Little joy with a cool lush green small garden in front of a pretty white house protected in front by a hedge of English banyan. Sukanda and Chaiyanon Mimarayat were inspired to create this beautiful place by the book cover of Small Garden from Baanlaesuan Publishing.
/// Thailand ///
Story : Warapsorn Akkhaneeyut /// Photos : Sitthisak Namkham /// Landscape : Little Tree
Seeking out the garden designer, Siriwit Riubamrung of Little Tree, they had to wait two and a half years to enlist his help. “When we first went to Little Tree the Designer needed to see the actual site, but the big floods came and we couldn’t continue for another year. Then prices were higher, so we had to wait even longer.”
In the meantime Sukanda redecorated, the space adding on a small cottage in a mixed French country and vintage style and a relaxation room with a porch, walkway, and lawn, all while waiting for the garden to arrive.
English banyan line two sides of the walkway entering the houseInside the little gate is a comfortable space to sit, but the tall hedge keeps it private.
“Our old place was a townhouse with retro façade, not like this at all. Then we started getting out more, and thought about copying the look of restaurants and coffee shops we liked, such as Agalico, which Little Tree designed. We gave Siriwit a free hand because we liked his concepts, but of course he discussed everything with us in advance. He made adaptations from the original work plan such as increasing the height of the hedge barrier in front for more privacy.”
A checkerboard tile pattern fronts the house, and cobblestones set diagonally on the washed sand walkway
Inside the garden is a very private enclosed space, with a chic black lawn table on top of cobblestones set in diagonal lines, fragrant yellow gardenias, and bright flowers scattered here and there for a relaxing, casual mood.
These gorgeous rectangular English banyan hedges took 2 years to reach their 2-meter heightNear the pond, detail-textured cape plumbago encroaches on the walkway, with knot root foxtail adding a striking look.
Siriwit helps with color coordination as well as prices and brands. In the mix of plants he inserted Fukien tea and English banyan hedges trimmed into geometric shapes to relieve harshness so the garden looks orderly, but not too formal. He adds, “I played with shapes and forms, the diamond-shaped walkway and yard with checkerboard lines of tile in the front. The central court is trapezoidal, so I took away the unevenness with two lines of banyan plants.
Hedge plants mixed in with free-form: semi-formal, easy maintenance; trim hedges every 2-3 weeks, or once a month if strapped for time.
“We used medium-sized plants with beautiful forms placed symmetrically. Golden gardenias. Leafy plants with different shades: neons, silvers, spotted coralberry, evergreen spindle, lime. Put in a pond with a cute rabbit-head fountain.”
View from the lawn table into the house takes in a precise organization of plants and decorative components
A beautiful verdant garden with a vintage feel. A place to walk in and relax with a cup of your favorite coffee. Peaceful, relaxing.Once you’re here, where else would you want to go?
By the owners’ design, attractive flowerpots adorn a shoe-placement shelf.Between the house and relaxation room the indirect light calls for shade-tolerant plants like the dwarf neon hydrangea along the path.Pink-flowered hydrangea contrasts with vines of spotted jasmine climbing the house.
/ Story: Supachart Boontang / English version: Bob Pitakwong /
/ Photographs: Rithirong Chanthongsuk /
From the outside, this cube-shaped home with a swimming pool as the centerpiece looks like a combination of three overlapping boxes. Distinctive simple line design sets it apart from the rest in the neighborhood. The hall just inside the front entrance is well connected to all living spaces around it. Based on the form-follows-function principle, it’s thoughtfully devised to create a seamless transition from room to room, plus easy access to all intended functions and amenities.
The three-story white home with a cool undertone stands at the center of the property. Homeowner Thin Thin Lwin was on hand to show around. Asked about her thoughts on inspiration, she said:
“Just the two of us, my husband and I, live here. The home was built on what used to be a vacant lot. To begin with, we didn’t want a place that was going to be too big for our needs. We wanted just enough functional areas with easy access to other parts of the house, kind of like keeping with long established traditions from the past.
“By happy chance, I have a friend who is an architect, and the rest is history. Stephen Zawmoe Shwe and I have been good friends since we were kids. So we asked him to design it.”
