Spice & Barley | Enter Projects Asia

Spice & Barley’s Client Choice of the architect:

In March 2020, just as the trap door closed on the country, Minor International commissioned the Spice & Barley project to convey “Asian fusion” and connectedness of different ideas, making Enter Projects Asia an ideal choice of designer.

The close relationship between technology and artisanal craft is a critical design methodology for the firm; they explain that “by using cutting edge software to generate new and exciting building forms we have effectively realized the potential of new technology in the creative environment; creating buildings that are perfectly appropriate to the environment and the information age.”

Spice & Barley’s Site:

The site overlooks the Chao Priya River and the natural rattan structures act as twin towers, referencing the high-rise towers in the backdrop. The vast geometries flood the ceiling in an uninterrupted balustrade of twists and turns which bounce the light and become a beacon from far away.

In keeping with the original brief, the design sensibilities at Spice and Barley are intrinsically Asian Fusion, a phenomenal marriage of ideas, creating a space in which you innately sense that the Client and Architect have understood one another perfectly.

Concept of Spice & Barley:

The sculptural rattan work is designed for a client minor international who seeks to introduce innovation and eco-awareness while embracing the heritage of the local context.

The initial concept of the restaurant lounge centers around the historic local tale of the adventures of three sisters, May, Zaza & Fei who were born in Sichuan decades ago. as the design team explored the story in depth, a design narrative was formed, connecting the past and present in a complex web of free-flowing, statuesque rattan structures, as intoxicating as the characters themselves.

Spice & Barley isn’t the first rattan rodeo of Enter Projects Asia, the Phuket-based design brains behind the gastro-lounge. In an award-winning project for Vikasa Yoga’s studio in downtown Bangkok, rattan took center stage in its organically curved partitions and sinuous light fixtures.

In late 2020, the studio also launched Project Rattan – an initiative aiming to save traditional Thai craft by connecting designers with local rattan artisans on the brink of extinction.

In their signature style, fusing 3D digital technology with traditional arts & crafts, the Enter Projects team sought to incorporate natural, renewable rattan into the 30-meter-high space. By generating free-flowing liquid geometries, to mimic beer as it’s poured into a glass, the design aesthetic gives a strong nod to Spice & Barley’s anchorage as a craft Belgium Beer destination.

The sweeping rattan columns flawlessly frame the backdrop of the three sisters, a dual nod to the Sichuan cuisine which ingeniously complements the beer offering. Whilst the form itself is visually awe-inspiring, the gold-painted rattan also serves to hide the beer pipes, air-conditioning, and other related services, paying homage to the belief that “form and function should be one, joined in a spiritual union”.

The studio didn’t use any plastic for the Spice & Barley Project. It worked together with local tradesmen on the rattan sculptures, and chose the furniture for the project as well as created the design installation. Enter Projects Asia also wanted the installation and interior design to be eco-friendly and reference local culture.

Project Info:
Architects: Enter Projects Asia
Location: Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort, BANGKOK, THAILAND
Project Year: 2020
Photographs: William Barrington Binns
Construction & Installation: Project Rattan
Client: Minor International
Project Name: Spice & Barley