A bamboo structure in harmony with nature designed 

Located in the natural surroundings of suburban Chiang Mai, Thailand, the Zabb e Lee Cooking School welcomes visitors from around the world to learn the art of authentic Thai cuisine. To complement the school’s distinctive atmosphere, Chiangmai Life Architects, known for their organic and sustainable approach, were commissioned to design and construct a bamboo teaching pavilion using locally sourced materials. The result is a striking, functional, and highly photogenic space that has resonated strongly with guests.

The Bull @ Zabb e Lee by CLA
Photo credit: Alberto Cosi

The third bamboo pavilion, titled "The Bull," was built in a narrow area between a large tree and a small pond. Faced with limited space, the architects created a U-shaped layout that accommodates ten food preparation stations, ten cooking stations, and a large communal dining table. The front of the structure is visible from anywhere on the property, while the back opens onto scenic views of a rice field.

The Bull @ Zabb e Lee by CLA
Photo credit: Alberto Cosi

The Bull @ Zabb e Lee by CLA
Photo credit: Alberto Cosi

The Bull @ Zabb e Lee by CLA
Photo credit: Alberto Cosi

The Bull @ Zabb e Lee by CLA
Photo credit: Alberto Cosi

The Bull @ Zabb e Lee by CLA
Photo credit: Alberto Cosi

With creativity as the guiding force, the architects conceived a dynamic form reminiscent of a bull’s head, complete with upward-pointing horns. These horns form welcoming entrances that lead into three dome-like areas, each serving a distinct function—preparation, cooking, and dining. The dome structures are formed from interlacing arches of bundled bamboo, creating interior spaces that feel larger and more expansive than the exterior shape suggests.

The Bull @ Zabb e Lee by CLA
Photo credit: Alberto Cosi

The Bull @ Zabb e Lee by CLA
Photo credit: Alberto Cosi

The Bull @ Zabb e Lee by CLA
Photo credit: Alberto Cosi

The Bull @ Zabb e Lee by CLA
Photo credit: Alberto Cosi

The Bull @ Zabb e Lee by CLA
Photo credit: Alberto Cosi

The Bull @ Zabb e Lee by CLA
Photo credit: Alberto Cosi

The natural tones and flowing lines of the bamboo lend a warm and harmonious atmosphere, further enhanced by carefully placed lighting during the evening. As bamboo absorbs carbon dioxide during growth, the structure maintains a zero or even negative carbon footprint, making it an environmentally responsible choice.

The Bull @ Zabb e Lee by CLA
Photo credit: Markus Roselieb

The Bull @ Zabb e Lee by CLA
Photo credit: Markus Roselieb

The Bull @ Zabb e Lee by CLA
Photo credit: Markus Roselieb

The Bull @ Zabb e Lee by CLA
Photo credit: Markus Roselieb

About Chiangmai Life Architects

Chiangmai Life Architects is an architecture studio grounded in three core principles: Functionality, Sustainability, and Smiles. By fusing modern structural science with natural materials such as bamboo and earth, CLA creates organic, bioclimatic spaces that are both practical and emotionally engaging. Their work seeks to establish a warm connection between people and nature, resulting in architecture that not only performs well but also brings joy to those who experience it.