Named FRAME Awards 2024's Entertainment Venue of the Year, Tree O'clock Villa Qabalah is a co-created, mixed-use community space designed by Studio Locomotive in response to the increasing urbanization of Phuket, Thailand.

Tree O'Clock Villa Qabalah by Studio Locomotive reflects the designer's commitment as a Phuket local to co-creating community spaces amid the area’s rapid urban sprawl. The 1,380-sq-m mixed-use building in Phuket’s Thalang district focuses on aspects such as restoring vegetation and space-sharing. Versatile architecture supports the building’s diverse uses, such as dining, cultural events and wellness activities, enhancing the community’s ability to adapt.

Jury member Arthur Guimarães, CEO of his namesake architecture firm, commended the designers for their ‘smart use of geometries’. ‘I loved the transitions between the different levels and the integration with nature and the surrounding context. Additionally, the openings, fills and voids provide ample natural light, reflecting a well-considered design solution.’ Pooja Shah-Mulani, partner and design director at LW Design Group, also praised the architectural expression and spatial arrangement while highlighting the ‘versatile and cosy furniture groups’. Overall, she said, it’s a ‘well-balanced design’.