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T House:  A Stylish Home in Cha-Am at the Cutting Edge of Modern Design

T House: A Stylish Home in Cha-Am at the Cutting Edge of Modern Design

/ Phetchaburi, Thailand /

/ Story: skiixy / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Soopakorn Srisakul / Styling: Prapaiwadee /

Searching out the best places to get inspired? Here’s a modern home with a smart, edgy ambience in Cha-Am, a seaside district in the southern part of Petchaburi. Once a quaint little town, the area is renowned for its beautiful beaches and charming fishing villages-turned-getaway destinations only a short drive from Bangkok.

modern house cha-am

Avant-garde in every aspect, the house is spacious and comfortable, thanks to an open-concept floor plan that’s airy and practical in a special way.

The common area where everyone enjoys the good times together as family is a roomy dining space with double height ceilings. The dining table is at the center of the home, and it can easily change when more space is needed.

There are chairs on one side of the table and a handcrafted bench on the other that can disappear underneath, turning it into a spacious countertop capable of many functions.

modern house cha-am

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The downstairs room also has smart folding partitions that separate bedrooms at the rear of the building from everything else. When fully open, all the living areas merge into one open-concept social space for the whole family.

modern house cha-am

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modern house cha-am

Designed with the sun and wind in mind, the front façade is glazed using clear glass to take in panoramic sea views.

For indoor thermal comfort, the bedrooms and sitting area on the upper floor are positioned in the coolest part of the home that blocks the direct light from the sun all day. Where necessary, double layer window treatments are installed to create a subdued color and light in the interior.

modern house cha-am

Seen from a distance, the cube-shaped home boasts a captivating contemporary appeal. Its simply amazing façades of engineered wood in light color rises amid green fields with trees and bushes under a blue sky. All told, it’s a home that’s handsome on the outside and cozy on the inside, a welcome contrast to what we’re seeing around the charming small town of Cha-Am.

modern house cha-am


Owner: Paul Sripongpao

Architect: IDIN Architects (www.idin-architects.com)


Visit the original Thai article…

T HOUSE บ้านวิวสวนและทะเลชะอำ ที่ห้องนอนทุกห้องเปิดหน้าต่างมาเจอกันได้ทุกเวลา


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A Day Trip Through Charoen Krung

A Day Trip Through Charoen Krung

There is more to Charoen Krung than iconic landmarks. Keep walking and you will discover richer cultural heritage beyond the famous tourist attractions. A day trip through the historic riverfront neighborhood is one way to find out. Let the journey begin. 

/// Thailand ///

Story: Bundaree Deewong / Photo: Rithirong Chanthongsuk, Bundaree Deewong, Peerapol Taiyaithieng

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The historic neighborhood of Charoen Krung has attracted many tourists and locals looking for a glimpse of old-world Bangkok. Originally called New Road, the avenue and namesake pretty much follows the path of the Chao Phraya River. Rich in historical and cultural heritage, it’s a chic place to chill out if you have time on your hands.

The area is gradually transforming into a “creative district,” thanks to active collaboration between the Thailand Creative and Design Center (TCDC) and Thai Health, a wellness promotion organization. The initiative is aimed at promoting healthy behaviors for a better lifestyle and eventually mature to become a torchbearer for other districts to follow. Designed by Shma Soen, the project master plan recently won a highly commended award at the World Architecture Festival 2016 in Berlin.

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Living ASEAN invites you on a journey for pleasure to discover beautiful places and come back the same day. Let’s get started at:

09.00: The journey begins on the hour at Taksin Bridge BTS Station. The venue is chosen for the start because it is easy to get to. You can come here either by the Bangkok Transit System or by boat services on the Chao Phraya.

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On exiting the BTS station at Taksin Bridge or a nearby riverboat pier, take your time to admire Wall Art Exhibitions. Beautiful works by international artists have turned this neighborhood into a landmark ideal for photo shoots.

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The first attraction that you shouldn’t miss is Chiew Eng Buai, a beautiful Chinese shrine located a stone’s throw away from the BTS station at Taksin. The historic building was erected in memories of Chinese traders arriving by sailing ships but later killed due to a misunderstanding some 150 years ago. The Chinese architectural masterpiece is bedecked with beautifully patterned tiles, religious images, and dragon statuary. You are most welcome to drop in and pay respects.

