Nestled on the banks of the Mekong River, the community of Chiang Saen is steeped in centuries of riches. This profound heritage forms of Athita pool villa and spa. (Extended phase from Athita the hidden court Chiang Saen boutique hotel)
     The hotel’s core design philosophy is calm and serenity. This is achieved through an innovative approach to circulation, mimicking the organic, meandering alleys characteristic of Chiang Saen’s historic community. By thoughtfully considering the figure and ground, the architects brought the language of these streets into the hotel’s internal corridors.
     The modest scale of the two-story wooden houses defines Chiang Saen’s context. The exterior skin of Athita is a thoughtful reinterpretation of traditional elements. Vertical wooden louver panels, a common sight on local homes, are adapted to form the private enclosures of the hotel. Complementing this, brickwork, reminiscent of ancient temples and city walls, is repurposed as the facade for the hotel’s public areas. This clever distinction uses materials to subtly guide guests through the hotel’s various zones. Both the timber and brick elements are then elevated through innovative construction techniques that evoke the spirit of the past without merely replicating it.
     The design strategically places the main brick building at the front of the hotel. These public-facing structures act as a thoughtful buffer, shielding the secluded pool villas from external disturbances. Within these brick envelopes, public amenities like the spa and massage areas are carefully positioned on upper levels by solid brick walls. The pool villas themselves are designed with a semi-enclosed character. This allows guests to connect with the beauty of the sky and the Chiang Saen’s silence.