The Baanlaesuan Fair 2016 takes pride in being your one-stop home expo offering a full array of quality goods, services, and solutions to your home improvement needs. Here you will find everything, from cool furniture to exquisite decor items to gorgeous selections of plants, and the list goes on.
Whether you are in the market for home and gardening supplies or electrical appliances or building materials, the 2016 event has it all. For easy shopping, each zone is clearly defined, offering distinctive arrays of new ideas that best suit your every need. Living ASEAN is on hand to highlight the information that will pique your interest.
Craftsmanship and modern design are inextricably linked. It is up to the designer to incorporate them in both planning and production stages. And it shows in the marketplace.
1. Made for everyday use, this set of ceramic crockery by Dek-Din is bewitchingly beautiful.
2. Nothing goes to waste. These ingenious gadgets by Dog Dream are among fantastic decor items made from recycled materials.
3. For those enthusiastic about frames, there are plenty of creative ideas from Ease.
4. Inspired by wrought iron designs, these earthenware pieces are beautifully handcrafted by Srinlim.
5. Communicating meanings through shapes, colors, and textures, this “College Art Framework” is by Element Eden.
6. Created by Citrus Limetta Fabric, these cute throw pillows and a matching tote bag are inspired by native flowers of Thailand.
7. Known as “Metallic 3D Wall Modular,” these pyramid-shaped décor ideas are from 3D Surface.
8. “Anu” lamp made of cassava fiber, designed by Anon Pairot, by Eqologist
Photo: Eqologist
9. If rope knitting and woven fabrics are for you, these handcrafted chairs from Corner 43 are just awesome.
10. Steel Outdoor Chair with Rope Knitting by Corner 43
There is an inspiring garden covered in enchanted mist. It is on display right now at the Baanlaesuan Fair 2016 Garden Zone. Come by and be amazed by a plethora of ideas for using plants in everything you do, be it nurseries, gardening, or landscape design. Now is the best time to pay us a visit if you are looking for gorgeous selections of plants, gardening tools, outdoor furniture, landscape supplies, and much more.
The marquee event is set under the theme “Enchanted Mist / Stories in the Fog.” Inspired by His Majesty the King’s sufficiency economy philosophy, the green space features new tricks in growing vegetables, from traditional raised beds to vertical gardening. So, step in to the world of imagination, explore plenty of green ideas, and take home complimentary vegetable seeds. Here are some of the highlights.
Living Zone
The welcome area showcases a beautiful water garden adorned with a lion head sculpture. Tired of walking? Then drop into the counter bar corner to rejuvenate your body and mind.
Shelter Terrace
In the story garden, there is a big moving cage for those who love adventures. Constructed of raw materials, it is there to provide protection during a journey through the woods.
Exciting Catwalk
Take a walk through a forest of cacti and succulents that make great landscaping plants.
Herbal Beds
The backyard garden is there to impress you with many herbs and vegetables.
Swing Patio
There is a big swing on the wooden terrace. From here a big lion cage can be seen through a hole in the rock cliff face.
Mark your calendar. The annual BaanLaeSuan Fair is going on until November 9, 2016. Follow us on Living ASEAN, where we keep you posted on latest developments at the exhibition. As always, we hope that you find your visit an enchanting one. Be there.
At first sight, the house seems like a plain-looking Tropical Modern home. But a closer investigation reveals the balance between beautiful design and functions for a practical lifestyle.
In front of the house is a wall of vertical slats with small gaps between them, which allow a very partial view in from outside. A good sense of privacy is created this way.
The house fronts on an open lot to the west, allowing sunshine to pour in at certain times of day, and bringing the world of nature inside.
Every house has its unique character. This Tropical Modern home designed by Kanop Mangkhalaphruet and Ayut Mahasohm is aesthetically elegant and smart enough to serves the homeowner’s every need.
The double-layered roof provides a convenient release for heat. Together with the extended eaves, this helps keep the house cooler.
The house is located on a rectangular-shaped piece of land, with one end facing a village road and the other fronting a canal. Its I-shaped floor plan is laid out along the north-south axis to benefit from diffused sunlight from the north and winds from the south. Other precautions are also taken to avoid flooding at high tides. Meantime, an open space on the north side is reserved for a garden and a pool.
Usable spaces are divided into two main sections — service and residential. The service area consists of a Thai kitchen, a maid’s quarters, an electrical room, a carport, and storage. For practicalities, the section is located close to the entrance.
All physical lines of the house are intentionally designed to create horizontal and vertical relationships.