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From the shrine, take a sidetrack next to the Shangri-La Hotel and you come to Charoen Krung Soi 50. The minor path is home to a Vintage Loft-style hostel named Glur Hotel Bangkok. It is popular among foreign tourists and backpackers looking for a decent place that won’t cost them an arm and a leg.

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From the hostel heading north, you are back on the main avenue of Charoen Krung. The famous Bang Rak Market is located between Choroen Krung Soi 46 and 42. It’s a slice of paradise for shoppers and great experience for people who love to eat. The main drag is lined with old row houses showcasing the architectural style of old-world Bangkok.

Ordinary Concrete House with Extraordinary Interior

Ordinary Concrete House with Extraordinary Interior

/ Chiang Mai, Thailand /

/ Story: Panchat Changchan / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Rittirong Tongjunsuk /

A drab and gray ordinary exterior belies a concrete house’s exciting interior rich in eclectic styles.

concrete house chiang mai

Inspired by simple living as a lifestyle choice, Krishnapong Meechunuk the homeowner can still recall leaving behind the chaos of the workplace and heading for the North of Thailand.

concrete house chiang mai

concrete house chiang mai

He puts in a dream home in Chiang Mai, where life begins again as farmer in a simple L-shaped house. Charcoal powder is added to the mix to create concrete wall textures in dark shades of gray. But that is not the only thing unique about this concrete house.

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concrete house chiang mai

Inside, each room showcases an original decorating style. The living room shows signs of a tilt toward vintage décor, among them a wall-mounted mirror in a French-style frame.

At the center an elegant marble coffee table stands in front of a red sofa with butterfly chair in matching hues. The set was bought from a Paris flea market. A kitty-corner from it stands a glass-front armory filled with souvenirs from theaters around the world. Black stage curtains at the entrance conjure up images of an opera house foyer.

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The modern workspace says a lot about the homeowner’s passion and a lifetime of journeys. The work desk is made from a section of an aircraft wing that comes coated in nickel. A set of silver color chests of drawers accentuate the cozy appeal of the room.

concrete house chiang mai

Close at hand, the reading room speaks to the industrial loft style. Bookshelf poles and brackets are made of water pipes adapted for different uses. The emphasis on repurposing is inspired by a clothing store in New York.

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concrete house chiang mai

“This is the first house that meets my expectations in every detail,” said the owner. “I did the decoration at my other houses in Bangkok too, but because they were move-in ready homes, design choices were limited.

“For this concrete house, I had the freedom to mix and match all the ingredients and styles myself. I’m very proud and very happy.”

concrete house chiang mai


Owner/Designer: Krishnapong Meechunuk


Visit the original Thai article…

บ้านปูน สีเทาเข้มท่ามกลางธรรมชาติบนเขา


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A Chiang Mai Country Home with Breathtaking Mountain Views

A Chiang Mai Country Home with Breathtaking Mountain Views

/ Chiang Mai, Thailand /

/ Story: Atta Otto / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Sungwan Phratep, Sitthisak Namkham /

Perched on top of a wooded hillside, a country home of outstanding vernacular beauty is a metamorphosis of purpose. The twisting and spiral road between Hang Dong and Samoeng districts winds among some of the most beautiful mountains and valleys of Chiang Mai. Understandably, the owner need look no further than this bucolic setting to build his dream home. His is a rustic mountain abode with delightful views of undulating countryside. It’s built of reclaimed timber from old rice granaries that have undergone incredible transformations.

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Built on an L-shaped house plan, it’s seen as quite a departure from the kind of homes typical of northern Thailand. It’s because the two grain storage buildings he purchased had been set that way, and a complete teardown was not an option.

So the homeowner had no choice but to focus on remodeling the existing structures instead. The result is a country home among the trees that retains much of old-world charm and an idyllic life of peace unique to the Region.

country house

country house

At the time of purchase, the old granaries were raised on piles to protect their precious cargo. There wasn’t enough headroom under them to begin with. So the buildings had to be elevated to a level suitable for human habitation and good living conditions.

