HOUSE / Living ASEAN - Inspiring Tropical Lifestyle

Tropical Stilt House with a Modern Aura

By livingasean
March 7, 2017
HOUSE,LIVING

Like a trend that never goes out of style, this Tropical house on stilts perfectly blends tradition with the aura of modernity. Check this out.

/// Thailand ///
Story: Ekkarach Laksanasamlich /// Photography: Piyawut Srisakul /// Style: Pakawadee Pahulo /// Design: Kyai Nuichan

A handsome new home is starkly juxtaposed with a quaint old house on the same piece of real estate. The agreeable contrast is the brainchild of two longtime friends: Apinan Makchuay, the owner and engineer, and Kayi Nuichan, the architect.

Apinan has always wanted to put in new house here. He felt it was the most comfortable place to live. The two buddies have worked together to satisfy the housing needs of their clients. This time they put their heads together to satisfy their specific lifestyle needs.

Kayi came up with house-on-stilts design to emulate the existing old-fashioned home his friend already had. He wanted Apinan to feel easily adjusted to new conditions that came with new design. The result was a combination of tradition and modern design trends. The new house has a double-layer roof designed for the Tropical climate, while the interior is separated into different modules conveniently linked by a patio. It’s made light and airy in keeping with the main attribute of stilt houses common throughout the Tropics.

Like old times, the owner spends the daytime on the poolside patio and only goes into the rooms at nightfall. As the puts it, that is the traditional way of reaping the full benefits of the Tropical climate.

The new house comes complete with three bedrooms, living room, workspace, dining area and kitchen. To shade it against the sun, the two friends managed to keep many existing trees on the property. Over time nature regained its place adding a soothing tropical ambience the old-meets-new scenario.

The house with a distinctive atmosphere took a long time in the making. It’s clear the two buddies have wanted it to be an enchanting place to live — one that’s perfect beyond words.

Farm House Echoes the Allure of Provence

By livingasean
March 6, 2017
HOUSE,LIVING

Inspired by rustic charms of the Provencal style, this farm house is an artistic expression that serves utilitarian purposes. The best of both worlds, perhaps? Take a look.

/// Thailand ///
Story: Ajchara Jeenkram /// Photography: Soopakorn Srisakul /// Owner/Designer: Siriwat Mungkalarungsi

“I recently googled places with mountain views and good weather, and it gave me this,” said Siriwat Mungkalarungsi sharing the story that led him to the stunning bucolic countryside. “I drove here to check it out for myself and ended up buying a plot from a local family.”

Siriwat designed the country home and oversaw construction himself. It gave him some reminding about past journeys. Beautiful mountain scenery conjured up images of Provence, a southern region of France. That explained the house’s full tilt towards rustic Provençal, a style widely admired for its an artistic expression. “I want a small house, one that’s easy to care for when I come here alone,” he added.

The house has a living room and kitchen on the lower floor, while the bedroom is tucked away on the mezzanine. It has just enough furniture and ornaments, no more no less, since the owner wanted his home to look and feel simple like the typical houses on the countryside.

Siriwat said that his neighbors were very kind. They looked after his house while he was away. Trying to blend into the cultural tradition of the local population, he sometimes invited them over and dined together. He could still recall camping out here while the house was under construction. For him it was a chance to step out of his comfort zone and lived among generous people and nature — an enchanting experience no doubt.

Echoing the allure of the French countryside, the yard is filled with the aroma of lavender and herbs, like tarragon, thyme, sage, and dill.

Modern Concrete Home with a Bright Interior Courtyard

By livingasean
March 4, 2017
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Bangkok, Thailand /

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

/ Photographs: Sungwan Phratep / Styling: Boonyawee Boonnak /

Albeit rather small in terms of land area, a pleasingly graceful concrete home feels spacious and airy thanks to a warm and welcoming interior courtyard.

Architect Intanon Chantip can still recall the day he was building this house for the most amazing person in the world — his mom. He insisted on making a nice, little center courtyard an integral part of the home plan.

