Pusayapuri Housing: Architectural Revival in U Thong, Thailand
EKAR architects design a hospitality project reflecting the forgotten history of U Thong.
1Forgotten Historical Context
U Thong is described as a forgotten city despite holding some of Thailand's oldest civilization roots. Unlike the prominent historical sites of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya, U Thong lacks tangible evidence of its past. The landscape is primarily defined by scattered bases of collapsed pagodas and tiny beads buried within the local soil.
2Architectural Project Scope
The Pusayapuri Housing project, designed by the firm EKAR, covers a total area of 3138 square meters. Completed in 2023, the hospitality architecture serves as a modern intervention in a region historically starved of structural representation. Lead architect Ekaphap Duangkaew directed the design process to bridge this gap between ancient history and contemporary needs.
3Technical and Design Team
The project involved a multidisciplinary team to ensure structural and aesthetic integrity. Sirisak Thammasiri led the technical team, while Jetsada Aonphan provided structural engineering consulting. Landscape architecture was managed by Topform Design, ensuring the site integrates with the surrounding environment. GRC was utilized as a primary material manufacturer for the construction process.
4Preserving Local Heritage
For nearly a century, residents of U Thong have collected artifacts found in the soil to preserve their heritage. Although the community previously attempted to establish a museum, the collection remained insufficient to fully narrate the city's ancient story. This project acts as a physical vessel to honor these fragmented historical remnants.
5Visual Documentation Efforts
The architectural documentation of Pusayapuri Housing was captured through photography by Rungkit Chareonwat. These visual records highlight the interplay between the hospitality structure and the site's unique archaeological character. The images serve as a primary reference for how modern hospitality design can interact with locations that possess deep, yet largely invisible, historical layers.
6Material and Structural Choices
The construction utilized GRC, a glass-reinforced concrete, to achieve the desired architectural form. This material choice aligns with the project's need for durability in a hospitality setting while maintaining a modern aesthetic. The structural engineering by Jetsada Aonphan was essential in stabilizing the site, which is scattered with ancient pagoda foundations.
7Regional Significance of U Thong
U Thong remains a critical site for understanding early Thai civilization, despite its current obscurity. The project highlights the challenge of developing infrastructure in areas where archaeological sensitivity is high. By focusing on hospitality, the architects aim to draw attention to the city's history while providing functional space for modern visitors.
8Future Architectural Implications
The completion of Pusayapuri Housing marks a shift in how architects approach sites with limited historical documentation. By integrating local narratives into the built environment, EKAR provides a template for future developments in U Thong. This project demonstrates that hospitality architecture can function as both a commercial space and a cultural anchor.
Original article: ArchDaily Global — Pusayapuri Housing: Architectural Revival in U Thong, Thailand