The boundary fence made of concrete features large openings at intervals to improve the flow of air in and out of the property.An array of window awnings protruding from the exterior wall protect the interior from heavy rain and increase its energy efficiency.
Have a look around the first floor. The overall effect is impressive. The house with a subtle shade of white looks like three dimensional shapes coming together neat and clean. The interior at the front of the house is light and airy thanks to double height ceilings.
It’s two stories tall to be exact. There is a sense of interior elegance. The spacious, well-ventilated hall is well connected to other rooms around it. One of them, a living room, is clearly separated from the dining area and kitchen.
An outdoor louvered awning on the front façade protects the interior spaces from scorching sunlight and improves the home’s general appearance. The exterior is kept simple, modern, and fuss free.Just inside the front entrance, a stepping-stone pathway stretches across the pool. Double height ceilings and transparent partition walls make the atmosphere bright and lively.There is visual and spatial continuity from the cozy dining area all the way to the pool and beyond.
The second floor has two spacious bedrooms, each with a private balcony to take in the view and cool breezes. The swimming pool below is clearly visible from here.
Other than that, interior design emphasizes crisp, clean lines and white tones that go together well with shades of gray. Furniture comes in warm earth tones that enhance the charm of natural wood flooring.
Transparent glass walls create a warm, welcoming atmosphere in the bedroom. There are windows that open to improve air circulation and bring in cool breezes.
[Left] Louvered awnings under the roofline provide added privacy and protect the second-floor bedrooms from intense heat during the daytime. / [Right] Venetian blinds behind glass walls provide privacy in the bathroom and control natural light.The third floor is a penthouse with a panorama of the city landscape. A peaceful place for relaxation with family, it’s great for stargazing in the dark of night. There is a large Buddha room on one side, where the homeowners come to pray and perform religious rites.
A corner of the penthouse has been remodeled into a reception area with marble countertops and matching bar stools.
All things considered, it’s simple clean line design that makes this Cube-Shaped Home in Yangon stand out in the rustic old town neighborhood. Well-thought-out planning ensures there are plenty of functional areas and modern amenities for comfortable living. Plus, it’s energy efficient thanks to passive cooling strategies, such as large windows that open to bring in cool breezes and natural light.
Where appropriate, louvered awnings are installed to minimize the amount of sun on the exterior wall. They reduce the workload on air conditioning and make the home perform as intended amid the hot and humid climate.
Crafted in a plain and simple fashion, the Sekeping Sin Chew Kee is a raw beauty and a way of life in Kuala Lumpur. The rustic chic hotel is part of the Sekeping chain, which is owned by Ng Sek San, of Seksan Design Landscape Architecture and Planning. See beauty in simplicity! Check this out.
The hotel is located within a converted “shophouse,” the terms for vernacular architecture commonly seen in KL. The well-kept, two-story reinforced concrete structure has a rooftop deck.
The owner/designer, Ng Sek San, took every precaution to avoid increasing building weights. The only add-on is a mezzanine on the second floor. Both the mezzanine and the upper floor are reserved for guest accommodations. The coffee shop sits on the ground floor.
The shophouse-style building has access to the street in front and back. The front entrance features a small garden, enclosed for privacy by a wall of medium height.
Inside the hotel, a steel stairway gives access to a lounge with a warm, welcoming atmosphere on the second floor. A bit further inside lies a kitchenette with a bathroom and two guest rooms.
There is another set of stairs that connects the second-floor lounge to the mezzanine and on to rooftop deck. The newly added mezzanine was once an open space. Later, a wood plank ceiling was put in to give the area an elegant touch and turn it into a usable room.
Elsewhere, custom plasterworks and exposed brick walls in a circular shape contrast with real wood flooring in shades of white. The newly painted surfaces and simple décor make for easy maintenance and an atmosphere that is environmentally friendly.
The choice of contemporary furniture and ornamentation conveys a refreshing change. There is a curious mixture of the traditional and the modern.
