Hotel Gahn is a Tribute to Baba Nyonya Culture in Thailand

Phuket-based Studio Locomotive has designed this new boutique accommodation in Khao Lak, one of Thailand’s most famous beach destinations. Design director Thanart Chanyu tells us more about his approach to creating this Baba Nyonya heritage-inspired hotel

Design Anthology: Where is Hotel Gahn located, and what’s great about this neighbourhood?

Thanart Chanyu: Hotel Gahn is in Khao Lak, in the province of Phang Nga. Khao Lak is one of the most famous beach destinations in Thailand, and connects to some of the country’s most beautiful islands, like Similan and Surin. The historical charm of this city, however, has not been adequately highlighted. Khao Lak’s old town of Takua Pa reflects the Baba Nyonya ethnic culture, with its unique architectural style, food, local dialect, traditional festivals and slower pace of life.

What makes the location unique?

Hotel Gahn is about a five minute drive from a famous surfing beach in Phang Nga and various speed boat piers to the Similan and Surin Islands. The design and spatial experience of Hotel Gahn reflects the Baba Nyonya culture of Takua Pa, which is just a 20-minute drive away.

What unique features does the building have?

The hotel is a five-storey shophouse inspired by the architecture and style associated with Baba Nyonya culture. The reception, coffee bar, and restaurant are furnished with eclectic forms of Asian-inspired timber tables and seats decorated with batik cloth cushion covers. The central table with antique-styled stools and bench is similar to the multi-purpose tables used for traditional Chinese family gatherings, while the owner’s collection of vintage items is displayed and gives a domestic feel. 

Some walls are painted red and green in a nod to traditional decoration, and accented ceiling frames and the unique window openings, with a sliding batten panel, are also interesting details.

What was your design concept for the hotel?

We were inspired by the owners’ pride in their Baba Nyonya heritage and our intention, through the design, was to offer guests a chance to experience the Baba Nyonya lifestyle of Takua Pa. We wanted to complement this with a spatial experience that incorporates carefully selected materials, material treatments and traditional construction details.

What kind of traveller do you think this hotel will appeal to most?

Travellers who love ‘culture-cations’, slow travel, and experiencing the local lifestyle.

What can guests look forward to experiencing in the rooms?

Each guestroom tells the story of Baba Nyonya life. We’ve used traditional materials and local construction techniques, like terrazzo floors with brass strips, wooden walls with beading, wooden latches, Chinese canopy beds, and hand-painted ceramic wash basins, to give guests an immersive experience of Baba Nyonya culture.

What other features are you most excited about?

The design features and experiential elements of Hotel Gahn evoke the Baba Nyonya way of life. It offers an intimate setting where guests can connect with the family who own the hotel, who are enthusiastic about sharing local wisdom and insider recommendations.

As told to / Suzy Annetta
Images / Weerapon (Beer) Singnoi