“My idea is that no one wants to live alone,” he explained. “A courtyard comes in handy to help people reconnect with nature. A green space can turn an ordinary home into a vibrant dwelling place, plus it’s a friendly environment attracting birds and bees, cats and other animals.”

After his mother passed, the house was inherited to his brother, who had never been fond of a courtyard idea. Initially he wanted to put in a roof to shelter it from storm water runoffs.

But after having lived in it for a while, he had a change of heart. Like a blessing in disguise, the center yard over time transformed into a little Tropical paradise enabling him to live a refocused life embraced by nature.

cyh02 — In cross section, a charcoal sketch shows the house’s side elevation in relation to a small center courtyard.

The house’s interior boasts double high ceilings with a beautifully crafted spiral staircase on one side of the room. There are elements of unmistakable elegance manifested in the design that makes the hallway cozy and inviting.

The lush center courtyard can be seen in full view from both downstairs and the upstairs balcony.

Lush green vegetation turns the little courtyard into another day in paradise.

It’s amazing how a once unpopular idea transformed into the heart and soul of a family. Here, it sends a strong message that nature is so important in our very existence. A small center courtyard with thriving Tropical plants could very well be the first thing on your to-do list next time you plan to update your home. Unmistakably good design!

Architect: Intanon Chantip of INchan Atelier (www.inchan-atelier.com)

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Modern Tropical House with a Smart Big Roof in Selangor

By livingasean
March 3, 2017
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Petaling Jaya, Malaysia /

/ Story: Ekkarach Laksanasamrith / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Piyawut Srisakul /

Roof overhangs that extends beyond the exterior walls are designed to protect the home from the elements. They provide many benefits, among them protecting windows and walls from a splash back during rain. They increase open-air spaces that maximize breezes keeping the interior cool and dry. Plus, they are a simple architectural choice that makes the home beautiful. This modern tropical house with a smart big roof is capable of doing exactly that.

An expansive gable roof hovers over this modern tropical house comfortably ensconced behind natural stone masonry walls in Petaling Jaya, a city in the state of Selangor, Malaysia.

Not only does it shield the interior from the sun and inclement weather, but it also juts out in all directions to cover much of the yard space adjoining the building. The eye-catching design was made at the request of the homeowners, who loved nature and being outdoors.

The well thought-out design is lightweight. The entire roof is made of metal trusses consisting of rafters, posts and struts connected at joints.

In some parts, the eaves overhanging the walls of the building stretch out several meters. To avoid disrupting visual and spatial continuity, the architect used small-diameter steel poles to support the weight.

Where necessary, larger-diameter poles are used only to enhance safety and durability. The end result is impressive. All the rooms afford beautiful garden views come rain or come shine.

Built around a center courtyard, the home has four stories including a basement. The garden ambience is reminiscent of the atrium in an ancient Roman house, except that everything is under the shade.

The courtyard is easily accessible via sliding glass doors on the first floor. For a soothing interior atmosphere, the architect used only natural materials such as brick, rock, wood and some metal in simple, clean finishes.

There are many benefits to a contemporary house plan, among them plenty of opportunities to craft a warm and cozy interior perfect for the Tropical climate. But in this particular case, it’s the big roof design that takes indoor thermal comfort to a whole new level.

It’s the state of being in a good environment created by combining intelligent use of space with a good knowledge of native plants and the know-how to incorporate them in the design.

Architect: Tan Loke Mun of ArchiCentre Sdn. Bhd.

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A Bangkok Townhouse Embraces the Charm and Style of the Past

By livingasean
February 28, 2017
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Bangkok, Thailand /

/ Story: Lalitpan Cheumthaisong /English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Ritthirong Chanthongsuk, Soopakorn Srisakul /

Some things never go out of style. Here’s a gorgeous urban home that’s clearly reminiscent of a townhouse in earlier times. Its impressive stylishness exudes both class and relaxation, but looks can be deceiving. Albeit rather old-fashioned in appearance, this townhouse in Bangkok was built not long ago; and yet it expresses the visible form, the finishing and decoration that bring vintage elegance back to life.

