Buono Factory by Skarn Chaiyawat: Innovative Plant-Based Food Production in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand

Located in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand, the Buono Factory is a cutting-edge facility designed by Skarn Chaiyawat to support the growing plant-based food and dessert industry. Completed in 2023, this 5,200 m² factory and office complex exemplifies modern industrial design while prioritizing employee wellness and environmental harmony. Key collaborators include Lysaught, TGSG, VCON, with structural engineering by Jedsada Ard-ong.

Architectural Concept With sustainability and staff well-being as central goals, the factory’s layout integrates three new buildings alongside the existing warehouse.

• Building A is positioned adjacent to a reservoir and functions as a versatile cafeteria and event space, with a mezzanine meeting room overlooking a high-ceiling hall.
• Building B accommodates administrative offices, storage areas, and a state-of-the-art testing laboratory on the second floor.
• Building C is a -25°C temperature-controlled warehouse, seamlessly linked to existing cold storage facilities for finished goods.

Structure and Materials All buildings employ prefabricated steel portal frames, fabricated locally for an agile construction process and flexible envelope design. Material choices respond to functional needs:

• Building A uses hollow core precast concrete slabs with polished ribbed textures, enhancing insulation and aesthetic appeal.
• Building B is wrapped in metal siding, enabling adaptability for future programmatic changes.
• Building C features fully enclosed Isowall sandwich panels to maintain optimal cold storage conditions, free from punctures or condensation issues.

Sustainable and User-Centered Design The Buono Factory emphasizes staff comfort through thoughtful design:

• Furniture and service areas, including cafeteria tables, recycling stations, and cleaning zones, are designed to enhance workflow and maintain visual cohesion.
• The "I"-shaped layout creates garden paths around the reservoir, providing a natural, serene environment.
• Textured glass shutters maximize natural light while improving airflow, reducing electricity consumption.
• Steel wire nets protect interiors from birds without obstructing airflow or visibility, while kitchens and bathrooms are strategically placed to shield from afternoon heat.

Impact and Experience This project goes beyond functionality: it fosters a healthy and positive workplace, blending industrial efficiency with environmental and human-centric design. Buono Factory exemplifies how modern industrial architecture, thoughtful material selection, and biophilic design principles can create a thriving, sustainable workspace.

All Photographs are works of DOF Sky|Ground