Muddsakon: Source of Happiness by Kernel Design

Souce of Happiness

The name “Muddsakon” comes from two Thai words:
“Mudd” means to tie, gather, or connect.
“Sakon” comes from Sakon Nakhon, a province in Northeast Thailand.

Muddsakon is more than just a café. It’s a community space that brings together the best of Sakon Nakhon: local produce, traditional crafts, local wisdom, and the hearts of local people. It connects the beginning (the source) to the end (the consumer) in a sustainable way, using local materials to truly represent the identity of this region.
Muddsakon sits on the edge of Nong Han Lake, one of the most important wetlands in northeastern Thailand. Spanning over 123.2 square kilometers, this vast freshwater ecosystem is a vital breeding ground for numerous species of fish and waterfowl.

This rich natural setting inspired a design concept that moves beyond traditional landscape architecture. Instead, it focuses on “placemaking”, Creating a space that embodies the authentic spirit of the local community. Here, nature and the locals’ way of life are not simply decorative elements, but central to the site’s identity and experience.

Twenty years ago, the site was entirely a large reservoir covering all 25 rai (approximately 10 acres). Over time, portions of the land were gradually converted for agricultural use, and the original reservoir was divided into two. In 2021, the transformation began, giving rise to Muddsakon Café, marking the beginning of the area’s evolution into a creative community space.

Driven by a clear vision, the project’s founder aimed to develop the site into a community hub, where local culture and ecology meet. The development divided into two phases, with Phase 1 now completed, marking the first step in bringing this long-term vision to life.

The design process began with the development of the master plan, zoning layout, and a careful survey of existing trees. A key starting point was the preservation of four rain trees (Samanea saman), each over 50 years old. As a result, the site’s layout was shaped to accommodate these existing trees. The main entrance was positioned between two existing rain trees creating a natural tree canopy archway. Complementing this, the gate of Muddsakon was crafted from reclaimed wooden door frames, reassembled into a unique and meaningful entrance feature. Anyone driving along Chalerm Phra Kiat Road in Mueang District, Sakon Nakhon, can clearly see these majestic rain trees standing in a graceful row, forming what feels like a natural gate, opening its arms to warmly welcome every visitor into Muddsakon.

Beyond the row of rain trees stands a metal mesh fence that intentionally maintains visual openness instead of a solid wall, allowing glimpses into the site while supporting the growth of Rang Chuet (Thunbergia laurifolia) and Inthanin creepers (Queen’s wreath) that gracefully cascade along the fence line. This design approach reflects the project’s welcoming and inclusive spirit as if inviting visitors in with the warmth of arriving at a relative’s home in the countryside designed to harmonize with the surrounding ecosystem, reflecting the simple, grounded way of life of the Isaan region.

Upon entering the site, visitors are greeted by edible garden beds bordered with gently curved wood. These beds are filled with homegrown Thai herbs such as holy basil, Cha-plu (wild betel), Andrographis, and Thai basil, creating an immediate connection to local wisdom and everyday life. A meandering, organically shaped gravel pathway guides visitors through the garden, designed to feel soft and natural. Along the path, Yangna trees (Dipterocarpus alatus) are strategically planted to provide shade without fully blocking sunlight. The surrounding garden consists of native plants of various sizes and species, both shrubs and ground covers, and colorful flowers such as Blue Hawaii (Otacanthus caeruleus), The White Shrimp Plant (Justicia betonica), Miniature Umbrella Plant (Schefflera arboricola), and Dwarf Tree Jasmine (Millingtonia), which bloom beautifully and have medicinal uses. This inviting walkway eventually leads to the café, which sits at the heart of the site, envisioned as a communal gathering point and a place for exchange, connection, and shared stories within the local community.

Next to the café, there is a reservoir, which not only provides a serene space to relax and enjoy the view but also serves as a functional role in agriculture and is home to various species of fish and wildlife. The reservoir covers an area of 7,000 square meters, with a capacity of approximately 10,000 cubic meters of water, which is used during the dry season to conserve water for agriculture and garden maintenance. In addition, the design incorporates a self-sustaining ecosystem, mimicking the natural environment with low-maintenance plants that are well-suited to the site’s conditions. The diverse vegetation adds to the natural beauty, telling its own story. Notably, Thalia dealbata, Egyptian papyrus, and Heliconia bihai line the reservoir’s edge, stabilizing the banks and improving the water quality, gently swaying in the breeze, further enhancing the tranquil atmosphere.

On the other side of the site, another pair of existing rain trees stands tall, a grassy open space acts as a multipurpose space for the local community, local farmers, and artisans gather and exchange goods and knowledge, and host events all year round under the shade of the rain trees. Indigo-dyed fabric and woven baskets from Nakhon Phanom (a province along the Mekong River in northeastern Thailand), hung from the trees. Clay pots from Dan Khwian (a village in Nakhon Ratchasima province known for traditional pottery) were placed around the area, bringing together materials and crafts from various provinces in northeastern Thailand. Enhancing the concept of Muddsakon, tieing and connecting Isaan culture together in this space.

In addition to the cultural space for the local community, the growth and learning of children are vital to a creative community. A natural playground is designed for children to explore and experience being connected with the earth. Natural grass hill with a slide and natural wooden logs which children can have fun and feel the textures of the natural ground beneath their hands and feet are provided. Bringing the new generation closer to nature.

Next to the reservoir is Muddsakon’s agricultural zone, which includes 8 greenhouses for growing organic vegetables used in Muddsakon’s café such as butterhead lettuce, kale, spinach, and celery. This area also houses a nursery for plants used in the café’s rotational seasonal flower beds, which change seasonally such as marigold (Tagetes erecta), periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus), sunflower (Helianthus annuus), and allamanda (Allamanda cathartica marigold (Tagetes erecta), periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus), sunflower (Helianthus annuus), and allamanda (Allamanda cathartica). This agricultural area is carefully planned, ensuring a functional space that supports both sustainability and community engagement.

In the evenings, during harvest season, Muddsakon transforms into a gathering space for farmers, local artisans, and community members, where they can come together to share knowledge and celebrate in events such as local farmers’ markets, creative community gatherings, and cultural performances from the Isaan region.

Muddsakon is not just a café; it is a “Source of Happiness”, weaving the beauty of nature, local knowledge, and the way of life in the Sakon Nakhon basin into a space that is both warm, vibrant, and sustainable.

• All architecture offices involved in the design:
Architect agency: Cloud-floor

• Other credits you need or wish to write:
Landscape Contractor agency: Arna Landscape
Photography: Panoramic Studio

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