In the scenic town of Chonburi, Thailand, by the beach, a striking new building called Harudot is catching the eyes of both locals and visitors. Designed by IDIN Architects, this coffee shop blends the love of coffee with the beauty of exotic plants in a grove of trees, thanks to a unique partnership between NANA Coffee Roasters and a landlord who’s into rare plants.
Imagine walking into Harudot. The warmth of natural pine greets you, and the interior is bathed in light streaming through large oval openings above, nurturing the indoor trees that reach towards the sunlight. Wouldn’t it feel like stepping into a little forest where coffee aromas mingle with the earthy scent of green leaves?
The architects really thought about how people like us would experience this place. They crafted Harudot not just as a building but as a destination to be felt and remembered. They broke down the building into smaller segments, creating intimate zones – there’s a place to grab your coffee, sit back with friends, or even hold a casual meeting. It’s designed to feel personal and cozy, no matter why you’re there.
Outside, the structure itself is a marvel. The black timber cladding forms a smooth, curvaceous exterior, with two tall peaks that reach up as if mimicking the growth of the trees it shelters. Inside and out, Harudot blurs the lines between nature and built environment, almost making you feel like the building itself sprouted from the ground. How often do you find a place where architecture and nature so beautifully coexist?
Harudot’s design has already earned accolades, being voted the Frame Award 2024 Winner of the Month for January. It’s a testament to how much creativity and thought went into its making. But beyond the awards, what makes Harudot special is how it makes you feel. Have you ever been to a place where the space itself enhances your mood, where the setting adds flavor to your coffee?
This coffee shop sets an example for future projects, showing how buildings can enhance, not detract from, their natural surroundings. It stands as a beacon of how thoughtful design can turn everyday activities like enjoying a cup of coffee into something extraordinary. In a world that’s becoming increasingly urban, don’t we need more places like Harudot, where we can pause, breathe, and feel a part of nature? Also be sure to check 15 modern tiny houses.
