Café Influenced by Shimmering Stones Enchants Guests with Lively Illumination
Situated within the premises of a prestigious gemstone store in Chiang Mai, Thailand, THE FACETS café embodies the enchanting allure of diamonds, opals, sapphires, and other sparkling jewels. Conceived by the creative Thai design firm BBWORKSPACE, the venue has been refreshed with glimmering iridescent panels that immerse guests in a mesmerizing, crystal-inspired setting.
THE FACETS initiative consists of two elements: the renovation of an older structure and a new extension. BBWORKSPACE envisioned the historical building as a crystal-like facade, showcasing two sizes of clear glass blocks arranged in alternating designs. The white, silver, and transparent tones produce a subtle luminescence internally, simulating the display effect of a gemstone while the space softly glows at night. The new extension boasts a steel frame enveloped in acrylic panels treated with dichroic film. Drawing inspiration from the faceted charm of diamonds, these panels sparkle and shift in color, subtly altering shades as the sun traverses the sky.
In a striking contrast, the café’s interior draws inspiration from a natural gemstone prior to being cut and polished. The architects designed the walls to evoke geological stratas and stone caverns, employing textured, matte surfaces that enhance the sleek, glossy elements present throughout the space. An eye-catching angular mirrored counter reflects light onto the flooring, while suspended acrylic panels on the ceiling gracefully capture light and scatter vibrant patterns of color.
In the meantime, the tranquil and uncomplicated garden presents a gentle counterpoint to the sharp contours of the building, bringing a soothing presence to the area. A meandering pond flows through the outdoor seating zones, mirroring the vibrant architecture during the day. This remarkable café resembles a dynamic, living jewel that seems to radiate and sway with light.
“THE FACETS does more than replicate the image of gemstones—it reinterprets their essence through form, light, and texture, converting them into emotional and spatial experiences,” states BBWORKSPACE. “It is not just a coffee shop; it is a living gem at the core of San Kamphaeng—where architecture captures light, mirrors place, and refracts culture.”
Explore THE FACETS café below and uncover more of BBWORKSPACE’s cutting-edge projects on Instagram.
BBWORKSPACE: [Website](https://bbworkspace.co/) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/bbworkspace) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/bbworkspace/)