Thematic Pavilion

A Creative Collaboration Space Between Designers x Building Material Brands

One of the major highlights of Architect’26 that attracted significant attention this year was the “Thematic Pavilion” — an experimental platform that opened opportunities for building material brands and design firms to reinterpret “materials” through experiential architecture.

This year marked the first time Architect Expo featured as many as eight Thematic Pavilions, the highest number ever presented at the exhibition. Each pavilion conveyed different concepts ranging from sustainability, future materials, craftsmanship, and technology to immersive spaces that invited visitors to experience, perceive, touch, and live alongside materials in entirely new dimensions.

With outstanding creativity, functionality, presentation methods, and sustainability approaches, two awards were presented to this year’s Thematic Pavilions:

• “Designer Choice” — judged by a panel of architectural professionals

• “Thematic Pavilion of the Year” — the Popular Vote award selected by exhibition visitors

The Designer Choice Award 2026 was awarded to “The Delta Stack Pavilion” by SCG x SaTa Na Architect

The pavilion transformed SCG roofing and wall-ceiling materials into stacked triangular structures, creating a space where visitors could closely interact with the materials through walking, sitting, reclining, and real spatial engagement. Reflecting the concept “Beyond Material into Life,” the pavilion demonstrated how materials can become more than architectural components — evolving into part of the living experience itself.

The Thematic Pavilion of the Year Award, selected through public voting, went to “TODA ARK” by TODA x Supermachine studio

The pavilion interpreted the concept of future synthetic materials through vessel-like futuristic architecture, taking visitors on a journey through imagination, materiality, and questions surrounding the future of design — becoming one of the exhibition’s most memorable installations.

Beyond the two award-winning projects, all eight Thematic Pavilions showcased unique identities and storytelling approaches, collectively reflecting new possibilities for building materials through the lens of contemporary design.

1.       Watsadu niyom x HAA STUDIO

“The Tenth Light” A pavilion composed of over 2,750 APC and ASA material pieces woven together into an organic architectural form resembling waves of aurora light. The installation expressed the fluidity of light and shadow while transforming perceptions of wood-alternative materials into something more alive and dynamic.

2.       VANACHAI GROUP x STUDIO TOFU

A pavilion that gradually elevated wooden flooring materials from the ground plane up toward the walls, forming a large-scale wooden amphitheater over six meters high. Developed around the concept of “friendliness,” the space encouraged people to gather, rest, and interact together.

3.       TODĀ x Supermachine studio

“TODA ARK” A pavilion inspired by the concept “Artificiality is the New Reality,” interpreting future architecture through synthetic materials and transforming them into a spatial experience that felt futuristic, unconventional, and thought-provoking toward the future of materials in design.

4.       Panel Plus x ACa Architects

“LIMITLESS” Also known as the “Borderless Rubber Forest,” this pavilion utilized Super E-Zero Perfect Wood panels to create a six-meter modular tower combined with reflective materials and cut-to-design melamine panels. The result was a seemingly continuous, boundaryless spatial experience while reflecting the story of sustainability from forest cultivation to wood material standards.

5.       Häfele x Jenchieh Hung + Kulthida Songkittipakdee / HAS design and research

“ASA Megä Hill” A hill-shaped pavilion that allowed visitors to explore from every direction. Inside, Häfele’s hardware products and living systems were presented through a modular structure designed for dismantling and reuse, reflecting ideas of sustainability and future-oriented design.

6.       SCG x SaTa Na Architect

“The Delta Stack Pavilion” A pavilion created from stacked triangular modules using SCG roofing and wall-ceiling materials, evoking cave-like or primitive dwelling structures. The installation invited visitors to engage with materials through real-life spatial experiences across multiple dimensions.

7.       BRT INTERTECH x Context Studio

“Pranasathan” A contemplative space designed to encourage stillness and mindfulness through curved tunnel- and dome-like architecture. Constructed from over 1,625 SPC material pieces, the pavilion invited visitors to slowly walk, observe, breathe, and reconnect with themselves within a contemporary spiritual atmosphere.

8.       aluframe x Unknown Surface Studio

“UNFOLD” A pavilion created from discontinued aluminum scraps and recyclable factory materials, shaped into a fan-like structure unfolding outward. The installation revealed the beauty of various aluminum cross-sections while reflecting ideas of extending material life cycles and creative reuse.

Palette of Materials Pavilion

The New Destination for Material and Inspiration