There were a number of modifications to the buildings. First, they were lifted off their foundations, and then granite block footings had to be installed under the timber posts to give the entire structures a new lease on life. The expedient solution not only protects the house posts from humidity damage, but also creates plenty of room for living, dining, and food preparation in the open lower floor space.

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Timber house posts set upright on granite block footings create more headroom in the open lower floor space, plus no humidity issues.
Timber house posts set upright on granite block footings create more headroom in the open lower floor space, plus no humidity issues.

Building on uneven ground is a challenge even for experienced builders. Here, steeply-sloped terrain dictates that every step is neatly planned. For safety and convenience, a guest carport is built at lower elevation in the foothills, while the main garage lies halfway up the hilltop. Its roof doubles as a cozy terrace for relaxation.

The interior living space features teakwood paneling in dark hues that provides a welcome contrast to the lively color and feel of upholstered furniture. Elsewhere, home décor items and accessories strike the right balance that adds a rustic appeal to the house on the hill.

Without a doubt, the panoramic mountain view is breathtaking. It’s a perfectly secluded place to call home, a journey to get away from it all and appreciate the beautiful works of nature.

country house

country house


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From Unexciting Shophouse to Smart Home Office in HCMC

From Unexciting Shophouse to Smart Home Office in HCMC

/ Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam /

/ Story: Samutcha Viraporn / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Quang Dam /

Home offices are trendy nowadays. Given thoughtful planning, a dull shophouse can transform into a fashionable dwelling and place of business. The results are illustrated in this home office that looks to be one of the trendiest in Ho Chi Minh City.

home office in HCMC

The new design integrates a modern living space and a home office with a factory producing handcrafted leather goods. The house’s front façade is filled up with elaborate structural rod systems reminiscent of a giant labyrinth of beautiful needlework, albeit built of brick and steel.

It’s only recently that a homeowner couple acquired this downtown retail space and later decided to give it a complete makeover. “This house means everything to us because it’s the fruit of constant efforts to pursue our dreams,” said the young couple with an active lifestyle.

home office in HCMC

 

home office in HCMC

“For a product to be successful, say a handbag, it takes many processes involving fastidious needlework,” said the owners comparing their manufacturing job to that of the architect.

“Like meticulous craftsmen, the architect carefully puts together different parts to make a home, mixing old pieces with new ones, replacing unneeded features with practical strategies, and relying on well-thought-out plans to use every ingredient effectively, be it wood, brick, concrete, metal or even trees.”

 

home office in HCMC

home office in HCMC

In a way, this pretty much explains the elaborate structural rod systems that fill up the redesigned front façade. Elsewhere, parts of the walls and flooring deemed to be unnecessary were removed to make room for new ideas.

The remodeled front and rear facades showcase a multitude of steel cube frames welded together to look like a web of fine threads being “sewn” together to fill the void between two side walls.

The welded steel rod paneling is painted white and decorated with climbing plants thriving in full sun. Despite its slender appearance, the design is strong enough for home protection, at the same time creating a light and airy ambience for both indoors and outdoors.

home office in HCMC

Among other things, the old concrete stairway was removed to prevent the indoors from feeling stale and stifling. Then, a new set of airy stairs with no risers between the treads was put in place instead.

For a lightweight look, stair railings were crafted of steel rods painted white with wood treads in complementing shades. The uplifting design rendered the staircase looking as if it were hovering above the floor.

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In the kitchen and dining area, a long curvy counter stands in contrast to the stillness of rough brick texture on the wall. All in all, clever design has transformed an unexciting shophouse interior into a home office that looks to be one of the trendiest in Ho Chi Minh City.

home office in HCMC


Architect: Block Architects (www.blockarchitects.com.vn)


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What a Difference a Renovation Makes!

What a Difference a Renovation Makes!

/ Bangkok, Thailand /

/ Story: Supachart Boontang / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Rithirong Chanthongsuk, Soopakorn Srisakul, Nattawat Songsang /

Done right, a home renovation project can transform an outdated and tired-looking house that time clearly forgot into a modern residence without losing its old charm.