The residential area has a parlor, living room, dining room, workroom, and food preparation spaces. All rooms are open to take in views of the swimming pool and adjoining wooden veranda, which connect to the garden and the canal beyond. Floor-to-ceiling glass panels can slide open all the way, making the area a perfect space to relax or party.
For the privacy of both residents and visitors, the house offers dual access, one next to a carport and the other via the veranda. If houseguests are being entertained in the parlor, residents who have nothing to do with it can enter or exit through the carport leaving the meeting undisturbed.
Setting the doors back away from the line of support posts makes it possible to open all the doors at once without being blocked by them.
Kids’ bedroom and study room are an extension from the main structure. It adds an interesting feature to the building and doubles as long overhangs protecting rooms below from the elements. Openings are used only when necessary to avoid strong sunlight. Various shapes and sizes of vertical aluminum stripes add fun details to the wall and also protect the house from the heat.
A diminutive courtyard in the middle of the house directly adjoins the kitchen. When it is opened up, it provides great ventilation.
Another outstanding feature is roof design. Long overhangs provide protection for a full array of glass windows that can open to let heat energy out. For durability, handsome abode is constructed of reinforced steel structure. Round pillars are chosen to prevent injuries from accidentally bumping into sharp objects. All of these qualities are incorporated for the sake of practical living.
The bathroom is intentionally designed to be open and spacious, as a lot of light is wanted. There are frosted-glass guard railing and shower curtains that help make the space more private.
LivingASEAN proudly presents different durian cultures unique to the ASEAN region. Perhaps it’s something you have never heard of, including five interesting ways of making eating the spiky fruit more fun than you would ever imagine.
A wall is covered with durian graffiti in Kuala Lumpur.
The majority of durians are grown in Thailand and Malaysia with other varieties available in Indonesia. Some are also grown in the Philippines, southern Vietnam and other Southeast Asia countries.
Thailand
Out of more than 200 varieties of durians in Thailand, the three most sought-after are Mon Thong, Chanee, and Kan Yao.
Mon Thong (meaning “golden pillow”) comes with a sweet taste and a firm texture. Chanee is smaller in size but less sweet, softer and creamier. And Kan Yao has mild, not-so-sharp sweetness.
The quality that most Thais look for in the fruit is its firmness. Durian aficionados can tell a good fruit apart from plain ones simply by knocking on the spiky skin and judging the sounds. Hollow sounds tend to indicate the fruit is too soft. In contrary, solid sounds indicate the fruit is a firm one.
Due to their pungent odor, the spiky fruits are not allowed in many places including aboard the BTS Skytrain and the MRT.
Malaysia
Malaysians prefer their durians to be soft and buttery. In Malaysia, the fruit is eaten within the day they are ripe and drop from the trees to the ground. It is said that the best ones are the ones that fall down in the morning.
Malaysia seems to have it all from Musang King durian puree to Musang King durian mochi to durian flavored popsicle sticks.
Durian flavored cheesecakes come in the guise of a simple cupcake appearance.
There are many products made from the fruit in different, perhaps quirky, ways that are available in Malaysia. They include durian-flavored ice creams, candies, cakes, pastes, freeze-dried snacks, and a wide variety of parfaits.
Indonesia
The keyword for getting a nice durian experience here is “Kampung”. In Malaysia and Indonesia, the word means “village.” So, when you visit a fruit stall, make sure to look for the “Kampung” sign. It means that the fruits are products of indigenous durian trees grown in the villages, and not from any genetically modified tree.
Often you will come across durians that are either too ripe or too raw. So, one useful thing to know is not to buy a fruit that had been cut open. It is a normal practice that a “Takung Duren” (durian seller) will always select the fruit, cut it open and pass on an amount of its creamy flesh for you to taste. After that it’s your turn to decide whether to take the fruit or ask for a new one.
Well, choose wisely. We hope you all have a chance to meet your fruit soul mate!
Crispy freeze-dried durian makes a perfect snack. It’s light and also full of nutrients.
This Hello-Kitty ice cream is a combination of cute and cool.
Dubbed “durian pancake” or “durian crepe,” this bite-size sweet pack has loads of fresh cream wrapped inside a thin layer of durian crepe like a little golden treasure box.
Show houses have always been the most interesting highlights at BaanLaeSuan Fair. This year, the main attraction features sustainable design focusing on symbiotic relationships between life and nature. It is inspired by one of the philosophies of HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
/// Thailand ///
Photos: Soopakorn Srisakul
From afar, it looks like a hillside covered in verdant vegetation. But a closer look reveals a uniquely designed home carved into an awesome landscape mimicking rice terraces. The well-defined integration appears to be the living embodiment of His Majesty’s “Three Forests, Four Benefits” concept.
Herbal plants double its use as hanging decorations.
