“Aqua Orchidia was my very first project at Krithya Studio—filled with boundless energy, fresh ideas, and a heart full of expectations.”

Overview

The project was essentially a glass-enclosed gazebo designed to hang orchid plants, with an underground aquarium below. To begin, I dove into extensive research—exploring the design of aquariums, gazebo structures, and most importantly, the natural habitat and care of orchids, as the client's vision centered on creating a serene, enclosed botanical experience.

From the beginning, Aqua Orchidia wasn’t just about form and function—it was about emotion, experience, and detail. This project challenged me to think beyond visual aesthetics and really dive into the sensory qualities of space—how it feels, sounds, and breathes.

Designing for two living systems—orchids and aquatic life—taught me the importance of synchronizing natural and artificial systems. The mist, the bamboo fountain, the drains, and even the glass slab weren't just technical elements, they were part of a larger atmosphere I wanted to create—a calm, almost meditative environment that invites people to pause and connect.

I realized that architecture isn’t just about building something impressive. It’s about curating experiences and being sensitive to the elements you're working with—especially when you're designing with nature as both client and collaborator.

The Design

At the heart of the design lies a glass-enclosed gazebo elevated by a unique feature—an underground aquarium visible through a transparent glass slab integrated into the seating area. This allows visitors to sit, relax, and gaze down into the aquatic world below, creating an immersive connection with nature.

Above, a fountain gently cascades water through vertically positioned bamboo pipes anchored to sleek metal posts. The sound of water trickling through the bamboo enriches the serene ambiance, enhancing the sensory experience of the space.

Within the gazebo, orchids hang gracefully, suspended like living art. Their delicate care is supported by a mist system that runs throughout the structure, releasing a fine spray every 15 minutes to maintain the perfect humidity and temperature levels.

To ensure the environment remains balanced, discreet drainage points have been carefully placed throughout the space, allowing for efficient water flow and preventing any buildup. The interplay of mist, glass, water, and greenery comes together to form a space that is not only visually stunning but also refreshingly peaceful—a harmonious blend of architecture and nature.

After several rounds of discussion with the client regarding the placement of the dining and seating area, we ultimately settled on a central layout featuring a dining space atop a full glass floor—providing uninterrupted views of the vibrant aquatic life below. Guided by extensive research, collected references, and carefully curated resources, I shaped Aqua Orchidia into a thoughtful design that brought together function, beauty, and a deep connection to nature.