Steel-frame beds and sofas, comfortable mattresses and cushions blend well with old-fashioned items, ranging from water kettles to wire mesh lounge chairs to antique-style cups and tableware.
The most memorable sight is the simple white mosquito nets that unfurl at bedtime.
In remodeling an old building, it’s important to consider structural integrity, which refers to the building’s ability to hold together under a load without breaking or deforming.
As the designer puts it, renovation work differs greatly from building anything from scratch. It goes through various processes of evaluation, demolition, and pounding to make room for new ideas to take shape.
“Our experience here has meant the opportunity to try out new architectural features and interior decorating techniques in order to give the hotel a raw beauty, one that’s rich in rustic appeal.”, explained Mr Ng.
“The design of Sekeping Sin Chew Kee is about creating an intentional lack of orderliness and opposites to the ordinary. This is manifested in industrial-style electrical conduits throughout the building.
“Instead of concealing them behind walls, the conduits, mountings, and hanging lights are installed in ways that are clearly visible and easy to maintain.”
His well-thought-out design results in a chic interior that focuses on truth to materials and a style that reflects well on this part of town.
Relaxing shades of green dotted with colorful flowers amid the misty coolness of the tropical rainforest in a Zen-inspired garden. Such is the dreamy garden of Chokchai Ratanaparadorn.
Artificial tree roots and boulders mix with plants to give a realistic impression of a jungle environment.
“We lived in a condo for decades and missed being close to nature. Meeting Warawut Kaewsuk I got to see the kind of tropical garden design I loved, with a forest, waterfall and stream. After buying the house, he even helped to organize it according to feng shui principles. The property we bought already had nearly an acre of the garden already, but the framework needed a lot of adaptation. My wife liked it as it was, but agreed we could make the changes we wanted.”
Warawut described his design concept for the front area as “a peaceful, open modern Zen garden, coordinating shade and cool water to create a tropical jungle, and continued, “we dropped support pilings to create a framework above. We avoided having a lot of weight to support by using artificial rocks and tree roots. The filtration system was efficiently hidden under the wood deck. The concepts came from my experience with natural ecology.
Designer hid the pond filtration system under the deck: a space-saver.Placing the pond in the shade on the north side of the house keeps the water cool enough for the plants and fish.
“Choosing the right plants was very important. Types, colors, forms, and leaf shapes create the moods. We used varietals with simple forms, detailed surfaces, and peaceful colors. Lichens, monkey grass, whites of crepe gardenia. For the tropical zone, we used varieties with glossy leaves: mango pine and brush cherry. Glochidion and water croton gave a lush damp look. Free form lines added elegance. Around the carport, we used plants of different heights. Plant selection and placement take a lot of expertise. A lot of care is needed, including weeding and raking. There’s a sprinkler system for moisturization.”
Bare cement and simple indoor furnishings add to the modern Zen feeling of the surrounding watery garden.Work inside the house with a pleasing waterfall view.
The nighttime lighting design creates intriguing dimensions and moods. Before we leave, Chohkchai tells us how pleased he is with the end result:
“This is just what the whole family wanted. Here we can read, work, have parties, or just relax, feed the fish, relax and enjoy nature. This fulfills a ten-year happy dream.”
Lamps shining both from above and below at night create dimension and a sense of motion as they highlight plants and tree limbs.
A beachfront home is built based on a simple exterior design, yet it is a perfect hideaway to relax in a tranquil environment.
/// Thailand ///
Story : Atla Otto /// Photos : Sungwan Phratem
The seaside landscape features a wood pergola with white drapes and a canopy. Lush sun-loving shrubs provide a pop of color to the beachfront.
Here is a simple home designed for easy coastal living. It is nestled on the peaceful western shore of Samui Island. The neighborhood is known for envy-inducing outdoor spaces and stunning sea views.
The space between buildings allows for ventilation and abundant natural light, keeping the entire home clean and cool. Outdoor tiles in complementing tones line the walkway between buildings. Grass growing in between pea gravel tiles help reduce the effects of sun glare on eyes.
