livingasean, Author at LIVING ASEAN - Inspiring Tropical Lifestyle //

Fresh Air, Sunshine and a House Built around a Tree

By livingasean
November 23, 2016
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand /

/ Story: Wutthikon Sut / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Soopakorn Srisakul /

Nestled in the countryside at Baan Rai Thawsi just outside of Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima, this light, bright and airy home is bursting with joy. Away from city lights, it’s built around a tree to reap the health benefits of fresh air, sunshine and cool trees providing shade in the environment. Here, the towering mountains of Khao Yai National Park to the south can be seen from miles around.

Seen from a distance, the transparent house façade is designed to take in an expansive panorama of countryside landscapes. The upper floor under a mansard roof holds calm and peaceful bedrooms.

Homeowner Piyaporn Taepaisitphongse was first introduced to Baan Rai Thawsi while her mother was attending a meditation retreat at nearby Baan Boon village, taught by the revered Buddhist monk Ajaan Jayasaro.

It’s easy to get why she came away impressed. Out in the foothills, it’s calm and peaceful. In her words: “Mom brought me here and I liked it. She wanted a country house, so here we are!”

A healthy tree thrives in the middle of the house plan, a focal point for people going from one part of the house to another.

Piyaporn’s mother added: “We built it here for a lot of reasons. As Bangkok people, we feel safe living in a housing development. Here neighbors watch out for each other, plus it’s a peaceful and comfortable atmosphere.”

This was certainly clear to our team. Most households are also practicing meditation, adding to the pleasant ambience.

In a creative way, the tree at the center of the house plan connects the home with nature. Nearby, concrete walkways around the building fuse into a single path reminiscent of classic Japanese design.

The walkway around the building connects people of different generations. For Grandmother, it’s a place for walking meditation. For the little ones, it’s a semi-outdoor area to run and play in.

Piyaporn said: “We wanted a place to live after retirement, when we get old. And Mother is making plans now. We like the design by Rujnumporn Keskasemsook, of Sook Architects. He’s the one who created this open and airy house.”

The tree at the center of the house plan blocks the sun’s harmful rays from penetrating the walls, keeping the living room cool and comfortable during daytime hours.

The kitchen conveniently connects to the dining room and living area, thanks to an open concept floor plan that promotes interactions and socialization processes in the family.

Architect Rujnumporn’s design also includes lodging accommodations for houseguests staying overnight and pathways to get out there and experience the natural surroundings firsthand. From the front, we get a wide view of the duplex style home that blends right in with the environment.

The downstairs external envelope is glazed using clear glass standing tall from floor to ceiling, surrounded by covered walkway systems that also double as a porch.

The upstairs is quiet and secluded, sheltered by a mansard style roof that makes the house feel roomy and light. The mansard boasts the beauty of subdued color combinations of whites and grays, adding to the home’s proper, orderly look. At the same time, the tree in the middle stands out from the surfaces, easily noticeable from afar.

The little children’s bedroom boasts bright furniture colors silhouetted against the walls in cool-toned white. As might be expected, the bed has drawers for storing toys.

Overall, interior décor is simple, partly because it’s a vacation home. Plus, the homeowner prefers it that way. Furniture for the most part is movable, except for the kitchen that contains built-ins for ease of maintenance.

Flooring and ceiling materials are made of dark-colored artificial wood, creating a visual contrast with the building’s glass enclosures. It’s a design that seeks reconnections with the natural world outside while creating a warm and peaceful ambience inside. In the evening, sunlight shining softly through the tree creates breezy patterns like poetry in motion on the white walls.

Easygoing décor in the bedroom with a slanted ceiling that matches the mansard roof. There’s quiet reading nook by the wall.

From the outside, the two wings stand separated by a tree in the middle of the home plan. One wing serves as small hostel with eight beds for guests; the other wing holds the family residence with a bedroom downstairs for Mother, and the other bedrooms upstairs for the homeowner couple and their little children.

