The Sasabhumi International Learning Center is set in the tranquil and natural environment of Thanoon, Phang-nga, on a site graced with flora. The project program consists of a reception lobby, classrooms and seaside accommodation for teachers.

The site’s predominantly flat topography extends from the beach to the ocean and is a protected Sea Turtle Sanctuary where sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. A spectacular range of flourishing plants are scattered throughout the site and the design intent was to preserve the natural setting by devising a layout and design in harmony with the site’s remarkable ecosystem.

The first 100 meters of shoreline, which is constrained by a setback and is therefore building-free, forms a peaceful and serene beach front. All vegetation was retained, as was the moderately sloping and recessed topography. Beyond the 100-meter setback stands a cluster of elegant buildings that provides accommodation for the teachers. As for the classrooms and reception building, these are nestled among groves of trees which provide acoustic barriers and light screens between the buildings.

The Center’s strategic location also ensures that it has the least impact on the beach front area, both visually and physically. The buildings are arranged behind one another in order to avoid the strong ocean gusts and form wind barriers for each other.

Since the sea turtle is a symbolic icon of the site’s natural environment, it was used in the design concept of the reception lobby roof. The wide-spanning roof’s structure does not employ the use roof trusses, but rather a series of steel tube roof struts, inspired by traditional method of bridge construction in Bhutan. The steel structure is proudly exposed, emulating the branches of a tree, much like those surrounding the building.

Beyond the reception lobby, a path leads towards the cluster of classroom buildings that seamlessly blend in among the site vegetation. It is as if the project is resting in a nature reserve inhabited by rare and diverse plants which, through conservation, have become a unique feature and will be a symbol of the site for years to come.