The waterfront home sits on a rectangular plot of land large enough for building a good-sized house. But the property owner is not looking for a design that is twice longer than wide. Because a rectangular floor plan may be lacking in variety, he opts for something else more interesting. The result is a neatly planned vacation home comprising three detached units. All of their front rooms are positioned to take advantage of the waterfront’s views and breezes.
The sundeck extends from the multiple function building to connect with the infinity pool. Because the property ascends slightly from the beach, a retaining wall is built to mark the perimeter. The sun deck featuring a concrete vessel is crafted of pea gravel concrete. Behind it, a set of stairs leads to the beach below.
The three shed-roof buildings sit facing one another and come in different sizes. Their floors are raised 50 cm above the ground. The largest unit features a semi-open design to serve multiple purposes, incorporating a seating area, dining room and pantry. Next to it stands the second building with master bedroom with ocean views. An infinity pool, lush greenery and the beach lie between the two buildings and the open sea. The third building, which is set further back, features two en suite bedrooms. It is the first to be accessible from the street. The three-unit home boasts clean line exterior design with an emphasis on relaxing hues, such as white, gray and beige. Wood accents come in natural color and finish design to never go out of style.
The multiple-purpose unit, which is the largest of the three, features generous seating spaces and a pantry. Open design ensures the rooms get abundant natural light and fresh air. For a vacation home, the pantry comes in handy for quick meal preparations. The dining area next to the pantry boasts a set of teakwood table and clear chairs. Rock wall adds texture and an intimate feel to space. The master bedroom boasts sweeping sea views, thanks to large glass paneling on two sides. Wood flooring adds a pop of color and warmth to the intimate space.The dual-sink countertop in the master bathroom features polished stone finishes in soft white. Translucent laminated glass siding separates the bathroom from the master bedroom. Plenty of natural light ensures the bathroom is well lit despite its dark color effects.
Open design allows an abundance of natural light and breezes to flow easily through the three buildings. Genius landscaping ideas help keep the interior spaces cool naturally, while lush foliage provides for comfortable outdoor rooms just steps away from the sparkling blue waters.
The passageway separates the fishpond from the two-bedroom unit in the rear of the property. The house is accessible from the parking area via a revolving door. Sounds of water circulating in the fishpond communicate a warm welcome.
/ Story: Wuthikorn Sut / English version: Bob Pitakwong /
/ Photographs: Soopakorn Srisakul /
Here are twin houses designed for twins. They stand separated, physically at least, by a lively green courtyard garden. In a subtle way, the small outdoor room serves to strengthen the unbreakable bond between the two sisters. It stands for cordial relationships and passion in the form of a shared space that gets used every day. Taken as a whole, it’s about finding the right balance in life, creating harmony between preserving family traditions and bringing joy to the home.
The homeowner twins, Chutima Bunnumkitsawat and Chutimon Siriwithayarat, are now married. They live in separate households that share the same compound. As may be expected, the twin residences look amazingly alike. But they are two distinct entities. So we asked, and they answered.
“Originally, we had planned on renovating the property to suit the lifestyle needs of an extended family. By chance, my husband came across one of the designs by the architect and contacted him right away. We got down to the business of planning in earnest while the city was hit by a big flood in 2011.” Chutima said.
Three families meet in the center court separating the two homes.
She said that her family has lived on this property for three generations now, meaning those of Mom and Dad, the twin sisters themselves, and now the little ones.
Asked about design inspirations, Chutima said: “We both have kids roughly the same age. So family living spaces have got to be clearly defined. Simply put, we are two separate households now.
“The new twin houses are set on the same compound. Mom and Dad can be with the kids here or there. Bottom line, our children will get to grow up together.”
Viewed from the outside, the twin residences boast architectural features typical of simple clean line design. A center court separates the two while striking similarities keep them very much together.
Chutimon said that despite being two separate entities, the twin houses are subtly tied to each other in so many ways.
The playroom-cum-recreational space features a raised wood deck. It serves as children playground and has since become the family’s favorite hangout place.
Behind the perceived sameness, there exist a fair amount of differences. With their permission, we took a look around and found some different details “in the fine print”.