The “house built around a tree” in Pak Chong seems like the perfect example of a co-living arrangement, one that gives special importance to family togetherness and the joy of staying in close touch with nature.

Little children enjoy tending plants thriving in the backyard garden; among them, sunflowers, okra, and other green vegetation. It provides a conducive learning environment for kids. Out here, nature is the best classroom.

Architect: Rujnumporn Keskasemsook of Sook Architects

Visit the original Thai article…

บ้านล้อมไม้

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Eco Flooring by Deesawat

By livingasean
November 21, 2016
IDEA,LIVING,MATERIAL

After the research, Deesawat used many kinds of waste materials to combine and create building materials as the new way.

For the eco flooring, basic materials will be cut in various timber species such as teak, white oak, rosewood, and walnut. Deesawat also add up eco board which is recycle material from the trash(aluminum and PE) from UHT milk pack, press into board and profile into another material. With this combination, the product is presented as an interesting combination of materials that can create a good reusable design for project requirement.

Eco Flooring by Deesawat received the DEmark Award in the industrial category from Thailand and also received the Good Design Award from Japan which guarantees the quality of the produce.

link: http://www.deesawat.com/home.html

Craftsman’s Cottage

By livingasean
November 18, 2016
HOUSE,LIVING

The cottage is nestled amidst a thicket of lush tropical plants, including star gooseberry and orchard trees, also known as butterfly. Vibrant tones of green highlight the thriving foliage that has grown so thick it hides the second floor of the building.

/// Thailand ///

Story: Panchat Changchan /// Photographs: Rithirong Chanthongsuk, Sitthisak Namkham /// Owner / Decorator: Pithichinda Chidsin, Kittiwat Sitthi

The house stands enveloped by a thicket of green tropical plants. Tall trees provide a canopy to the interior spaces. Its design takes full advantage of natural ventilation and eliminate the needs for mechanical cooling.

Crisp, cool shades abound thanks to plenty of full-grown trees on the property. Long roof overhangs are built of concrete in smooth finishes. They exist in harmony with textured brick walls that speak to the traditional lifestyle of the area.

Located in Chiangmai, “Junjun Shop & Café” is widely known among handicraft lovers. It is a home with a retail shop in it. The two-in-one business address belongs to Pithichinda Chidsin and Kittiwat Sitthi. Behind the shop windows lies a chic small café. There are retail spaces right next to it that boast a full array of craft items and local handmade goods.

The owners sit by the glass windows enjoying their coffee on a sunny day. /// Kittiwat is not only a skilled craftsman, he also knows a lot about coffee making.

Inside, brick walls with textured finishes add a raw feel to the ambience. They stand tall reaching all the way to the roofline. Craft tables and chairs that fill the display area come from many sources. They represent the skill sets, taste, and styles that the owners admire the most.

Despite its relatively small size, tall ceilings design makes the ground floor business space look wide open and well ventilated. There is a staircase that connects it to the work studio upstairs.

According to Pithichinda, she and Kittiwat thought a home with business in it would serve their needs best. After their final decision to move here, they left the designing work in the good hands of their architect friends.

“I wanted an open space design. I would prefer bricks and wood rather than other materials in order to give it natural appeal and communicate Chiangmai local craft styles. I didn’t give much thought to the decoration. They were sentimental items that I have been collecting, mostly DIY handmade stuff. Kittiwat loved growing plants. So we put in lots of them,” Pithichinda said.

On the second floor, two cottages sit snugly apart from each other. The first is the couple’s residential unit with a bedroom/bathroom combo. The interior is minimalist in style with only a few pieces of furniture. Smooth concrete walls are painted white to give it a light and open atmosphere. There is a staircase that conveniently connects it to the business spaces.

A coffee corner sits on the patio decorated with old pieces of furniture. Long roof overhangs and the crisp cool canopy of tall trees combine to make the area very comfy.

