This approach ensures visual continuity, reducing interruptions and enhancing the overall aesthetic quality. The seamless integration between structure and FACADE ultimately elevates both construction quality and architectural experience.
Sunlight orientation was another critical factor in the design process. The façade system allows adjustable angles of 45 and 90 degrees, enabling each side of the building to respond appropriately to its environmental conditions. Despite the panels being only 10 millimeters thick, when combined with proper angling, they effectively reduce heat gain and improve indoor comfort.
Additionally, the FACADE subtly conceals mechanical elements such as air-conditioning compressors, maintaining a clean and uninterrupted exterior appearance.
“ONE OF THE KEY QUESTIONS I ASK IN EVERY ARCHITECTURAL PROJECT IS WHETHER IT WILL RETAIN ITS VALUE IN THE NEXT 5 OR 10 YEARS,”
Than reflected.
“ARCHITECTURE DOESN’T END AT COMPLETION—IT CONTINUES IN THE DAILY LIVES OF ITS OCCUPANTS. MATERIALS REPRESENT TRUST. THEY MUST WITHSTAND TIME, USAGE, AND THE EMOTIONAL CONNECTION OF THOSE WHO LIVE WITHIN THE SPACE.”
This perspective reflects the thoughtful material selection in the NAOMI project—prioritizing long-term performance, timeless aesthetics, and a strong architectural identity. Beneath its simplicity lies a careful balance between material character and real-life functionality, between present beauty and future sustainability.
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