The beautiful two-story residence belongs to interior designer Napaporn Pothirach, who bought it from a property developer while it was still under construction. She came in only just in time to apply improvement ideas to the original design.

A dining room-cum-workspace is the most elegantly furnished area of the house.

For a well-lit interior, Napaporn replaced solid walls with an array of glass doors with transom windows. Stairway walls and ceilings on the upper floor were removed to make the room feel larger and more connected. Some of the original windows deemed to be too small were replaced with bigger ones.

The homeowner even found a way to create an attic for her kids, turning the space directly below the pitched roof of the house into an extra room. An aberration from a typical townhouse perhaps? But for the children, it seems like a good idea, something fun, functional and happy.

Taken as a whole, the wooden parts of the house bespeak the homeowner’s passion for woodwork. They include window casings and frames, doors, antique décor, crafts and all things made from wood. Napaporn designed all the built-in furniture, fittings and other ornaments herself.

Among others, wooden cupboards with intricate carvings stand out from the rest. Needless to say, the overall effect is impressive.

Napaporn admitted, with a smile, that she sometimes bought decorative accessories with no specific plan to put them. That’s something which came later on. What a nice fluke! They turned out to be a perfect mix and match style with a common hue.

“I once had the opportunity of visiting the house of Geoffrey Bawa, my favorite architect,” said Napaporn when asked about her inspiration.

“I learned the concepts of space management and the art of applying cultural identity to design. They are the qualities that make a residence feel cozy, charming and timelessly livable.”

Space management as a concept may be simple, yet in practice it’s never easy. This townhouse with all the charm and character has proved one thing. The homeowner has successfully managed to put her newfound knowledge to good use. And it showed in the utilization of space and resources, and the way she intelligently designed and decorated her home with crafts.

Owner/Designer: Napaporn Pothirach

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A Wooden Home Embraces the Enduring Appeal of Traditional Style Architecture

By livingasean
February 27, 2017
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Bangkok, Thailand /

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

/ Photographs: Chaiyapruk Podang /

Created by a master architect, this contemporary wooden home in a suburb of Bangkok bespeaks the timeless elegance of traditional style residential architecture.

“It’s my intention to build this house out of wood because our country has strengths in wooden architecture,” said Chatree Ladalalitsakul, a nationally renowned architect. “Use of wood is the root of our wisdom and culture. It has made us self-sufficient in residential design and construction.”

The three-story home is crafted mainly of wood and structural concrete in beautiful flatwork finishes. Its uncluttered interior space is evidence of a minimalist style, combining aesthetics and functionality in ways that allow materials to show off their unique character.

Because the owner wanted his home to be perfect in every way, he gave the builders all the time it took to do it once and do it right. The resulting unsurpassed craftsmanship took three years in the making. The house emerged as a magnum opus in Thai residential architecture as he intended.

Striking the right balance, the interior showcases just enough pieces of magnificent woodwork, some of which are rare in this day and age.

The house plan is divided into two zones according to needs and activities. There’s a 10-meter-wide open space that clearly separates the private residential area from the office zone. The in-between space provides semi-outdoor room to chill out in the cool breeze looking out over the pool.

The first floor of the residential wing has plenty of room for dining, an open kitchen and piano room. The second floor holds a bedroom with private workspace, while the third contains a multi-use area for rest and recreation plus the owner’s favorite hobby, painting.

Sharing his work experience and a passion for wood, Chatri said: “A culture of wood construction that for centuries has benefited from the wisdom of our predecessors is on the decline. If it’s gone, our next generations will lose it forever.”

Overall, it’s a contemporary wooden home of outstanding merit. This is one that bespeaks the homeowner’s energy and enthusiasm to keep inspiring young architects to do their parts in preserving traditional-style wooden house design and architecture for years to come.