Plants grown on the terrace steps and other useful gimmicks encourage people to exercise more to sustain and improve health and physical fitness. Gardening at different elevations requires walking up and down these steps, which burn calories in the process. Getting around on bicycles instead of cars is another useful shtick.
In the living area, floor cushions work as well as a nice sofa.
Every step of the way, the terraces serve different purposes. At a higher altitude, they provide a lush oasis that showcases the home’s front façade. At lower elevations, they provide steps for easy access that don’t intrude on the landscape. The lower terraces also offer spaces for a chessboard-equipped patio, where people can sit back, relax, or enjoy their favorite game.
A hint of greenery blends into the bedroom.
The house interior is reminiscent of rock-cut architecture carved into the hillside slope. Yet it is well lit and airy. The living room is decorated with wood furniture in natural hues. The area features an LCD screen showing the King perform his noble missions. Patches of greenery abound if you look for spots to give your eyes a good break.
The house is surrounded by trees and plants to blur the boundary between the outside and the inside.
The en-suite bedroom comes furnished with white net curtains in the background. The area boasts clean, simple design. The only decorations are framed photographs of recommended useful plants, such as the Indian rubber tree, the fiddle leaf fig tree, and other species known for their ability to absorb toxic chemicals and help purify air in the room.
At the far end of the interior stand a small kitchen, a dining room, and a kitchen garden. This section is created to show the benefits of having homegrown vegetables and fruits. Not only are they non-toxic. But they also generate incomes for agriculturists and reduce pollutions in the process.
A small pathway leading to the kitchen is also a playground for children.
The show house is open to the public at BAANLAESUAN Fair until November 6, 2016. Drop in on us, and you will find an inspiration or two for your next home improvements project. Be there.
Electrical wires are well-kept in the ceiling, hidden from eyesight.
A chess board is installed here at the foot of the hill.
A microscope is on display inside for children so they can learn more about the nature and have fun at the same time.
If the relaxed ambience of a country home is your ideal of what life should be, here’s a contemporary white house in the sun-kissed rice fields in Chiang Mai that will warm your heart. Needless to say, it’s built into nature. The famous Mount Doi Luang Chiang Dao is clearly visible from miles around.
The contemporary white home stands in the middle of it all under the big blue sky.
For many people, a calm and peaceful home atmosphere is everything and everlasting. This white house under the big sky is exactly that — simple, humble and comfortable to live in.
The two-story home amid the sea of rice paddies belongs to Fasai Viseskul, an art therapist. As one would expect, interesting works of art are practically everywhere inside the residence inspired by French Colonial architecture.
Climbing rose plants thrive in the sun making their way up to a lattice awning over the front porch.[Left] Door panels are made of wood recycled from much older homes. Nearby stands a bench seat crafted of unused materials left over from house building. / [Right] A set of wood slab table and bench seat comes in free form. It is made out of a tree trunk.A large dining table is set facing outward to soak up spectacular mountain views.
Fasai is a much traveled person, having been to many different places across the Northern Region. Impressed by the beauty of nature and landscapes, she recently relocated to Chiang Dao, a district of Chiang Mai known for its majestic mountains and pristine Tropical forests.
It’s a helpful place. Some colleagues of hers are stationed in the area, including those working with the Makhampom Foundation, an NGO.
The absence of solid room dividers on the first floor makes the interior living spaces very light and airy. Open concept design not only promotes visual continuity, but also makes it easy for future updates.The work room boasts the simplicity of a tabletop upcycled from unused door panels left over from house construction. The legs are crafted of square steel tubing.A relaxed living room is illuminated by natural light thanks to glass enclosed loft ideas.
Fasai selected all the decorating items for the home herself. They came from many different sources. She is very particular about fabrics, always insisting that everything is correct in every detail. She got traditional Lanna fabrics and ethnic materials from a crafts market in Chiang Mai. Bamboo basketry, rattan furniture, and other weaving crafts were obtained from nearby provinces.
The kitchen is Minimalist in style, intended for preparing simple meals. The counter is made of hand-hewn stone blocks made to look like brickwork.
[Left] The kitchen countertop and lower shelf made of hand-hewn wood slabs add a rustic appeal to the interior. / [Right] A medicine cabinet is made of reclaimed wood. The homeowner had her neighbor make the woven bamboo cabinet door for her, a design inspired by her Mom, who in turn got the idea from a vintage hotel in Luang Prabang, Laos PDR. The house is mainly white because Fasai wanted it to feel light and airy inside and out.The house among the rice fields was built mostly of reclaimed timber recycled from much older homes. They were taken apart and transported up here ready to be adapted for new purposes.
