Khon Kaen University Students Triumph in National Nature Trail Design Competition

The Faculty of Architecture at Khon Kaen University proudly congratulates Nalinee Janthanak and Cholasit Phuttisakun, representatives of the Bai Bua Chaek team, for winning the 2nd runner-up prize in the nature trail design competition for the newly unveiled route at Phrommalok Waterfall National Park, Nakhon Si Thammarat province. The competition was organized by the Thai Rak Pa Foundation in collaboration with the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.

Throughout the competition, the Bai Bua Chaek team successfully advanced to the final round as one of the top three teams. The members conducted on-site surveys and data collection at Phrommalok Waterfall National Park before refining their designs and presenting their work during the evaluation round held at the EGCO building in Bangkok on June 8, 2026.

Design Concept: Designing for the Earth, Relying on Local Wisdom, Fostering Sustainability

The hallmark of the Bai Bua Chaek team’s project, which earned widespread recognition, is their commitment to the philosophy of “Designing for the Earth, relying on local wisdom, and fostering sustainability.” The project prioritizes minimizing environmental impact while ensuring convenience and safety for park visitors.

• Sustainable Material Sourcing: The team selected natural materials found locally, such as hardwood and stone, sourcing them from within a 100-kilometer radius of the construction site to reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation.
• Local Craftsmanship: The design incorporates traditional woodworking techniques favored by local artisans, specifically adapted to withstand the high humidity characteristic of southern forests.
• Knock-down Structure: The team opted for a modular (knock-down) structural design. This approach facilitates easy transport and assembly, allowing local craftsmen to construct the components without the need for complex, heavy-duty machinery.

The design also emphasizes the use of timber from managed forests, showcasing a clear stand on material sustainability and demonstrating the impressive potential of hardwood in contemporary construction. This achievement is a significant source of pride for the Faculty of Architecture at Khon Kaen University, reaffirming the capability of students to seamlessly integrate architectural design knowledge with environmental conservation and local community wisdom—a vital foundation for the future of sustainable architecture.