First, their lifestyles subtly differ. Chutima’s home features a design with an emphasis on vertical treatments that embrace the value of the family’s intimate living spaces. Patches of greenery in the vertical garden protect the privacy of the living room and nearby patio. Lush foliage makes for comfortable interior living spaces.
Then, on the other side of the courtyard, Chutimon’s home boasts open and light interior design featuring ample horizontal spaces. Reminiscent of traditional Thai houses in former times, the family interior living spaces look out over the center courtyard. The bedroom has a spacious balcony that has become the family’s favorite relaxing spot.
The spacious balcony outside the bedroom.
The semi-outdoor space by Chutimon’s bedroom has an array tall windows that afford a cityscape panorama when opened. When closed, the swing shutters serve as privacy curtains protecting the intimate living space. People inside can see out through vertical wood strips in the window treatmens, while outsiders cannot see in.
The awesome twin-house complex is the brainchild of designers Natasas Jeenphund and Yupayong Chaikachornt, of Poetic Space Studio.
As they put it: “The two homes highlight simple, clean line design. I want them to appear as two distinct entities. It is kind of like two well-pruned trees thriving side by side.
“In the meantime, it’s not about being totally separated. Basically, the plan is based on a design principle that aims to keep the two families very much together.”
In a nutshell, it’s a design that strikes the perfect balance between smart land use planning and architectural styles. More importantly for the twin sisters, it’s testimony to passion and the longing to be together and cherish the relationships made in heaven.
An outdoor area adjoining Chutima’s house lies protected by a lively green vertical wall garden shielding the home from too much sun and prying eyes.
/ Story: Supachart Boontang / English version: Bob Pitakwong /
/ Photographs: Sitthisak Namkham /
This house on stilts in a riparian neighborhood just off of Rama 2 Road represents a confluence of ideas between traditional craftsmanship and modern technology. There is timeless elegance and beauty in traditional design that provides an ample relaxation space on the open lower floor. The second floor features a wood balcony large enough to be used for several purposes, while the third holds a quiet, more secluded living space.
The three-story wood and concrete home features a mix of traditional and contemporary designs highlighting simple, clean lines that are easy on the eye.
On the outside, long eaves overhanging the walls of the building protect the interior from the elements, while solid walls shield the home from intense glare of the sun. The result of all this is a comfortable indoor environment.
Nanthapong Lertmaneethaweesap, of the Arsom Silp Institute of the Arts, designed this home as part of an affordable housing program for the institute’s most valuable assets — their teachers. The program has aided the teaching staff in owning a home of their dream, hence the name “Baan Bang-Gru”, meaning houses for the teachers.
He said that for the most part a house plan based on simple design is the most comfortable to live in. That has a lot to do with finding the right balance between functionality and the house’s overall dimensions – or how big it is. Easy living can be achieved without spending a fortune on sophisticated decorative details.
Inspired by the rice granary in former times, the house’s exterior wall features upright studs on the outside and wood paneling on the inside. The hardest part is making reclaimed wood panels fit in with the new design.
Our documentary crew visited this house in the waterside area just off of Rama 2 Road that was famous for its simple lifestyle. We witnessed people go about their business in ways that were distinctive to a riparian community. We also noticed that change was just around the corner.
Overall, the design and build quality of the house represented the combination of ideas between traditional knowledge and technology of the modern era. Interestingly, it was like is a journey through time.
The charm of a riparian wetland. The house at the water’s edge strikes the right balance between traditional and contemporary designs. Here, it makes a refreshing change to be able to live close to nature.
Charatsri Sribumrungkiat, the homeowner, said: “I acquired this piece of land thanks to assistance from the Arsom Silp Institute of the Arts. It was part of an effort to provide affordable housing for the institute’s instructors. The program has aided the teaching staff in buying a piece of real estate at cost price, hence the name “Baan Bang-Gru”, which means the teacher’s home.”
Family members are all smiles with the Thai-style ranch home in the backdrop.
Nanthapong added: “In my opinion, this piece of land has great potential. It affords good views both of the lake and the waterway that runs past the rear of the property.
“The house’s front façade rises facing south, and the building is oriented along the east-west axis. This enables it to reap the health benefits that come with southerly winds.
