Soi38

Soi 38 aims to heighten the dining experience through an enlivening of subtle sensory cues. Combined with a softening of the existing space that instils a sense of meditative drama to a traditional Thai cuisine offering, it is head chef Terry Intarakhamhaeng’s past background as a Monk that brings another layer of richness to the space. Through his own interpretation of calm, sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste are engaged with, through a regional lens.

In relocating from the previous premises, the new space became an opportunity to refine the entire experience – considering each tactile moment, from the acoustics, finishes and the lighting - to how the restaurant interfaced with the surrounding. The deliberately lengthened and linear cooking line that aligns with the glass façade works to celebrate the many stages beyond the final dish, while also adding movement and animation to the streetscape as well as within.

Internally, each surface has been considered. The treatment to the ceiling both acts to reflect a likeness to temple-style architecture structures while also capturing and baffling sound, with soft and draping fabrics that encourage the space itself to move with the bustle of service. With luck and fortune an important totem within Asian culture, the materiality is a contemporary interpretation of dawn and dusk tones – as a reminder of the lucky colour of the Thai King.

Balancing the inserted softness and play on transparency, are more solid elements such as stainless steel and rammed-earth monolithic concrete panels - both complimenting one another. Soi 38 considers its past and present, with a consideration of the future through the overall lightness of the intervention within the core building space. Led by principles of recycling, reuse and the integration of demountable elements that can be used again in the future, the space has many considered layers.