The second cottage features a stark contrast. Its walls are crafted of brickwork with textured finishes that blend well with the business spaces below. It serves multiple purposes as a work studio, living room, and reading room. The business area below can be seen in full view from upstairs. The living room boasts old-fashioned furniture and a rich array of collectibles that the couple has acquired over the years. Other functions, such as kitchen and laundry are performed back in the old house nearby.

Exterior boundary walls separate the new and old buildings. Hollow bricks design promotes natural airflow and serves as a privacy curtain for areas that needs protection.

The two cottages are linked to each other via an open-air deck that has since become an ideal place of rest the two homeowners. It serves multiple purposes, ranging from furniture evaluations to dye testing to growing plants. More often than not it is used for just relaxing after a hard day’s work. “The two of us used to go camping out in the woods a lot. We hardly have time for that now. So, The second floor deck comes in handy. Sometimes, our friends come by and we enjoy the barbecue together up here.”

On the second floor stand two cottages set apart from each other. The atrium that lies in between serves multiple purposes.

The bonfire, the smell of firewood and the cottage itself evoke fond memories of the good old days that the couple still cherish and care for lovingly. There is nothing like coming home to a company of good friends and camping out again, albeit on the deck.

The bedroom is painted in white that look great with doors and windows. Personal belongs, mostly collectible items, are stored in suitcases. /// The craftsman’s work studio shows the owners’ workbench and desk. Box-shaped shelf is mounted on the wall where necessary tools and utensils are keep within easy reach.

Old theater seats made of wood are placed here temporarily as the homeowners try to find a perfect spot for it.

The cottages boast a simple gable roof style that is typical of small-sized homes. Exterior decorating details are minimized. Clean geometric design underneath the sloping planes enhances its modern home character.

A Rooftop House with a Wonderful Panorama of Old Bangkok

By livingasean
November 17, 2016
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Bangkok, Thailand /

/ Story: Tawan / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Soopakorn Srisakul /

In the midst of stunning skyscrapers and the hustle and bustle of city life, there exist serene temples and communities in the old part of town. This is where Jason M. Friedman has chosen to build his rooftop house.

Rooftop House — Spacious glass walls open to take in the view of old Bangkok. The neighborhood boasts a comfortable lifestyle that Friedman has always wanted, and for good reason.

At first, Friedman had planned on buying a condominium within the prime business district. But then he discovered a vacant penthouse unit on the seventh floor. He gave it a serious thought, and the rest was history.

“I was fortunate to have discovered this place. The home with a 360-degree surround view is nestled in the heart of old-town Bangkok. So I changed my mind and immediately got down to the business of remaking it into a residential home,” Friedman recalled.

An al fresco sitting area provides outdoor comforts and a 360-degree view of Old Bangkok. A sky garden filled with thriving houseplants adds green urban space to the top of the building – frugal ideas to reconnect with nature.

Utilizing the vantage point to the maximum benefit, he positioned all the rooms in a way that afforded a beautiful view of the city. Plus, they are conveniently connected to one another.

He put in large wall openings to bring the great outdoors into the home, creating a passive cooling system for everything from the reception area to dining room, to kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and the balcony.

Inside, some of the most eye-catching elements include the exposed brick walls that add rustic Industrial charm to the guest reception area and dining room. Furniture crafted mostly of intricate woodwork dominates the interior living spaces.

Decorating materials, most of which obtained through years of extensive travels, convey a lot about his love for Oriental art and culture. They are placed on display silhouetted against the brownish orange hues of surrounding brickwork, while plenty of natural light shines through the generously sized glass wall.

The kitchen is custom-built since Friedman is particularly fond of home cooking. He usually buys fresh produce and does his own grocery shopping. The room comes well equipped and spacious enough to meet his specs. It’s like putting an entire hotel kitchen in a home setting, so to speak.