“The house plan in itself fits in very well with the waterside setting. Its house-on-stilts design provides an ample relaxation space on the open lower floor. The second floor features a wood balcony large enough for multiple functions, while the third holds a quiet, more secluded living space.”
The rear of the house affords a view of lush greenery and a peaceful waterway. The designer puts in a gallery large enough for multiple purposes. The covered loggia provides plenty of relaxing outdoor spaces and keeps the house cool all year round.
Occupying 120 tarang wah (480 sq. m.) of land, this house on stilts boasts high quality craftsmanship, albeit built on a small budget. This is possible because as much as 90 percent of lumber supplies came from reclaimed wood and other recyclables. New lumber used in the project accounted for only about 10 percent.
The homeowner attributed the success to his sister, who was good at finding recyclable ideas and putting them to good use around the house. This not only saved a lot of money, but it also filled the home with cool pieces of furniture.
Reclaimed wood left over from other projects is used in making a covered gateway separating the serene courtyard and the car park.The house elevated on concrete piles provides ample multi-use spaces on the open lower floor.
By design, the open lower floor is a feature that makes life less stressful. It provides easy access to practically everything, from the little lake in front of the property, to the peaceful waterway behind it.
It is the area that is used all day every day for relaxation, dining, tending plants and pruning trees in the garden. Plus, correct building orientation ensures the home receives the full benefits of natural ventilation especially during summer months.
The lower floor under the house lies open on all sides.
Originally the homeowners had intended to build a normal two-story house, but later decided to raise it on concrete piles instead. The change of plan resulted in the first floor becoming second, and the old second becoming third.
The main kitchen is on the ground floor. There is a good-sized sitting space with a small kitchen and dining room on the second floor that’s reserved for use in the event the ground floor is flooded. The third floor holds three bedrooms and a Buddha room.
A waterfront piece of ground is used for growing an herb garden. Earthen jars are placed underneath the gutter to harvest rainwater for use when needed.
The exterior walls are inspired by the rice granary in former times, in which vertical studs are installed on the outside and horizontal wood palettes on the inside. The edge joint technique that has existed for a long time ensures the wall is water impermeable during rains.
A minimalist staircase without risers between the treads creates good ventilation and a lightweight look. The same treatment applies to balusters and handrails crafted of steel rods.A beautiful array of windows opens to take in the view and plenty of fresh air. Narrow window design is used instead of side railing as protection against falling.
On the whole, it’s a beautifully crafted house on stilts, one that fits in perfectly with the peaceful riparian landscape on the outskirts of Bangkok. The interior living spaces are uncluttered in keeping with the minimalist style, while the exterior showcases the architecture, waterfront lifestyles and experiences unique to this part of Central Thailand.
The loggia with crisp waterfront views is the family’s favorite hangout place and multi-use outdoor room.
The classic and retro style of the three-story, 750-square-meter rowhouse is an awesome makeover from what was once a printing facility owned by the family.
Mirrors are used on one side to make the interior seating space seem larger. A plush leather upholstered sofa in dark hues contrasts with an aerial white cutout ceramic stool in Oriental style. The floor is covered with alternating gray and black granite tiles in the herringbone pattern. A rich array of terrarium adds life to the ambiance.
Much of the structure of this classic and retro style house is kept intact, except some parts of the wall that are removed to make way for optimal space utilization. In the process, the main entryway is relocated for added convenience. As the owners, Worapong and Sukanya Suwatpim put it:
“We built this row house duplex ourselves. The design is based on slightly different dimensions compared to those standard-sized row buildings. Our rectangular-shaped plot happens to be much longer than it is wide. In remodeling the living spaces, the main entrance that used to be on the front is relocated to the long side. It is more convenient that way.”
The second-floor living spaces feature open studio design with all amenities for comfortable living. Glass siding on the exterior walls lets natural light pour into space during daytime.
The ground floor offers parking spaces for classic cars that make parts of his collections. There are areas for hobbies and creative workspace surrounded by unadorned concrete finishes and hand-hewn, bare brick walls. Metal detailing is painted black, paired with cool retro-style furniture. The well-conceived combination adorns the interior spaces that obviously speak to retro-Industrial style.
