brick wall envelops volume matrix studio's building in bangkok

volume matrix studio composes ‘brick journey’ in Bangkok

In Bangkok, Volume Matrix Studio completes Brick Journey, a 600-square-meter building that houses a private home, art galleries, and a café.

The layout of the building is organized around a curved brick wall that runs through the entire site and connects the different spaces. This wall guides how people move through the building, creating a winding path that slows the rhythm of the movement and invites people to explore at their own pace. The experience of moving through the space reflects the owner’s own journey through life as a traveler and collector of art.

images courtesy of Volume Matrix Studio

various brick styles create a sense of ancient ruins

Thailand-based Volume Matrix Studio created this project for a doctor who also collects ancient art with a vision to create a space that would serve as a place to display his growing collection and share it with others. The architecture reflects this idea by guiding visitors through a series of spaces shaped by memory and art.

Brick is the main material used throughout the project, chosen for its connection to ancient architecture and its ability to express texture and depth. The architects used several types of brick and construction techniques to create a variety of surfaces, evoking the feeling of both old ruins and carefully crafted spaces.

The entrance to Brick Journey is deliberately small and tucked away, framed by the curved wall to create a sense of curiosity. Above it, there’s an observation point, symbolizing both the beginning and end of the visitor’s path. After stepping inside, visitors encounter a small pond and an empty frame placed by the owner as a reflective pause in the experience. This leads to a flexible space used for temporary exhibitions and small events, connected to a courtyard that brings in natural ventilation and views of the surroundings.

the layout of the building is organized around a curved brick

steel bridge connects the residence to the café gallery

To the left of the site is the café and reception area, which opens up to a large courtyard shaded by a mature tree that has been on the site for many years. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer views of this garden space, while objects from the owner’s collection, including antique doors, are integrated into the Brick Journey building.

On the second floor, the architects of Volume Matrix Studio divide the galleries into different areas for various types of artwork. A stairway leads to a smaller exhibition room ideal for paintings, while a steel bridge connects the main house to the upper level of the café, where another gallery displays works from the Indian subcontinent. Visitors can then either return to the entrance area via a historic Art Nouveau staircase or continue forward to the observation point, completing a full loop through the building.

this wall guides how people move through the building