Thai Coffee Roastery

View project CNX 714 here

Chiang Mai is the heart of Thai coffee cultivation. The history of Thai coffee began around 50 years ago, when the Thai royal family and government-supported programs encouraged farmers to start growing coffee.

With ideal conditions for cultivation and strong government backing, Thailand’s coffee industry has flourished, producing two main varieties: Thai Robusta and Thai Arabica, contributing to the ongoing growth of the coffee economy.

Our site, located west of Chiang Mai near the jungle, was selected to explore how we could celebrate the Thai coffee industry by creating a space where locals and tourists could enjoy local produce and learn more about the industry. We decided to immerse visitors in the post-harvest process, offering insight into coffee production. Working with a modest budget, we proposed a ‘social warehouse’ that blends both industrial and tourism functions in a single space.

The design centres around the roasting process, with the program divided into two areas: Processing and Public. On the processing side, we incorporated clerestory warehouse roofs for the coffee roasting, café and market areas, while the storage and loading bay were designed with a more simplified warehouse architecture.

Situated on the outskirts of Chiang Mai, the roastery aims to become a destination for people to learn about and enjoy Thailand’s coffee culture.

"We used simple materials like steel sections, timber cladding, standing seam metal roofing, and celebrated the natural pond with minimal landscaping to create an idyllic and picturesque setting, for a  new typology that is a ‘destination coffee roastery’.

This project was particularly engaging as it allowed us to explore the relationship between industry and public space, creating a place that supports both local enjoyment and the economy of Northern Thailand. We found it fascinating to bring industry to the forefront and celebrate the craftsmanship behind coffee production.

The modest, functional architectural approach serves its industrial purpose while also providing a visually interesting, iconic backdrop that draws people in to experience Thai coffee culture."

Charlie Kentish, Lead Architect