The second floor features ample seating spaces, dining area, kitchen and a bedroom, which comes in cool classic style, and yet not too sweet.
Plans are afoot to turn the third-floor spaces into a gallery of many antique clocks that the homeowners have collected over many years.
The dining space and adjoining pantry boast Classic appeal with a mix-and-match approach to interior decoration. Victorian wood chairs and a crystal chandelier contrast with the black and white tile floor in a diamond pattern, adding even more interest to the room.
The couple has preferences for different interior decorating in classic and retro styles. This is where the designer, Paisal Chongprasobtham, comes in to create a welcome contrast in the interior living spaces, ones that are aesthetically pleasing despite different natures, luminance and color.
Sharing his thoughts, Paisal said:
The real kitchen that gets used every day comes with beautiful tile in-laid kitchen cabinets. Antique tile patterns add a unique touch to the atmosphere.The bathroom is perfectly adequate for two users at the same time. Double vanities beneath the granite countertop provide plenty of storage for bathroom supplies. The entire backsplash is covered in glass-bedecked with a pair of exquisite, jewel-like French mirrors
“Worapong prefers the raw rustic look that is the way of men, while Sukanya wants her design simple, and yet appealing by its very nature. So I give the ground floor unsophisticated look by incorporating features that are attractive, and yet unrefined. The interior walls show steel and bare bricks after plaster covering has been removed.
“I try to make the two interior styles of the classic and retro style go hand in hand by using dark shades like black and gray as connecting agents. Meantime, wood furniture comes in natural tones with an emphasis on simplicity, and yet cool. The kitchen counter is adorned with classic woodcarving patterns, making the atmosphere highly agreeable. The bedroom is given to luxury, no doubt the most comfortable and relaxing in every sense of the word.”
Leather-upholstered headboard and footboard in soft hues serve as statement pieces inside the master bedroom. Adorned with antique brass nail heads, they contrast with the bluish gray tone of decorative beading on the wall.
Being a much-traveled person, Sukanya is the one who chooses all of the decorating items. The job as a flight attendant has taken her to Europe often. And she particularly likes going to the flea market, out outdoor events selling secondhand goods.
A walk-in closet offers overhead shelves for rarely used accessories. A full-size mirror at the far end adds depth to the well-styled personal space.
“Both of us want a home with the Western appeal, but not to the extent of Louis style. And it must not be too sweet. With this job, I get to see and stay in nice hotels. I collect décor items that I like and adapt them to best suit our home.
A glass front armory features private collections including Fornasetti graphic plates.A handcrafted dresser and rustic mirror find their perfect spots in the space between the bathroom and walk-in closet.
At Sakon Tanchotakul, the designer of Scenery Concept Landscape Design & Contractors’s house in Nonthaburi, one is able to feel fresh and cool air in the jungle garden. Mist from the automatic sprinklers glistens on the leaves, and birdsong mingles with the sound of a waterfall. It’s a little heaven owned by one who loves nature.
“I wanted a jungle garden, lush greens relaxing to the eye, says owner Sakon Tanchotakul. “We tried grass first but Suraphong Owararin, the designer had said from the start that there was too much shade that made grass died. On the second try we told him where to place the things we liked, including the fish pond. He matched our concept perfectly, and now we have a two-stage waterfall with a stream flowing down to the gazebo.”
“We tore down and rebuilt the original gazebo and waterfall wall, but kept 2 big trees: golden shower and bauhinia,” adds Suraphong. “The owner gave me a free hand with the design. The owners went with me to pick trees with beautiful shapes, like tasselberry and Indian Oak. We put cat’s claw vine on the left wall to add some green, and below, for its fragrant leaves, jasmine. Jaemjan Nikhomrat said she really loved that white rainbow shower tree that’s now in full bloom and shading the car parking spot.
“The owner and I worked closely together on the design. At his request, we put in a bird cage, planted kitchen vegetables, a yard paved with freeform flagstone, and a relaxing gazebo.”