For the most part the floors are tiled in black and white, arranged in the chess design pattern to blend harmoniously with nearby exposed brick walls. The bottom line is they are easy to keep clean.

The kitchen is spacious and custom-built to the specs created by Friedman, an avid home chef.

The bedroom boasts clean line design that’s easy on the eyes with furniture speaking to a passion for Oriental style. Awake or asleep, panoramic views of old Bangkok are always there, thanks to large windows glazed with clear glass on all sides.

The food preparation area features a spacious kitchen island table and a backsplash tiled in white for easy cleaning.

While the city continues to grow and face new challenges that come with an expanding economy, one must not forget that Bangkok is where old neighborhoods coexist with new skyscrapers.

There is rustic charm to the beautiful culture and lifestyle that cannot be found anywhere else. This Western gentleman is fortunate to have found happiness in his rooftop home, and is loving every minute of it!

This stylishly chic bathtub is custom-made. The rim comes wrapped in genuine leather for firm grips and safety precautions. — Decorating materials are taken from sentimental collections that Friedman has kept for many years. Imperfections, scratches, and dents tell stories of their journey through time. The same applies to pictures mounted on the wall and the antique hanging lamps.

Sharing his slice of paradise, Friedman said: “Living the best of life is not necessarily about being in a well-appointed home, rich in elaborate design and expensive décor. To me, a happy home is one in which you feel relaxed. It is nice to wake up fully rested and enjoy tranquil sounds of Old Bangkok, its lifestyle, and a culture that is so unique.”

Twin antique bathroom mirrors come in wood frames adorned with Chinese calligraphy. Its traditional look complements the natural finishes on the wooden dressing table.

Owner/Decorator: Jason M. Friedman

Visit the original Thai version…

Rustic Industrial ผสมผสานในสไตล์ไทยและตะวันออก

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Ipoh: A Journey Back In Time

By livingasean
November 17, 2016
EXPLORE,JOURNEY

/ Ipoh, Malaysia /

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

/ Photographs: Sitthisak Namkham

Foods, retail shops, and buildings that evoke wistful affection for the past are three things that have drawn us to Ipoh. It’s nice to be back to find those gorgeous old hotels and cafes’ doing very well indeed.

koh161017-128 — A lone Ipoh tree, its namesake, thrives in the front yard of the town’s train station. In times past, sap from the Ipoh was the main ingredient in making poison-tipped arrows that kill.

koh161017-173 — Old meets new. Creative wall painting ideas add life to the distressed interior of an old-town cafe popular among visitors.

koh161017-137 — A mixed variety of buns comes crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Ipoh is situated just 200 kilometers by car from the capital Kuala Lumpur. And it’s not just those visitors. Malaysians from across the nation are drawn here in droves.

The old town sits on the west bank of the Kinta River. Here colonial architecture abounds, the most important landmark of which is Jalan Panglima Bukit Gantang Wahab.

The white Neo-Classic piece of architecture on Club Road is dubbed Ipoh’s Taj Mahal. In front of it stands a lone Ipoh tree, the town’s namesake.

In times past, sap from the tree was used as the main ingredient in making poison-tipped arrows that kill. Cross the street, and we come before the majestic Town Hall and nearby Postal Service Building. Beautifully kept Neo-Classic details in shades of white indicate they were products of the colonial period.

koh161017-126 — The train station is a beautiful piece of architecture. Pardon the appearances. The Majestic Hotel located inside is closed for renovation.

koh161017-127 — A well-kept postal service building is a graceful sight across from the train station.

koh161017-205 — The Church of St John The Divine.

koh161017-207 — The St Michael’s Institution

The city’s main drag leads further north to the historic Church of St John The Divine. At one time, it was regarded as the largest house of worship in Malaysia when it was completed in 1912.

The structure was crafted of building materials known for the best qualities in years gone by. The exterior walls showcased bare brickwork made of coconut-shell fibers mixed with sugar and egg white to create strong binding agents.

