During the research phase of the project that was to become Rachamankha Mr. Ong-ard Satrabhandu, the architect, visited and studied many old Lanna temples; his intention being to revisit and revive the old architectural forms of the region. On one such visit he came across a temple undergoing rebuilding, the old wiharn was marked up for demolition. Immediately recognizing the importance and rarity of the structure he bought the entire building.
It became the central sala, or pavilion, a quiet and atmospheric space which acts as a private lounge for the hotel’s guests. The structure was rebuilt in the original way: all of the timber, columns and even the rich, red finish is original. Ironically, since the completion of Rachamankha there has been a Lanna revival with many local temples being restored to their original Lanna forms: the sala has been studied many times by artisans who have been engaged in temple restoration.