Suraphong and I go upstairs in the house to The owner’s home office.
“The owner wanted a view of the ‘jungle’ behind the house from this room. We picked shade-tolerant plants such as spike moss, tree ferns, begonia, and sword fern to line a walkway of artificial railroad ties. Here kitchen vegetables grow in ready-made planter boxes set on artificial grass.”
We spent only a little time here, but it was enough to see how deeply Sakon and Jaemjan loved his jungle garden. Not many of us might create such a miraculous garden, or care for it so well, but their example shows that when we protect and respect nature, then nature will reimburse and protect us in the same way, and give us happiness.
Happiness can be a cool breeze in the morning and a cup of coffee with pastries while listening to the sound of flowing water to a counterpoint of a birdsong. This is the experience offered at Kays Espresso Bar, a new cafe in Chanthaburi Province with a scent of coffee in the garden.
A decorative waterfall gives life and motion to the garden. On the stone wall above is the shop name.Ecology of nature: flamingo figures in fountain grass, fishing at pond’s edge.One of the garden highlights at Kays Espresso Bar, perfect choice and placement of plants and ornamentation.
Kwinwan Sangwan, a shop owner tells how it got started: “This was a dream of my Dad. We wanted the shop to be so pretty outdoors and in that customers would stop by to take pictures.”
“For the landscaping, we contracted Sak Rueangphrom. From the start, we wanted an English-style garden with a hint of tropical and a lot of places for people to sit and maybe drink coffee or tea.”
Freeform red flagstones trace a path from front to back. The river gravel is easier to maintain than grass. Vegetation of varying height lines the path past a birdhouse and an urn-shaped planter.
Sak took the challenge and delivered as ordered, even if there were a few problems to deal with.
“The first time I saw the worksite it looked like a desert, but somehow we managed to turn that around. The first problem was the clay topsoil, sticky and tightly compacted. We broke shovels digging, had to switch pickaxes. The good thing was that the ground didn’t absorb too much water, and wasn’t about to collapse.
English-style bird bath planted with asparagus fern, spikemoss hanging below. A ground cover of varicolored leaves and flowers makes this a striking spot.
“Then the weather. In Chanthaburi it rains a lot, so we adapted, using water-tolerant varieties such as flame nettle, ferns, crepe ginger, etc. Once it rained seven days and nights, but the trees recovered quickly and by now their roots have extended and can handle any amount of rain.”
Railroad ties laid down decoratively with ground cover plants growing over them.
The hardscape includes the large metal fountain in a modern style to match the building, with a pond and waterfall. Further on is a metal frame gazebo, and then a big rust-colored faucet set in an upright hollow log. A flagstone path of red sandstone runs throughout the garden.
Beautifully designed lion’s head above a faucet. If you wash hands here the water falls on a clean stone surface, no mess.
Old benches are set in the back, by a gray wall covered in climbing vines, with bright ground cover colors and a bird bath planter filled with beautiful flowers. English-style chairs are found in various shady spots.
English-style lawn chairs for enjoying tea and coffee outside.Arbor and back entrance gate, with a cobblestone walkway.
Sak adds, “we had to adapt the original model to include big shade trees such as giant crape-myrtle, freshwater mangrove, canna, etc., relying on hardscape and ornaments to create the sense of an English garden: urn-shaped planters, bird baths, fences, arbors. It came out just as we wanted: shady, pleasant, not overdone. Bees, butterflies, birds, crickets, and cicadas live and sing here, a relaxing sound.”
Urn-shaped planters at the entrance show off the English garden style.The owner especially loves this arbor, with its curved benches set on round cobblestones.
Here is a shop owner who loves sharing nature with his customers, and with the animals who make their home in the garden. For a taste of this happiness, stop in sometimes at Kays Espresso Bar, on Yanwirote Road right in Chanthaburi. We guarantee you’ll get hooked.
Arbor frame over a decorative brick column, with a hanging planter and cute bird sculptures.Cats claw vine climbs the decorative wall, reducing the harshness of the stone and bringing the garden closer to nature.A cute use for old watering cans: turn them into planters.
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