The Isan people (Thai Northeast people) of Thailand have been living in harmony with forests, mountains and rivers for a long period of time. Their lives and nature are intertwined and inseparable. Nature has the source of life, cultures and beliefs for these people, even though, during the Cold War, the Northeast people were used as political manipulative tools by politicians and defamed as uncivilized and barbaric.

Varee (River) Valley Restaurant was built on the base of the original restaurant cabin, in the middle of the exuberant forest, on the riverside of the Northeast. The main idea of the design was to build a connection between humans and nature to create activities, foods, traditions and beliefs of the Northeast people from the past to the present. 

This architecture was designed as a simple box on the base of the original building in the middle of the forest. The transparent materials were used to refect the shape of trees and the surrounding nature in ever-changing times. 

The white structure was meant to create a light feeling, permeating itself into the woods. The small cross-section iron pillars that support the rooftop were to be compared with trees that were standing tall in the forest. The spiral staircase was meant to slowly bring people to the top for the appreciation of the surrounding view. 

The main round pillar was not only used as a main support of the building, but also used as a rainwater drainage into the middle of the building. This pillar was designed to have a lower height than the wall around so that high surrounding walls can create an opening for  a wider view. The skylight aperture was open to let the light into the center of the building.The main center pillar was also to be compared with the main pin of the area, which is the same way the Isan people used the trunks of large trees as a meeting point for space creation, where the shades of large trees created activities, traditions and beliefs.

This restaurant not only serves as a place for food but also as a place for activities, which create cultures and lifestyles for the Isan people from now on and into the future.