GO-HONG : DOG CAFE PHASE II

Expanding a Dog Café Through Smart Design & Practical Creativity

Category : F&B

Design by : Collective Studio

Constructed by : Horniwork Production Specialist

Location : Bangkok

Size : 100 Sqm.

Completed : 2018

Photo Credit : Chatnarin Pramnapan

Following our Dog Café design project from the previous year, we continued staying in touch with the owner after the restaurant officially opened.

The business was performing well, but there was one recurring issue:

The café had become too small.

Customers often traveled long distances only to find there were no available seats left, which became both unfortunate for guests and limiting for the business itself.

Then came the perfect opportunity.

When the property owner decided to lease out the vacant space behind the existing café, the client immediately contacted us to discuss expanding the restaurant without hesitation.

Of course, there was one important condition:

The budget remained limited.

ใครที่อ่านถึงจุดนี้แล้วอยากทราบความเป็นมาก่อนหน้านี้

ย้อนกลับไปอ่านได้ที่นี่ https://www.collectivestudio.biz/collective-studio/go-hong-dog-cafe

Understanding the Existing Space

After surveying the site, we found that the newly available area was a long, open rectangular space connected to the back of the original café.

The planning process therefore focused heavily on improving circulation and operational efficiency.

We redesigned the customer entrance by relocating it to the side center of the restaurant, creating easier access and better movement throughout the expanded space.

The layout was then divided into two primary zones, while a separate service entrance was added to improve staff operations without interfering with customer circulation.

The dining area was designed as a natural continuation of the original café, while a small garden zone was introduced before reaching the kitchen area located at the rear of the building.

The renovation also expanded the restroom facilities into two separate rooms to better accommodate the growing number of visitors.

Designing Around an Existing Tree

One of the most interesting challenges came from a large existing tree located behind the original structure.

Rather than removing it, we wanted the tree to become part of the architectural identity of the extension itself.

The solution was to create an open and airy space centered around the tree, allowing it to remain visually and physically integrated within the new dining area.

A translucent roof structure was designed so the tree could continue growing upward through the architecture while allowing natural daylight to filter into the space throughout the day.

This approach helped create a bright and spacious atmosphere while reducing the sense of enclosure often found in narrow extensions.

Materials & Atmosphere

The project intentionally used simple and affordable materials to remain within budget.

However, rather than relying on expensive finishes, we introduced personality through:

• Graphic elements

• Small decorative details

• Lighting atmosphere

• Spatial openness

  
  

These subtle interventions helped the new extension feel connected to the original café while still introducing a refreshed atmosphere of its own.

And during the evening hours, the café transforms into an entirely different mood altogether.

More Than Just a Café

The expanded café now offers a wider variety of food and beverages than before—including coffee, full meals, and even cold beers for evening visitors.

In today’s fast-moving business environment, once a business begins growing, it naturally needs to continue evolving.

Whether through opening new branches or expanding existing locations, growth depends greatly on how well the foundation was designed from the beginning.

This expansion of the Go Hong Dog Café may not appear as dramatic or visually striking as the original opening project.

But when working within realistic business limitations and investment budgets, good design must also consider practicality, long-term value, and sustainable operation.

Because sometimes, the most successful design is not the loudest one—

but the one that allows the business to continue growing toward its next opportunity.

---

The Collective Studio Co., Ltd.

Architectural & Interior Design

www.ctstu.com

Tel. 094 442 4652

Email: collectivetalk@gmail.com