PAUSE RESORT

Entering the Illusion World

Category : Hospitality Design by : The Collective Studio Location : Chonburi ,Thailand

A Small Resort, Reimagined as an Experiential Escape

In the middle of everyday chaos—where life constantly drains our energy—a short getaway becomes more than just a trip.

It becomes a moment to pause.

Located on Koh Larn, Pause Resort began as a small, laid-back retreat with only 8 rooms—defined by its raw concrete, geometric character, and chill atmosphere.

As the owner sought to expand the number of rooms and elevate the experience, The Collective Studio was invited to rethink the project.

First Impressions: The Power of Atmosphere

Despite the crowds of tourists traveling from nearby Pattaya, the moment we arrived, everything slowed down. The atmosphere felt calm. Quiet. Almost disconnected from reality.

That feeling became the starting point.

Concept: “Pause in the Illusion World”

We asked ourselves:

What if this place could make people feel…lost, disoriented, detached—from their everyday life?

Inspired by the surreal works of M.C.Escher, the concept evolved into:

“Pause in the Illusion World”

A place where:

• Space feels unfamiliar

• Movement becomes playful

• Reality is slightly distorted

  
  

A world where guests can truly pause—before returning to play in real life again.

Master Planning Strategy

The site was reorganized to improve both experience and operation:

• Guest rooms and bar areas are clearly separated
  

• Rooms are grouped into clusters for easier management
  

• Each room has a unique identity within a unified system

  
  

Circulation is intentionally designed to feel:

• Non-linear
  

• Layered
  

• Slightly confusing—in a fun, exploratory way

Arrival & Public Space

• Entrance designed for motorbike parking
  

• A tower structure at the bar acts as a landmark and branding element
  

• Activity courtyard for BBQs and social gatherings
  

The reception area is repositioned near existing utilities to optimize budget and efficiency.

Front Elevation

Side Elevation

Spatial Experience | Journey Through Illusion

The resort is connected by interwoven pathways:

• Multiple routes
  

• Unexpected turns
  

• Changing perspectives

  
  

Along the way, guests encounter:

• Hammock nets
  

• Slides
  

• Rope play elements
  

• Photo-friendly corners throughout

  
  

Each space is designed to encourage exploration and interaction.

Guest Room Design

Rooms are based on the original layout:

• Central open-air void
  

• Separated bedroom and bathroom zones

  
  

But refined to:

• Improve weather protection
  

• Enhance maintenance efficiency
  

• Support increased room capacity

The design language plays with geometry and material inversion:

• Floors become walls
  

• Walls become ceilings
  

• Elements are intentionally misplaced

Creating a subtle sense of disorientation—like stepping into another dimension.

Interior & Bathroom Design

Interior elements are deliberately reassembled:

• Materials, lighting, doors, and windows are rearranged in unexpected ways
  

Bathrooms maintain the original “Pause identity”:

• Ventilation blocks create openness and airflow
  

• Semi-transparent layering of space
  

• Easy-to-maintain materials

Design Under Constraints

Working within a limited budget, the project demonstrates how:

Strong ideas + clear design strategy = powerful results

Driven by the energy of the team, the concept was pushed to its fullest potential—transforming limitations into creativity.