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This old house has stood in Bangkok for almost half a century. When it was time to leave their city condo to be with granny and grandpa, the owners at first wanted to do a complete teardown to make room for a new house. They later decided otherwise for good reason.

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Flashback: A tired looking old house façade before renovation, and [below] Shots of an interior stairway draw a comparison between past and present. / Photo courtesy of Pummaree Bawonwiwut and Prasert Chaisittiroekkul
house renovation

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Homeowners Prasert Chaisittiroekkul (left) and Pummaree Bawonwiwut relax in the comfort of home after renovation.

“The initial plan called for replacing the tired looking old house with a three-story modern home and swimming pool,” said homeowner Prasert Chaisittiroekkul.

“But after much thought, we decided to keep the existing structure intact and focused on renovation, reason being that everything about it had a story to tell. Handed down from generation to generation, the house was long overdue for a makeover.”

house renovation

The project started by taking out the beat-up wood façade on the upper floor and putting in a fresh new exterior wall crafted of black sheet metal with windows in complementing shades.

On the ground floor, the redesigned entrance received an elegant sliding door system with matching glass window panes that stood tall from floor to ceiling. For a light and airy entrance hall, the owners had a big chunk of the upper floor taken out, resulting in a spacious living room with double high ceilings.

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house renovation

The same open-concept design also applies to the kitchen, dining room and adjacent area, the homeowners’ favorite spot with cozy reading nook ideas. The combined spaces boast a big dining table that also doubles as workspace and meeting room.

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The redesigned interior speaks to an industrial loft style with a bit of vintage flair to it. Natural wood panels alternating with naked brick walls go hand in hand with pieces of rustic-style furniture. In the meantime, they present a welcome contrast to shiny floor tiles and kitchen countertops. It’s amazing how a home renovation done right can make all the difference.

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Owner: Pummaree Bawonwiwut and Prasert Chaisittiroekkul


Visit the Original Thai Version…

รีโนเวทบ้านไม้สองชั้น หน้าตาเปลี่ยนไป แต่ความทรงจำเหมือนเดิม


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Sustainable Living in a Tropical House

Sustainable Living in a Tropical House

/ Samut Prakan, Thailand /

/ Story: Ajchara Jeenkram / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Apilak Suksai, Pratya Chankong /

No air conditioning, no TV, no problem. Introducing a delightfully charming Tropical house that embraces green living authentically within the local context and character of a coastal area where the tide meets the Chao Phraya River.

Tropical House

The allure of an enchanting Tropical ambience is reason enough for a couple from far away to call this part of Thailand home. This modest yet perfect home belongs to Alisa Tang, a journalist, and her other half, photographer/graphic designer Landry Dunand.

Tropical House

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Call it serendipity, perhaps? US-born Alisa returned home to the learn more about her roots, but ended up staying after falling in love with Bang Nam Phueng, a Samut Prakan suburb renowned for a green lifestyle and plenty of smiles.

What a difference a location made! It didn’t take long before the couple decided to put in a home and got it ready in time to welcome their baby girl.

Tropical House

House-on-stilts design blends well with the atmosphere of a fruit orchard at the water’s edge. Interior living spaces are upstairs, while downstairs is set aside for Landry’s photo studio and still has plenty of room left.

The absence of electromechanical air conditioning, not even a TV, speaks to a strong resolve to contribute in their small ways towards reducing carbon footprint. The signs of sustainable living and life hacks inspired by nature are evident in a composting sawdust toilet and the use of solar energy for water heating. Bicycles provide clever alternatives to spending time wasted on long commutes.

Tropical House

Tropical House

Tropical House

Made for a hot and humid climate, the wooden house was crafted by local carpenters who were experts in correct building orientation as a means to harness daylight and control glare on the building surface. With a knowledge of wind and sun directions, they were able to align it to reap every health benefit the already serene location had to offer.

Tropical House

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By design, high ceilings increase the perception of space, create indoor thermal comfort and make this Tropical house aesthetically appealing.  All things considered, it’s a secret to growing a happy family and this modest abode in an orchard takes sustainable living to the next level.

