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INTERVIEW
Renowned designer-architect Bill Bensley, known for embracing challenges, has crafted a unique train-themed design for his latest endeavour, InterContinental Khao Yai Resort. Inspired by the region’s historic role in Northeast Thailand's railway legacy under King Rama V, the resort features everything from a vintage ticket counter and stationmaster bell to railway relics like vintage trunks and antique tickets, and the accommodations which are built from restored carriages. We sat down with the visionary designer to delve deeper into his design process and uncover the intriguing Easter eggs hidden within the property.
All images provided by Dynamic PR/IHG Khao Yai Resort.
Could you share any anecdotes or memorable moments from the design process of the InterContinental Khao Yai Resort that particularly stand out to you?
We located 13 defunct and dilapidated old Royal Thai railway carriages from around Thailand. Having them transported and craned into the site was an epic adventure in itself. Seeing them transformed from rusty wrecks into luxury accommodations was a thrill in itself.
As a designer, you often infuse your projects with elements of surprise and delight. Can you describe any hidden details or Easter eggs incorporated into the resort's design that guests might not notice at first glance?
We love to infuse a project with small details for guests to stumble across. In the case of IHG Khao Yai Resort, there are hidden messages written in unexpected places like on the edge of benches or on the wall in the restroom that relate to train travel - messages like:
Don't stand in the lake – danger of drowning likely
Please take your memories with you when departing
Use brains near trains
Stop! This is the end of the line
Mind the gap!
Danger – longer stays may result in not wanting to leave
Caution – gap between fantasy and reality
Do not stick your head out the window when the train is moving
The train will not stop at the next station
Our trains always depart on time – as for passengers, we cannot always say the same
Feel free to wave as we pass the station but keep body parts inside the trains
The concept of upcycling train carriages into luxury suites is incredibly innovative. Were there any unexpected challenges or surprising discoveries that arose during the renovation process of these carriages?
Converting a railway carriage presents real challenges when it comes to space planning. They're narrow and long and we had to find ways to accommodate living space and bathrooms as well as wardrobes and dressing space. I believe we managed it very successfully.
READ: 5 Incredible Things to Do in Khao Yai, From Granmonte Winery to the Elephant Conservation Center
The resort's design narrative revolves around the story of Somsak, the train conductor. If Somsak were to visit the resort today, how do you think he would react to seeing his story come to life in such a unique way?
Somsak would have a tear in his eye and feel right at home as he recalled the glorious days when he worked on the railway and manned the station at Pak Chong.
Collaboration with local artisans and craftsmen often plays a significant role in your projects. Can you highlight any partnerships or collaborations that were particularly meaningful or rewarding during the creation of the InterContinental Khao Yai Resort?
We worked with local furniture manufacturers to produce the furniture for the restaurants and one of the metal surfaces in the Terminus bar and Somying's Kitchen were manufactured by Underwood Art Factory, Phuket. Additionally, our designer and artist Aubrey Kurlansky created the artwork for the Poirot restaurant, the Tea Carriage and the Papillon Bar. My own artwork is used in some of the corridors and public areas. The bigger artwork pieces and mobiles were created by our studio in Bangkok.
In a parallel universe where the resort's suites are magically transformed into different modes of transportation (besides trains), such as planes, ships, or even hot air balloons, which mode of transportation would you want to stay in, and why?
I'd love to stay in an old wooden clipper. I love the smell of the sea salt on the deck, the sound of the wind in the sails and the sounds of seagulls calling. It would be fun to install a gentle rocking motion too to mimic the roll of the waves at night. Perfect for slipping into a deep sleep. We may have to supply sea sickness pills for some though.
The resort's design incorporates elements of train travel nostalgia. If you could time-travel back to any iconic train journey in history, which one would you choose to experience firsthand?
I'd love to time travel back to the original Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, as it would be an exciting journey, especially in the company of Agatha Christie. Last year, I went on the train to all five Stans on the Five Stans Express. Starting in the grand Ashgabat of Turkmenistan, exploring Samarkand in Uzbekistan, then to Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan – it was a mind-blowing and eye-opening experience traversing deserts, plains and very different cultures.
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