Bangkok’s vibrant culinary scene welcomes a fresh slice of design innovation with PI SHOP, a new pizza restaurant nestled within the 72 Courtyard gastronomy hub. Spearheaded by the creative forces at Berlin-based Affin Design – specifically principals Bettina Böhm and Teerapat Amnueypornsakul (Win) – the project transforms a former space into a casual, yet distinctly characterful destination for pizza and signature ice slushy drinks, operated by the team behind the esteemed Chenin Winebar on Sukhumvit 31.
Embracing principles of adaptive reuse, Affin Design extended the perimeter of the existing unit and revitalized its facade. They clad the exterior in a modern interpretation of typical local corrugated aluminium, a nod to Bangkok’s vernacular architecture. Cleverly integrated sliding glass panels allow the corner of the restaurant to fully open, effectively dissolving the boundary between the interior and the lively 72 Courtyard, inviting the city’s energy in.
Inside, the studio prioritized both efficiency and atmosphere. Existing kitchen appliances and grilling/frying stations were retained, given a new lease on life with crisp white plaster counters topped with stainless steel. The undisputed heart of the space is claimed by the rounded domes of two plastered pizza ovens, positioned centrally to emphasize the theatre of pizza-making. Against a backdrop of understated design, vibrant elements pop: a high-gloss epoxy floor reflects light, while ‘passata – red’ upholstery injects a cheerful burst of colour, directly referencing the restaurant’s core offering.
Furniture plays a key role in linking PI SHOP to its sibling venue, the Chenin Winebar. Bespoke chairs and tables crafted from sustainable local Takian and Rubber plywood, originally developed for the wine bar, make a stylish re-appearance here. This not only ensures visual continuity across the operator’s brands but also reinforces the use of local materials. Adding an unexpected industrial touch and functional artistry, industrial cable trays have been ingeniously repurposed to form unique light features, casting a warm glow over the dining area.
The result is a 120m² space that masterfully blends industrial pragmatism with playful accents and thoughtful materiality. Completed in later last year, PI SHOP offers lunch and dinner service within a setting that feels both contemporary and comfortably grounded in its Bangkok context, proving that casual dining can be elevated through intelligent, responsive architecture and interior design.