Pylonesque: A Water Harvesting Structure / INDA Students of Chulalongkorn University + PAREID

Pylonesque: A Water Harvesting Structure / INDA Students of Chulalongkorn University + PAREID - Interior Photography, GardenPylonesque: A Water Harvesting Structure / INDA Students of Chulalongkorn University + PAREID - Exterior Photography, GardenPylonesque: A Water Harvesting Structure / INDA Students of Chulalongkorn University + PAREID - Interior PhotographyPylonesque: A Water Harvesting Structure / INDA Students of Chulalongkorn University + PAREID - Interior PhotographyPylonesque: A Water Harvesting Structure / INDA Students of Chulalongkorn University + PAREID - More Images+ 22

  • Architects: PAREID
  • Area Area of this architecture project Area:  550
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2019
  • Photographs
    Photographs:Beer Singnoi
  • Manufacturers Brands with products used in this architecture project
    Manufacturers:  AutoDesk, McNeel, SCG, Yannawa Canvas
  • Lead Architects: Deborah Lopez, Hadin Charbel
  • Students: Meg Chularach Engchanil (TA), Ai Suppanut Tantraporn, Bear Sahasrungsri, Deedee Raewadee Lamlertsuk, Gain Kittimont Kookasemkij, Hut Passakorn Suwanggool, Kat Sasina Nakmontanakum, Kate Kantima Saetung, Nana Nana Boonorm, Non Chanon Viroonchan, Noopin Buncharin Eua-arporn, Nungning Onjira Mahitthafongkul, Oil Ananya Lappanichpoonpon, P Jirayu Ariyadilak, Poom Supanat Chaiyanopakul, Praew Proudwarin Phannachet, Pun Palin Singhasirithum, Sarah Marisa Rosam, Sense Thanapat Itvarakorn, Tiger Tanatsorn Sriarj, Vich Vich Vichyastit, Win Thanapon Harnpattanapanich
  • Project Sponsors: Mitsubishi Elevator Thailand
  • Structural Engineer: Thitiphan Tungjaroenchai
  • City: Tambon Taluk Du
  • Country: Thailand
More SpecsLess Specs
Pylonesque: A Water Harvesting Structure / INDA Students of Chulalongkorn University + PAREID - Exterior Photography, Garden
© Beer Singnoi

Text description provided by the architects. Pylonesque combines climatic context and vernacular typologies into a semi-enclosed multi-purpose space for a primary and middle school in the Thai province of Uthai Thani; a region that experiences heavy rain seasons followed by extensive hot dry periods—where water holds cultural and practical significance as it is linked to agriculture, tradition, and festivities.

Pylonesque: A Water Harvesting Structure / INDA Students of Chulalongkorn University + PAREID - Interior Photography, Table, Chair, Lighting
© Beer Singnoi

The project responds architecturally and ecologically as a water harvesting system, which throughout its development it sought to address three primary criteria: 

Pylonesque: A Water Harvesting Structure / INDA Students of Chulalongkorn University + PAREID - Interior Photography, Table, Chair, Beam
© Beer Singnoi

Construction techniques and industrial materials that are standard but executed in an artisanal manner, (2) Flexibility in the program to provide functionality, play, and aesthetics, (3) Climatic sensitivity to the annual monsoons and droughts.

Pylonesque: A Water Harvesting Structure / INDA Students of Chulalongkorn University + PAREID - Image 22 of 27
Exploded Axonometric
Pylonesque: A Water Harvesting Structure / INDA Students of Chulalongkorn University + PAREID - Image 23 of 27
Longitudinal Section

The structure is composed of inverted triangulated pyramid modules that reduce the number of unique cuts per steel member. The pieces were sized so that they could be manually mounted and welded in place, eliminating the need for heavy machinery and reducing the overall cost. Similarly, the finishings utilize industrial materials that are applied with unconventional twists: water-boiled wood panels provide acoustic and thermal insulation from heavy rains and strong heat; aluminum foil insulated zinc roofing add an additional thermal barrier and shed water inside and outside the building; translucent red canvases project outward from the edges to provide shading while allowing for natural lighting.

Programmatic flexibility is achieved through the open plan which is symmetrical on two axis, where the ‘front’ ‘back’ and ‘sides’ can be decided by the location and organization of the modular furniture designed specifically for the project. Robust and light enough for students and staff to reconfigure as needed, different formations allow the space to transform into a canteen, classroom, event space and an after school hang-out spot; which is a critical element for a school hosting children of different ages on varying schedules.

Pylonesque: A Water Harvesting Structure / INDA Students of Chulalongkorn University + PAREID - Image 25 of 27
Furniture
Pylonesque: A Water Harvesting Structure / INDA Students of Chulalongkorn University + PAREID - Interior Photography, Table, Chair
© Beer Singnoi

Due to radical shifts from wet to dry periods the building harvests water by funneling it through its two central cores and into basins which are drained by two channels and into a 2000 liter filtration and dual storage tank system where it is reserved for later use. The unused and derelict exercise equipment on the school grounds are also gathered, refurbished, connected to the water tanks via pumps and hoses, and scattered around the garden area; linking the act of exercising to the watering of the garden in what is referred to here as 'gardenasium’.

Pylonesque: A Water Harvesting Structure / INDA Students of Chulalongkorn University + PAREID - Interior Photography
© Beer Singnoi

Finally, intended as a new beacon on school grounds, the colors allow for the building to fit in while standing out, complementing the geometry, materials, artisanal applications and performance that nod to their surroundings of vast and dense green scenery dotted with electrical pylons and water harvesting towers, creating a new kind of ‘industrial vernacular’.

Pylonesque: A Water Harvesting Structure / INDA Students of Chulalongkorn University + PAREID - Exterior Photography, Garden
© Beer Singnoi

The project was realized as part of an ongoing collaboration between the International Program in Design and Architecture (INDA, Chulalongkorn University) in Bangkok and Mitsubishi Elevator Thailand as part of the annual summer “Design Build for Community” program and is motivated by two objectives. On the one hand it is pedagogically designed to provide students with design decision making and on-site building experience, and is paralleled with a socially driven goal to produce performative, engaging and usable spaces for schools in rural Thai areas.

Project gallery

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Project location

Address:293 หมู่ 17 Tambon Taluk Du, Amphoe Thap Than, Chang Wat Uthai Thani 61120, Thailand

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Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "Pylonesque: A Water Harvesting Structure / INDA Students of Chulalongkorn University + PAREID" 18 Feb 2020. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/933819/pylonesque-water-harvesting-structure-pareid-plus-inda-students-of-chulalongkom-university> ISSN 0719-8884

© Beer Singnoi

Pylonesque: 雨水收集结构 / 朱拉隆功大学INDA学院学生 + PAREID

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