There is a school, known as the St Michael’s Institution, standing right next to it, as well as a mosque, called Padang.

koh161017-159 — A journey down memory lane. Well-preserved row houses line the peaceful thoroughfare of old-town Ipoh.

koh161017-213 — Small old-styled shops dot both sides ofPanglima Lane, or Concubine Lane,famed for its cobblestone look.

koh161017-151 — Walls covered in satirical graffiti abound in public places across town.

koh161017-209 — One of Malaysia’s oldest restaurants, the FMS, stands graciously on the corner.

koh161017-183 — Vine-covered shop facades speak to an unhurried lifestyle in this nostalgic part of town.

koh161017-158 — Left: Tenaca Nasional, Malaysia’s main energy provider, also has an office here in this magnificently kept building. Right: Distressed walls along a shopping arcadeevoke nostalgic feelings on a journey down memory lane.

koh161017-218 — Retailers showcase interesting arrays of handicraft goods on the covered passageway of Sekeping Hong Heng, an Ipoh neighborhood.

Heading south, we come to a commercial district on Jalan Sultan Yussufand Jalan Dato Maharajalela Roads. The area known for old-world charms is home to beautiful restaurants, including those dubbed the oldest of Malaysia.

There are a few Japanese-owned photo studios that have been here since the 1930s. Rumors had it that they were here to gather intelligence during those thrilling days of yesteryear. Convincingly enough, the Imperial Japanese Army came ashore in 1941.

koh161017-197 — The Old Town White Coffee, a cafe’ chain ubiquitous across Malaysia, has its origin right here in old Ipoh.

koh161017-131 — Downtown restaurants are packed when the day is done. There is nothing like mouthwatering collections of recipes, for which Ipoh is famous. Take-outs are available, too.

koh161017-141 — It makes my day to drop into a local delicatessen offering Chinese-style flaky buns rich in creamy fillings, Xiang Bin.

It’s impossible not to mention the good foods that have attracted visitors to Malaysia, and Ipoh for that matter. White Coffee, the famous cafe chain, was born here.

The same applied to pomelo, dubbed the king of citrus fruits, and Chinese-style flaky buns with creamy filling. Find them at any local delicatessen. Whilst here, look for the greatest taste of the country – Hunan chicken with rice served with bean sprouts the authentic Malaysian way. It’s heaven on earth.

koh161017-201 — A memorial in honor of war victims stands in front of the train station.

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Reuse, Repair, Upcycle

By livingasean
November 17, 2016
CULTURE,DESIGN

As a child he liked designs connecting old traditions with environmental awareness. This found expression in this straw-covered cubical building reminiscent of a farmer’s paddy hut.

/// Thailand ///

Story: Nutt /// Photography: Chaiyaphon Sodabanlu

Design: Ronachai Khanbanya, Mae Khaning Creative Co., Ltd

*A single large pane is expensive, so smaller ones are set into a metal frame, economical and also tasteful, reflecting the framework of the building.*

Ronachai “Art” Khanbanya, architect from Mae Khaning Creative Co., Ltd, has redesigned a lot of old offices and developed a preference expressed in the slogan “reuse, repair, recycle.”

“Reuse” is putting things that are still usable back to work again.

“Repair” is fixing broken or abandoned things and making them useful once more.

“Upcycle” is designing discarded materials for new use.

“Our old office near the city moat was small and inconvenient. We relocated here for the pleasant atmosphere. Having to rent, we designed a structure we could easily dismantle and reassemble. Budget was important in choosing building materials.”

The structure is tent-like: a frame of 6-meter-long box steel beams supports a high gabled structure. The entrance gable has glass panes set in a metal framework. Outside walls are thatched with cogon grass, effective heat insulation that helps save energy and is also excellent soundproofing. Sheet metal lines the inner walls.