Owner/Architect: Chatri Ladalalitsakul of Tonsilp Studio

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A Small but Practical Loft House in Chiang Mai

By livingasean
February 26, 2017
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Chiang Mai, Thailand /

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

/ Photographs: Sitthisak Namkham /

Haven’t got a clue about what to do with small living spaces? This loft house of an architect should give you some ideas towards a quick fix. Find out how.

When talented young architect Sarin Nilsonthiyoung was planning on building a home for himself, he envisaged a place where he could wear anything he wanted and have free movement without bothering anyone and vice versa.

Wish granted, the small loft house now sits peacefully enveloped by thick, rubbed concrete walls. It looks like a fortress, perhaps because of that tunnel-liked entrance. Step into his world, and you come before a cozy loft house under the lean-to roof typical of an attached greenhouse.

Small but uncluttered, the loft-style home offers 100 square meters of carefully thought-out floorplan.

The workspace is tucked away on a tiny mezzanine that hovers above the living room. There is a closet that fits flush with the staircase. Nothing goes to waste. Even a niche above the bedroom’s window has enough room for a wall-mounted cabinet.

It’s not just design that’s cool. Construction was resource-efficient every step of the way.

The owner used recycled timber and leftovers from other things to make not only concrete forms, but pretty much everything else, from windows casings to door frames to furniture.

Green construction is not the only thing that goes into making this little house unique. It’s practicality that comes from creative ideas.

Every morning the homeowner wakes up to the sight of a peaceful rock garden reminiscent of an early Zen temple. Close at hands stands an outdoor bathroom, where he can shower alfresco – the best way to end the day in the sun.

An alfresco shower – the best way to call it a day.

“I feel good every time I come home,” said the owner. “Home is where one enjoys a freedom to live life well and with ease.”

That said, his loft house is by no means a big house, but it’s the answer to all his lifestyle needs. As the old saying goes, a man’s home is his castle. We couldn’t agree more.

Owner/Designer: Sarin Nilsonthi of D_Kwa Architects

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1.618 Khaoyai Residence: Modern Houses in Sync with the Rhythm of Nature

By livingasean
February 24, 2017
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand /

/ Story: Wanoi / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Soopakorn, Nantiya / Styling: Prapaiwadee /

A lot is happening in the retail real estate market, and many interesting projects are in the making in the immediate vicinity of Khao Yai in Nakhon Ratchasima Province. The scenic area of countryside known for its lush mountain landscape has emerged as a favorite holiday destination and site for property development. It’s preferred before all others of the same kind, the reason being it’s only a little over an hour’s drive from Bangkok.

Khao Yai modern houses — A stepping stone garden path with a view of the mountain landscape.

One of them is a housing development with a name that will capture your imagination. Known as 1.618 Khaoyai Residence, the project takes its name from the golden ratio commonly used in modern designs.

It promises modern houses that sync with the rhythms of the mountains and valleys of Khao Yai, and its front-and-center concern is about supporting human health and the natural environment in which it’s located.

Embracing an eco-conscious approach to residential development, 1.618 Khaoyai Residence seeks to integrate natural and built environments into one whole typically to the advantage of both. This line of thought is evident in the way it treats mountain scenery like paintings on canvas, into which modern pieces of architecture blend, creating a harmony between human and nature.

The Veranda model, one of seven house types on offer by 1.618 Khaoyai Residence.

The project offers seven house types, among them the “Veranda” which has received warm approval for its roofline that emulates the delightful contours of the wooded, lush landscape. To make the roof appear lightweight and blend with the surroundings, the project engineer chose wood shingles over terracotta or ceramic tiles not only for the top covering, but also for the building’s external envelope, particularly the front facades. The result is a house plan with pleasing uniformity in design.

