Asst. Prof. Pawornpod Boonruangkao, Ph.D. and Siradol Chamnankadi
Abstract :
This project presents the interior renovation of the first floor and mezzanine of Yaks Hotel, focusing on the lobby, reception, restaurant, and lounge areas. The design integrates functional zones while expressing the hotel’s corporate identity through a unified material and spatial strategy. A key distinguishing aspect is the transformation of previously disconnected areas into a continuous public space that enhances operational efficiency and delivers a cohesive guest experience.
The design framework emphasizes spatial fluidity, brand visibility, and cross-programmed use. Central to the scheme is a feature reception wall using backlit perforated metal to establish a unique visual identity for the hotel. Material selections—cement flooring, white surfaces, and warm wood finishes—reinforce a contemporary and welcoming atmosphere. The outcome demonstrates improved spatial coherence, stronger brand recognition, and a more efficient hospitality environment.
Objectives :
To redesign and improve the reception hall, restaurant, and kitchen areas, lobby, and lounge spaces located on the first floor and mezzanine level of Yaks Hotel.
Conceptual Framework :
The design project focuses on the renovation of the hotel’s first floor and mezzanine, specifically the lobby, restaurant, and lounge areas. The conceptual framework is organized into spatial design and atmospheric design.
For spatial design, the goal of integrating the restaurant and lobby areas supports shared use with minimal staffing while maintaining fluid circulation. This approach is necessary because the hotel operates with limited personnel, and the former separation of spaces created inefficiencies in management and guest movement. The integrated layout improves staff visibility and provides guests with a clearer, more continuous public experience.
For atmospheric design, the reception counter wall is developed as a focal element incorporating the hotel’s logo and corporate identity (CI). The backlit perforated metal surface enhances brand presence and establishes a memorable visual identity within a compact interior.
Process / Methodology :
Yaks Hotel initiated a renovation project for the first floor and mezzanine. Originally, the first floor served as the reception, lobby, and café areas, while the mezzanine was used as a lounge. The new design reorganises these spaces by relocating the reception counter to achieve continuity with the newly designated restaurant area. The former café is converted into a restaurant and beverage area with a kitchen, while the lobby and dining areas are connected into a seamless open space. An additional outdoor seating area is introduced to extend the lounge atmosphere near the staircase hall.
The design process began with site surveying and spatial requirement analysis, followed by identifying operational needs and desired spatial ambience.
The preliminary design stage involved three rounds of design proposals, each refined based on the client’s feedback. The focus was on creating functional integration between the reception counter, beverage service, and restaurant ordering area to simplify management and circulation.
Special attention was given to the continuity of the lounge area, providing sufficient seating arrangements, and establishing the desired mood and tone of materials.
Once the preliminary design was approved, detailed construction drawings were produced for implementation.
Techniques and Materials :
The selected materials establish a harmonious Mood & Tone combining white, gray, and warm brown wood tones. Gray tones dominate the atmosphere through cement-finished flooring, complemented by white walls in diverse materials such as laminate, decorative wood panels, ceramic tiles, and perforated metal. Wood textures, expressed through wood laminate surfaces, are applied to seating areas and loose furniture to introduce warmth.
The reception counter wall, extending vertically to the mezzanine ceiling, serves as a key visual feature. It incorporates backlit perforated metal panels revealing the hotel’s logo of a “Yaks” figure behind the surface. This lighting composition creates depth, highlights the brand identity, and visually connects the reception and restaurant zones.
Result / Conclusion :
Overall, the design successfully meets the client’s expectations and achieves user satisfaction.
The redesigned reception counter enhances operational efficiency while maintaining spatial continuity between the reception, restaurant, and lounge. The integration of the hotel’s corporate identity (CI) within the interior design reinforces the brand’s presence and establishes a coherent design language.
Furthermore, the project outcome reflects the concept of architectural atmosphere discussed by Zumthor (2006), in which spatial perception is shaped by the sensory qualities of materials and light. The integration of brand identity within interior design also aligns with Lin’s (2014) framework, emphasising the coherence between spatial organisation and corporate image. In addition, the use of materials and finishes as communicative elements corresponds with the idea of material expression and emotional resonance in interior design (Pallasmaa, 2009).
These theoretical foundations support the project’s intention to merge functionality, identity, and atmosphere into a unified hospitality experience.
While the renovated kitchen layout requires further evaluation in long-term use, the overall design demonstrates an effective synthesis of function, identity, and ambience in contemporary hotel interior renovation.
References :
Lin, Y.-C. (2014). Integrating brand identity into interior design: A framework for hospitality environments. Journal of Interior Design, 39(3), 23–38. https://doi.org/10.1111/joid.12048
Pallasmaa, J. (2009). The eyes of the skin: Architecture and the senses (2nd ed.). Chichester, UK: Wiley.
Zumthor, P. (2006). Atmospheres: Architectural environments, surrounding objects. Basel, Switzerland: Birkhäuser.