*An old door panel transformed into a sliding counter for a multipurpose table: adaptable to work desk, dining table, or for kitchen use.*

“Easy-to-use materials like cogon grass are locally available, and give the building a distinctive look. I wanted to show that cheap materials could be not only effective, but also beautiful. We’ve had pretty good success without having to use expensive imports. The new generation of designers should get aware of what’s here already.”

*Metal wall, second floor heat insulation, creating intra-wall space for good air circulation. /// Cogon grass roofing, effective use of local materials for good heat insulation and soundproofing.*

Furniture and décor here is quite simple, as seen in the particleboard shelving and the use of an old door to create a sliding counter. Art was aiming for a universal space, with furniture adaptable for work, eating, or food preparation.

*The tabletop is made from an old unused pane of glass attached to make a new table using shims and pegs.*

“I’m thinking a completely new lifestyle, not like old office designs, more an arrangement of work tables in a relaxing environment, like working at home or chilling at a café. We find comfortable work environments work for other sides of life, too.”

*A shelf is crafted of simple materials such as unpainted particleboard. /// A stepladder: When not in use, it can be used as shelving.*

The garden outside is a comfortable space where you can drink coffee at a table made from a cable spool. Landscaping features fountain grass, which doesn’t require a lot of care and fits in with the “paddy hut” theme. The walkway curves around before shortcutting into the building, evoking the image of paddy dikes. “Everyone wants to live in the country. In Chiangmai these days you see only buildings, not many plants. The plants here make it fun to come to work.”

The outside area in front of the building is used as a living and relaxation space for drinking coffee. A cable spool is used for a table. Landscaping is fountain grass, easy to care for and evoking thoughts of a life in the fields.

This office is comfortable. It has complete functionality, and saves on materials, construction, and energy. Good for the environment, good for the folks working there. “The more you think, the more you save” should be the credo of a good designer. The evidence is here: as Art says, it’s a great place to work.

link: https://www.facebook.com/MKNCOLD/

The Commons / It’s Anything But Common

By livingasean
November 16, 2016
CULTURE,DESIGN

The Commons, a new community mall, describes itself as one that stands for a “common” concept. Shops here offer a variety of consumer goods that are necessary for healthy living and meeting daily needs. Open every day from 08:00 to midnight, the new-fashioned building is located in the posh Thonglor neighborhood of Bangkok.

/// Thailand ///

Story: Fernkul /// Photos: Suppakorn Srisakul

Enjoying a social space status, the Commons is open and accessible to the public. People are welcome to visit for business or pleasure as often as they like. Psychologically speaking, the modern complex is designed to focus on a sense of community, promoting the bonds of friendship that members of the public have for one another. Its purpose is slightly different from what is generally referred to as the “Commons” in other countries. Out there it’s more about public spaces that are open and being used by the public at any time for any reason. Ammata Lupaiboon of the Department of Architecture designed this ultramodern four-storey mall.

The Commons’ interior is stylishly chic thanks to the ingenious choice of raw concrete finishes that bring out a warm industrial loft look. Softly white shades on the walls help reduce the harshness of bold patterns and textures, making the interior feel friendly and very inviting. Meantime, the lower section boasts wide-open spaces with steps and slopes nicely designed to extend a warm welcome. The third and fourth floors are different. They feature box-shaped design adorned with windows crafted of steel frames, resulting in a light and airy atmosphere. Up here thermal comfort comes from cool breezes that flow in for much of the day. As a precaution, electric fans come in handy to boost natural air circulation if need be.

The trendy mall is designed to offer lots of clear spaces. “Visual continuity is very important. Almost all of the upper floors can be seen in full view from down here,” said Ammata. “Apart from that, our concept has always been about creating a place that thrives on a sense of community. It’s the sense of belonging that will keep people coming back.” To facilitate temperature moderation and natural daylight, the designer put in plenty of leafy trees both in and around the building. Meantime, good orientation helps to maximize certain aspects of the surroundings. As he put it, the project relies on those patches of greenery to connect the built environment to nature.