And yet the overall effect is very nice, although it was built of simple and inexpensive building materials. They included the house floors made of white cement in glossy finishes, and pieces of furniture made on site by upcycling unused building parts, such as door and window panels.
A vintage shade of white chalk on the staircase breaks the harsh appearance of dark colored wood.
Let’s take a look inside. The first-floor interior boasts the simplicity of a clean and uncluttered open house plan. There is ample space for a workroom, living room and kitchen plus two bedrooms tucked away in a quiet, more secluded area of the house.
The second floor holds a relaxed sitting nook by the wall with a flight of stairs at the center. There are four bedrooms, all with the view of the misty air above the mountains and seemingly endless paddy fields. All of them come complete with a bathroom en suite and a private balcony. To increase privacy, the bedrooms are disposed in four directions and located away from one another.
In all the bedrooms, lampshades on nightstands are crafted of beautiful traditional Lanna fabrics. Elsewhere, light fixtures are covered in bamboo woven shades to add a rustic appeal to the home. All interior décor accessories are handcrafted in either traditional or vernacular fashion.
A rustic paper lantern chandelier illuminates the stairwell. Fasai made it herself using a mix of traditional fabrics and raw paper rolled up and bundled together.Throw pillows on handcrafted floor mats are set up to entertain house guests in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere on the second floor.The bedroom is Minimalist in style. It is awesome to wake up and take in the same spectacular view every morning.
For Fasai, the lovely white home in the fields is a perfect country hideaway at least for now. It’s her intention to live here permanently in the end. With the beautiful rice fields, gorgeous plants in the garden and such wonderful weather, a visit here is an enchanting experience indeed.
The bedroom is simple, uncluttered and set entirely in cool-toned whites. Wood boxes in the recessed wall and on the floor provide extra storage space.The bathtub is crafted on site using white cement. For privacy, the window is hung with a blind made out of handwoven ethnic fabrics.
Under British rule from 1824 to 1948, Yangon became a significant center of commerce located between India and Singapore. The streets of Yangon offer a glimpse of the opulence of the old city and its heritage. A walking tour is one way to find out.
After the second Anglo-Burmese war, Yangon was occupied by British troops. Burma came under British rule, during which time it was declared a province of British India. The British made significant changes to the city of Yangon. In 1853, Dr. W. Montgomery and then lieutenant governor A. Fraser laid out a grid of tree-lined streets for the city of Yangon. New city planning placed the Sule Pagoda at the city center.
After three Anglo-Burmese wars, the British in 1885 occupied all the area of present-day Myanmar. Despite the conflict, many new buildings were built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and remained to be seen today. Some of them became government offices, embassies, the stock exchange, even shops and cafés. Others were abandoned and fell in disrepair. In 2012 the Yangon Heritage Trust was established to promote the environmental conservation of Yangon’s rich urban heritage through cohesive planning.
The exhibition about colonial buildings in Yangon Heritage Trust office
One of the programs undertaken by the Trust is the Heritage Walking Tour through downtown areas. People who love architecture can visit the Yangon Heritage Trust office on Pansodan Street. There is an exhibition going along with useful information about six routes for sightseeing. They are outlined in brochures. If time is not on your side, Living ASEAN recommends a shorter route as an option. The starting point is on Pansodan Street. Start your journey on foot from here. Turn left into Merchant Road, then another left on to Sule Pagoda Road. Soon you will come to Strand Road (See this route on the map). Give it two hours or a little more than that, and you witness a lot of Yangon’s glorious past and beautiful heritage. Need a break? Drop into the beautiful Rangoon Tea House for refreshments, or the coffee shop at the Strand Hotel. After a couple of hours on the road, coffee smells like heaven!
You can find some design items at Hla Day shopTake a seat at Rangoon Tea House
Flexx Stone – Flexible Stone Veneer // Light, Thin and Flexible to apply
A project in Thailand, designed by Studio BFlexx Stone at the counter
Flexx stone is a veneer with layers of natural stone and polymer composite. This innovation makes it thin, light and yet strong. It is used for both interior and exterior and especially where bending to a curved surface is required. Flexx Stone can be applied on any surface: concrete, masonry, wallboard, metal, plywood and drywall. It can be glued by PU adhesive, silicone and epoxy. Its surface can be treated like natural stone, glossy or matt.