Tropical House


Owner: Alisa Tang and Landry Dunand


Visit the original Thai version…

บ้านไม้ไทยในสวน อยู่สบายแบบไม่พึ่งแอร์


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One-of-a-Kind Boutique Hotel

One-of-a-Kind Boutique Hotel

Silhouetted against a stone forest, this one-of-a-kind boutique hotel is a thriving, delightful escape adorned with works of art. Check it out.

/// Thailand ///
Story: skiixy /// Photography: Dumrong Leewairoj, Soopakorn Srisakul /// Style: Somboon Kreangkrai /// Design: Thavorn Ko-Udomvit, Kawit Ko-Udomvit, Anan Tantasanee, Kattika Kittiprasarn

One-of-a-Kind Boutique Hotel

One-of-a-Kind Boutique Hotel

One-of-a-Kind Boutique Hotel

Perched atop an abandoned marble yard in Nakhon Ratchasima, the boutique hotel affords views of the rocky landscape. The old rock quarry became inactive after the gleaming stones had been extracted. To create a unique and pleasant setting, the owner went to great lengths to ensure every aspect of the surroundings was kept intact. Hard terrain dictated that accommodation units be built strong like rock. That’s what makes the Nhapha Khao Yai Resort look like no other.

Over time nature goes to work, and the old marble yard comes alive turning lackluster cliff faces into a kaleidoscope of colors. Aptly named “Grand Villas Chom Hin Pha,” the guest lodges at the top boast 90 square meters of well-appointed rooms looking out over the pinkish brown rocky landscape.

If you prefer quirky, unusual locations, the “Villas Ping Pha Hin” are definitely your must-visit. The 40-square-meter cube-shaped lodges are placed inside the rock forest. Ingenious design takes advantage of the existing cliff faces, turning rock formations into naturally beautiful walls. The rocky surroundings turn out to be nifty temperature control inside the interior living spaces.

And not to worry about rainwater leaking in during storms. The gaps between natural and built environments are sealed tight while a system of gutters are in place to ensure storm water runoff is drain out fast.

One-of-a-Kind Boutique Hotel

One-of-a-Kind Boutique Hotel

One-of-a-Kind Boutique Hotel

One-of-a-Kind Boutique Hotel

Interior design is at the heart of the boutique hotel on the rock. Every unit showcases handcrafted wood furniture by award-winning designer/carpenter Yutthana Bumrungkit.

To make every visit feel like the first time, each villa is designed to highlight a different ambience and character. Together they turn the unique hotel into a thriving, delightful escape. Everywhere paintings and sculptural masterpieces abound. It’s like walking into a museum and actually living history.

Understandably the owner hopes that his unique hotel will one day turn into an attractive art venue in the Region.

Beautiful abstract sculpture adds a modern appeal to the pool.
Beautiful abstract sculpture adds a modern appeal to the pool.
View from the Grand Villa perched atop the old marble quarry.
View from the Grand Villa perched atop the old marble quarry.
The dining room showcases masterpieces by the hotel’s master artist.
The dining room showcases masterpieces by Thai master artist.
The hotel reception area
The hotel reception area

One-of-a-Kind Boutique Hotel

One-of-a-Kind Boutique Hotel


2017 looks to be a great year as more exciting attractions are being added to the Nhapha Khao Yai Resort.

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The family room at the Gallery Villa showcases works of art with strong imaginative appeal. // Photo: Nhapha Khao Yai Resort
The family room at the Gallery Villa showcases works of art with strong imaginative appeal. // Photo: Nhapha Khao Yai Resort

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A travel trailer is available on site. Go for the legendary RV if you prefer to live a life of adventure and passion. // Photo: Nhapha Khao Yai Resort
A travel trailer is available on site. Go for the legendary RV if you prefer to live a life of adventure and passion. // Photo: Nhapha Khao Yai Resort
A brand new swimming pool comes with a waterfall descending over a sheer rock face. // Photo: Nhapha Khao Yai Resort
A brand new swimming pool comes with a waterfall descending over a sheer rock face. // Photo: Nhapha Khao Yai Resort

 

A Chiang Mai Tent House Epitomizes Grace and Elegance

A Chiang Mai Tent House Epitomizes Grace and Elegance

/ Chiang Mai, Thailand /

/ Story: Otto / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Sungwan Phratep /

It looks like a huge bell tent. But don’t mistake it for a wedding canopy or a temporary shelter. Actually it’s a home, one that’s thoughtfully devised to provide comfort, convenience and enjoyment. The house nestled in a beautiful area of countryside in Chiang Mai has all the desirable amenities plus secrets to living a happier life.