On the whole, it’s house-on-stilts design that combines form with function to create a cozy living space for the Veranda model. To this effect, all the rooms are easily accessible from the 23-square-meter semi-outdoor room. It’s a good spot for family gathering, chilling out and soaking up the beautiful hillside ambience. Being not too far from Bangkok, the location is equally good either as a mountain escape or a family residence. Either way this Khao Yai modern houses project looks to be a win-win.

Architect: Archive Studio (www.archivestudio.org)

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An Awesome Tropical Lake House in Chachoengsao

By livingasean
February 23, 2017
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Chachoengsao, Thailand /

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

/ Photographs: Sungwan Phratep, Sitthisak Namkam /

Country living being a lifestyle choice, who needs extravagant furniture and all the luxurious amenities? Striking a perfect balance, this family’s Tropical home is designed to embrace the lakeside ambiance while offering just the right amount of modern conveniences. It’s hard not to love this modern Tropical house at the water’s edge. Wait until you see the inside and the infinity pool. It’s awesome.

The layout is inspired by traditional Thai houses in times past, in which the living room, dining room and even kitchen seamlessly merge into one open concept interior. This one in particular is a one-bedroom home with a big communal area capable of updating and adapting to suit different lifestyle needs that can occur over time.

The interior is well lit thanks to an array of overhead transom windows that allow plenty of natural light. The comfortable and cozy look of wood dominates the interior living spaces. The entire walls, windows, and doors are made of teakwood in light to medium shades of brown.

For durability, the floor is crafted of Tembusu timber that is known for its long-lasting hardwood quality. Movable pieces of ash wood furniture in complementary color combos bedeck the spacious interior rekindling memories of a laid-back temperament of old-world homes along canals.

Need a break? The house’s most relaxing spot is the area around an infinity pool, which originates indoors and stretches into the distance giving the impression that it merges into the lake. The homeowner family usually hangs out together and entertain visitors here.

Built on a good-sized piece of land, the Tropical lake home has given the family a freedom to explore new recreational activities, something they miss while living in the city. Out here on a tract of lush countryside, time well spent is time spent together riding bicycles and tending vegetable nurseries. The homeowner family now stays here three days a week and loves every minute of it.

Architect: Vorapoj Tachaumnueysuk of Monotello (monotello.co.th)

Visit the Thai original article…

บ้านไม้ริมน้ำ สุดชิลล์

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

By livingasean
February 22, 2017
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Phetchaburi, Thailand /

/ Story: skiixy / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Soopakorn Srisakul / Styling: Prapaiwadee /

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Owner: Paul Sripongpao

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

Visit the original Thai article…

T HOUSE บ้านวิวสวนและทะเลชะอำ ที่ห้องนอนทุกห้องเปิดหน้าต่างมาเจอกันได้ทุกเวลา

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Blog : HOUSE

Tropical Stilt House with a Modern Aura

Like a trend that never goes out of style, this Tropical house on stilts perfectly blends tradition with the aura of modernity. Check this out.

Farm House Echoes the Allure of Provence

Inspired by rustic charms of the Provencal style, this farm house is an artistic expression that serves utilitarian purposes. The best of both worlds, perhaps? Take a look.

Modern Concrete Home with a Bright Interior Courtyard

Albeit rather small in terms of land area, a pleasingly graceful concrete home feels spacious and airy thanks to a warm and welcoming interior courtyard.

Modern Tropical House with a Smart Big Roof in Selangor

A Bangkok Townhouse Embraces the Charm and Style of the Past

A Wooden Home Embraces the Enduring Appeal of Traditional Style Architecture

Created by a master architect, this contemporary wooden home in a suburb of Bangkok bespeaks the timeless elegance of traditional style residential architecture.

A Small but Practical Loft House in Chiang Mai

Haven’t got a clue about what to do with small living spaces? This loft house of an architect should give you some ideas towards a quick fix. Find out how.

1.618 Khaoyai Residence: Modern Houses in Sync with the Rhythm of Nature

An Awesome Tropical Lake House in Chachoengsao

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

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