More than 15 color variation of Flexible Stone Veneer
Benefit of Flexx Stone:
Very light – 0.3 kg per square metre
Very Thin – 0.1-0.3 mm
Easy to cut and work with
Flexible to install on wall, ceiling, door, cabinet, furniture and decorative item
Cost effective
Water proof material
High Strength and durable
Every stale is unique
Columns which was covered by Flexx Stone at PLATO X Mobella Showroom Ekamai, SukhumvitThe project in Canada
Left: ceiling application, Right: Translucent serie
Nowadays, Flexible stone veneer was installed in many countries in Europe, America and Asia. Flexx Stone in Thailand was distributed by Plan X Co.,Ltd.
In this year’s Thailand BIG + BIH 2016, we explored SACICT exhibition on developing Thai’s handicraft to global level and integrating different body of knowledge together.
/// Thailand ///
Photos: SACICT
Nian mirror, by Jaoban
To promote Thailand’s handicraft industry in the competitive global market, Creative Economy on Culture by SACICT (The SUPPORT Arts and Crafts International Centre of Thailand) has rolled out the following interesting projects:
Future Value of Crafts – SACICT Craft Trend forecasts trending styles of handicraft products in 2017 not only to globally promote Thai craftsmanship, but to encourage local artisans to be aware of current global fashion.
Future Value of Crafts Exhibition
LUXX by SACICT – Under the Touch of Nature concept, Thailand’s emerging designers are collaborating with artisans and craftsmen to create various types of fine craftwork.
Participating in LUXX by SACICT are these renowned brands; Yothaka, AYODHYA, Korakot, Jaoban, and Pin Metal Art, among many others.
To see a state-of-the-art exhibition, visit Thailand BIG+BIH 2016 during the weekend of October 22-23, 2016 at BITEC, Bangkok.
Metal pedant lights, by Pin Metal Art
Crown, by Baanchaan ExportZero Mirror, by Korakot International and Hug Easy Chair, by Natural UnitLeaf Cabinet, by THELIFESHOPDurian Basket, by YothakaMoo-Mu, by YothakaChuan Lhong Vase, by Chuanlhong Ceramic
ASEAN’s International trade fair for trendy gift and lifestyle products took place from April 19th to 23rd, 2016 (trade Days the 19th to 21st, public days the 22nd and 23rd) at Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC), Bangna, Bangkok, Thailand.
This was the 41st edition of BIG+BIH, and it was organized under the concept “ASEAN Life+Style.” In the attractive “Fresh Taiwan,” “design lifestyle” products from Taiwanese designers were shown; “DEmark Award showcase” put on display well-designed Thai products now on the international market that had won Design Excellence prizes, and “SACICT Art & Craft” exhibited Thai folk arts and crafts products representing “Thainess” from local design traditions. The fair also featured product exhibits that provided an excellent platform for Thai designers and new entrepreneurs to show their latest collections.
Dhanabadee, the famous ceramic shop from Lampang, ThailandFresh Taiwan exhibition : design lifestyle products from Taiwanese designers Isan Collection : the project of the northeast design in ThailandOggi, wooden furniture brand in Scandinavian accent
Showcases at the fair were set out in 3 zones: BIG, BIG Design, and BIH. The most popular products of the fair were gifts and handicraft decorative items, household products, pet products and services.
About home, modern wooden furniture and lamp in sophisticated styleUnique design lamp made of veneer woodHari Ora, wooden furniture shopQualy, plastic objects in designIdealize shop, furniture that made of natural materials such as scrap wood and old tree stumps.Tin Home Toy, lifestyle products which made of galvanize sheetsL-Living, decoration items for holiday homes
Joar, unique stone lampsBaanchaan, Asian style hanging lampC-Ssence, Bananamache productKlaps Design, modern furniture brand
Marketing/Advertising Cookies – used to remember and process the relevance to your website visit in order to personalize contents shown including optimization of commercial advertising placements. For instances, we use this type of cookies to display commercial advertisements related to user’s attributes and interests as well as to limit how many times should a user see repeated advertisement in order to optimize and measure marketing activities. อ่านเพิ่มเติม
1. Made for everyday use, this set of ceramic crockery by Dek-Din is bewitchingly beautiful.
![[Left] Door panels are made of wood recycled from much older homes. Nearby stands a bench seat crafted of unused materials left over from house building. [Right] A set of wood slab table and bench seat comes in free form. It is made out of a tree trunk.](https://livingasean.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/004-1024x730.jpg)
![[Left] The kitchen countertop and lower shelf made of hand-hewn wood slabs add a rustic appeal to the interior. [Right] A medicine cabinet is made of reclaimed wood. The homeowner had her neighbor make the woven bamboo cabinet door for her, a design inspired by her Mom, who in turn got the idea from a vintage hotel in Luang Prabang, Laos PDR. The house is mainly white because Fasai wanted it to feel light and airy inside and out.](https://livingasean.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/009-1024x730.jpg)