The Commons is divided into 4 zones, namely; the Marketplace that offers a variety of foods and beverages, and the Village zone, which is a retail area specializing in daily consumer products. The other two include the Courtyard capable of hosting all kinds of activities for both children and adult populations, and the Rooftop zone, which offers rental venues for social gatherings, workshops, and private parties.

Designed to meet urban lifestyle needs, the ultramodern mall is anything but common. It offers plenty of spaces for social gatherings, where people meet for business or just sit back and relax in the company of friends and loved ones. In the shortest possible word, it’s a new kind of urban community center, one that offers much more than just shopping experience.

The Commons is located at No. 335 Thonglor Road, one of the hot spots in Khlongton Nue, Wattana District of Bangkok. It’s open daily from 08:00 to 24:00 hours.

link: https://www.facebook.com/thecommonsbkk/

10 Inspiring Modern Tropical Houses

By livingasean
November 15, 2016
HOUSE,LIVING

LivingASEAN has selected our favorite houses in the ASEAN for 2016. Of course, all of them present practical solutions for living in the hot and humid climate of Southeast Asia. Check them out!

Modern Tropical Home in Indonesia

Designers’ Eco-friendly Dream Home

Concrete and Steel / The Combination of The Modern House

Countryside Home in the Eyes of Architect

Nature Meets Concrete House

Enchanting Thai Style Home

The Warm Half Concrete Half Wood House

Simple Reinforced Concrete Structure House

Comfy Minimalist House

Modern Tropical Bamboo House

The New Architecture Icon in Malaysia // The New PAM Centre

By livingasean
November 15, 2016
CULTURE,DESIGN

The New PAM Centre just has opened in Bangsar, Kuala Lumper. The design incorporated the use of a narrow tract of land and provides a unique ventilation system as a climate solution. The striking black aluminum façade of this building has made the new architecture icon in Malaysia.

/// Malaysia ///

Story : Samutcha Viraporn /// Photos : Sitthisak Namkham

Malaysian Institute of Architects or also known as Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM) held the competition to build the new PAM centre in 2012. The winner, HMA & Associates came up with the ultimate solutions in designing this unique space. The 10-story building features black aluminum screening, concrete slabs and blocks, brick walls, steel staircases, exposed pipes, and green spaces inside the building to balance the space.

koh161013-038 — Mohd Heikal bin Hasan of HMA & Associates

“It is a linear site, very narrow. Actually the size is suitable for a bungalow. The concept is how to bring external space into the building. You can see the green spaces in many areas as staircases design. Because of the limited size, we didn’t have the external Space needed.” Mohd Heikal bin Hasan of HMA & Associates explains.

This type of architectural designcontains 4 main elements

The Space Between, This void merges necessity, functionality, and aesthetic beauty into a remarkable facade.
The Stairs, The vertical staircases create excellent ventilation from one floor to throughout the structure.
The Plane, Also known as the shields blocks neighboring bulky design with eye-straining color scheme.
The Screen, A breathable skin that helps to protect the building from the sunlight from the west.

Once you step into this building, you can feel the natural ventilation around you. Of course, this design reduces energy consumption for saving electricity. All of the elements are not only appealing but also functional. This building is an excellence example of regional tropical design.

Moreover, this building has even more small surprise inside of it. Before the building was built, a small 2-story dwelling was previously located on the land. The architect decided to keep the structure of the house inside the big building. On the first and the second floor, you can see the original columns and beams in the exhibition room. It is amazing how the older structure remain in this big project. The architect wanted to communicate to us to “Please do not forget who you are and where you come from in the new modern world.” Brilliant!

