Araksa Tea House: Sustainable Architecture by Simple Architecture in Mae Taeng, Thailand

Araksa Tea House, designed by Simple Architecture, is a striking example of sustainable hospitality design in the heart of Mae Taeng, Thailand. Completed in 2019, the 448 m² tea house sits within the historic Araksa Tea Garden, one of Thailand’s oldest tea plantations. Surrounded by lush forests and organic tea fields, the tea house blends seamlessly into its natural surroundings while embracing eco-conscious building techniques and locally sourced materials.

A Tea House Rooted in Nature and Tradition

The Araksa Tea Garden is a boutique organic tea plantation located at the foothills of Mae Taeng’s fertile forests. Undisturbed for more than 15 years, the plantation has thrived without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers. With new ownership, the vision was to create a tea house that respected this natural heritage while providing visitors with a serene space to enjoy the tea culture of Thailand.

The design goal was simple yet ambitious: to craft a tea house architecture that harmonizes with the surrounding tea fields, uses sustainable building materials, and minimizes environmental impact.

Locally Sourced, Sustainable Materials

The construction of Araksa Tea House focused on ecological responsibility, social engagement, and climate responsiveness. Two primary materials were chosen: adobe bricks and locally salvaged timber.

• Adobe Bricks: Soil with sufficient clay content was sourced directly on-site. Combined with rice husk, over 18,000 adobe bricks were hand-produced and carefully cured under a protective roof during the rainy season.
• Local Timber: Tree trunks already found on-site were repurposed as structural supports, ensuring that no trees were cut specifically for construction.
• Roof Tiles: Approximately 150,000 hand-pressed clay roof tiles were sourced from a local tile-making factory. Their delicate nature required careful installation with precise roof inclination to prevent water damage.

These material choices not only reduced CO2 emissions but also supported local industries and minimized transportation costs.

Design and Spatial Experience

The design emphasizes natural ventilation, light, and zoning. The thick adobe walls regulate heat while the open arrangement of walls allows for cross-ventilation and abundant daylight, reducing the need for artificial cooling or lighting.

Inside, the spaces are divided into zones for tea tasting, social gatherings, and quiet reflection. The use of adobe and lime plaster walls creates a warm, tactile interior, while exposed timber beams celebrate traditional craftsmanship.

Community and Cultural Impact

Beyond architecture, the project prioritized local engagement. Skilled and unskilled workers from the surrounding community were employed, fostering a cultural exchange of building techniques and knowledge. This approach not only created jobs but also built stronger community ties and transferred sustainable construction skills.

Environmental Responsibility

From material selection to construction techniques, Araksa Tea House demonstrates how eco-friendly architecture can exist in harmony with its environment. The natural properties of adobe provide excellent thermal mass, keeping interiors cool without the need for air conditioning. The building’s placement within the tea garden enhances airflow and shading, further reducing energy demand.

The minimal use of concrete—limited to the foundations for structural stability—ensured durability while respecting the environment.

A Model for Sustainable Hospitality Architecture

The Araksa Tea House is more than just a place for tea—it is a living model of sustainable architecture in Thailand. It shows how traditional building methods, local resources, and community involvement can be integrated into contemporary hospitality spaces. Visitors not only experience the beauty of the tea garden but also witness the philosophy of building with nature, not against it.

All the photographs are works of Araksa Tea Garden