Chiang Mai tent house

By adapting innovative tensile structural systems for a new use in residential architecture, the engineers were able to produce a home that’s charming, flexible and stylishly chic. It’s an architect’s dream and a landmark easily recognized from afar.

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Chiang Mai tent house

Unlike traditional single pole marquees used for social and trade events, this modern home is built using a rigid steel framework with four tent poles in the middle designed to resist compression. Together they go to work carrying the entire roof structure and coverings made of high tensile materials.

The fabrics are water impermeable and capable of UV protection, plus multiple coats of stain for wear and tear resistance. For indoor thermal comfort, all living spaces and the building’s useful features are enclosed with exterior wall systems lining the inner circumference.

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Chiang Mai tent house

Overall, light tones give the home a bright and airy atmosphere. There is plenty of headroom, thanks to the bell-shaped roof that rises eight meters from the floor to the apex.

In the meantime, open concept design is truly a breath of fresh air. It provides visual and spatial continuity from the living room all the way to dining room to pantry at the far end. Together they flow into one shared space that’s used every day by the entire family.

Chiang Mai tent house

The bedrooms are done differently with an emphasis on privacy. Well-thought-out room dividers and ceilings set them apart from one another without altering the structural layout.

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Seen from a distance, the bell tent home amid an oasis of calm beautifully synchronizes with a nearby water feature and pillowy textures of the surrounding hilly landscape. It’s amazing what a difference good design makes, and this tent house is a perfect example of that — a living space that’s original and unique in its own special way.

To be fair, a bell marquee may not be a dream home for some. But for ones who live here, the refreshing ambience is everything and everlasting.

Chiang Mai tent house

Chiang Mai tent house


Visit the original Thai article…

ทำเต็นท์ให้เป็นบ้าน…สร้างบ้านให้เหมือนเต็นท์


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Tropical Garden Ideas for Big Family

Tropical Garden Ideas for Big Family

Big families deserve spacious backyards. This large tropical garden is a treasure trove of design choices that celebrate nature. There is plenty to learn from it.

/// Thailand ///
Story: Panchat /// Photography: Sungwan Phratep /// Design: Surin Kamolsiriwat of Bannsuantaweekoon

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The compound has plenty of room for three houses with carports and a building used for accommodating guests. The built environments that provide the setting for human activity exist together in one big nature-filled space. For a humid climate, the homeowners put a mix of Tropical plants in between buildings. It’s not an easy task because each green space has to suit the specific needs of ones who live there.

For the father’s house, the designer puts in a flat concrete paver passageway that is easy to walk on. It is lined with only a few low-maintenance trees. He also spruces up the corridor with an assortment of potted plants turning it into colorful works of art.

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Nearby two other houses belonging to his sons stand a good distance from guest accommodations. They boast beautiful tropical gardens that look much greener than that of the father. Shaded by big trees, the buildings are spaced to allow winds to reach ventilation openings.

At ground level, dependable native species of shrubs and groundcover plants in rich tones go to work protecting the soil. They include red gingers, ferns, firebrands and zebra plants. Where there is direct sunlight, the designer puts in flowering plants filling every nook and cranny with colorful blossoms.

“The key to garden design lies in a good knowledge of plants and the ability select and incorporate them,” explained the designer. “Large trees love strong sunlight. So we plant them along the edges. They provide welcoming shade and give the property value and character. Meantime the species that don’t need much sunlight look their best at the center of the garden.”

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For a large backyard, water features are a must. They fill the tropical garden with soothing sounds of running water and give it natural forest appeal. Here the beautiful backyard does what it says it will do – provide a setting for family activity. Together different generations enjoy the great outdoors without leaving the comfort of their extended compound.

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