Link: www.pam.org.my

Taking a Look inside an Artist’s Studio Home in Chiang Mai

By livingasean
November 14, 2016
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Chiang Mai, Thailand /

/ Story: Warapsorn / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Sungwan Phratep /

An artist’s house is never just a place to live. It’s a collection of creative spaces. Let us now turn to the studio home of Chamnian Thongma, one of the country’s most famous artists and sculptors. Many prefer to call him just “Thongma.” The artist is widely known for having produced many life-size figurative sculptures. His works are soft and sweet with a little bit of rawness to them, the likes of which aplenty right here at this chic studio home.

Chamnian Thongma Studio Home — His art studio is constructed based on a simple design. The exterior walls are crafted of exposed brickwork. The most charming feature is the door shutter that has a classic antique feel to it.

Not affected by the passage of time, the studio home boasts the simplicity of exposed brickwork on the exteriors. Among other things, the most attractive feature is the door shutter with a classic antique feel.

The place is nestled at the heart of an old housing development just off of a major thoroughfare in Chiang Mai. Thongma came across it while working on a decorating project at the home of a friend of his, which happened to be right next door.

A human head bust on display inside the studio home has a raw, rugged look to it.

When he first bought the place, the one-Rai (1,600 sq.m) land was teeming with long tall grasses. After all the clutter was hacked out, it was a beauty just like it had been when the project was completed many years back. It took him just four months to build this new home from start to finish.

Thongma started out with simple design with the work studio occupying the front section facing the highway. The residential wing is at the rear looking out over a small stream where the soothing sounds of water flowing in the background can be heard night and day.

The home plan consists of three one-story buildings looking very much alike but serving entirely different functions. They all have simple gable roofs.

The studio’s main entryway sports a different kind of appeal with the door shutters showcasing classic antique design. Next to it stands the residential section, which consists two white buildings.

The fasciae covering the ends of roof rafters are made of reclaimed wood boards. Together they add a country rustic charm to the home. The two residential buildings connect to each other via an unpaved courtyard at the center of an L-shaped floor plan.

The living room in one of the residential buildings boasts the simplicity of sloped ceilings crafted of reclaimed timber. Along the wall, potted Cordyline plants thrive beside other interior décor, also in bold shades of red.

The first residential building houses Thongma’s bedroom, while the second is reserved for guest accommodations. Both of them possess a full array of wall openings to let natural light shine through in all directions.

They double as engine that drives natural ventilation keeping the interior living spaces cool and comfortable all day. Plus, they reduce the harsh appearance and irregular surfaces of the exterior walls.

The house interior is bedecked with décor items from Thongma’s collections. They consist of old furniture from France arranged and utilized in ways that embrace the natural appeal of a European country home.

The L-shaped house plan keeps the bedroom separate from the sitting room without using any kind of solid room divider. The bed itself is an antique item combining intricate woodwork with woven rattan crafts.

On open-concept interior design, Thongma humbly said he felt more content with a simple way of living. “It’s good enough as a shelter protecting him from the elements. It’s warm, inviting and enjoyable here, thanks to plenty of chic décor ideas.”

The unpaved center court covered in pea gravel provides easy access to all parts of the property. Houseplants, including cactus, thrive on the edge next to the exterior walls.

It came as no surprise that Thongma preferred spending time in the open air to being indoors. The natural beauty of the environment was just irresistible. It has all the features to take him straight to nature – the stream, the mellifluous sounds of leaves rustling in the trees, and the lacy canopy of fully grown trees.

[Left] The guest bedroom boasts the beauty of antique French furniture. / [Right] A sundeck with rattan furniture is designed for relaxation at the water’s edge. It is set on a pea gravel patio with retaining walls crafted of brickwork.

The building set aside for guest accommodation has a huge window that lets natural light shine into the interior. It’s made of steel and glass panes. Thongma’s very own residential unit can be seen in full view from here.

Thongma wrapped it up nicely. “Nature and our lives are inextricably linked. It is cool to be able to live in a nature-inspired environment in order to create works of art.”

And that’s exactly what he’s been doing from the start. The studio home best describes who he is and what he is about.

Owner/Designer: Chamnian Thongma

Visit the original Thai version…

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