/ Story: Skiixy / English version: Bob Pitakwong /
/ Photographs: Hiroyuki Oki /
Since its opening, an unusual cluster of five box-shaped concrete houses of different heights conceived by the Vietnamese firm Vo Trong Nghia Architects has been a wondrous sight for lovers of architecture.
These buildings are actually tree planter boxes set up to make a house for a small family. Besides catching the attention of passersby with trees popping up from rooftops, this clever design also won numerous awards in 2014, including the Ashui Award and a world-class award from Architectural Review.
The land was once used for a factory. Though the factory was demolished, it remains close to the hearts of the owners/family members, which is why they wanted to build the house here.
Due to environmental limitations such as a small alleyway for an entrance, an asymmetrical plot, and a lack of greenery, the owners decided to create a courtyard surrounded by gigantic plant containers. The result is a number of box-shaped concrete houses that resided amid a lush atmosphere.
In this way family members, and even nearby neighbors, can live close to nature.
Another impetus for the unique design involves the owner’s 50-year-old father. To provide some relief for his depressive disorder, the design team divided the house interior into five sections.
To move from one room to another, the father and other family members have to walk outside. Lush trees, gentle breeze, birdsong, and friendly neighbors can be good mental therapy.
“The five buildings are inspired by plant containers, making this place like a compact oasis in a residential area. In various alignments with neighboring walls, each building acts as a house divider,” explained the architect.
“Post-construction, the owners now get to view interesting effects created by the various angles. Each building reflects sunlight to create varying tones and shades all day long.”
Walls are the primary features of each building. An interesting exterior surface is created by bamboo pressed on concrete walls with a technique relying on the skills of bamboo artisans.
Not only bearing the entire weight of each box-shaped building, the walls also support heavily water-absorbent rooftop soil.
Normal topsoil is only 30 centimeters deep, but this extra-thick earth is 1 meter deep, more suitable for a large standing tree. The design was developed in consideration of Ho Chi Minh City’s typical flooding.
As expected, the box-shaped concrete houses has been successful in cheering up the depressive father, and even more, this architectural design uses nature to the benefit of both people and nature itself, helping them to live together in harmony.
In the midst of a verdant oasis stands a contemporary home with bare concrete walls and wood decoration. It blends perfectly well with a peaceful country setting in Rayong, a province on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand.
The home consists of two buildings rising in perfect harmony with nature, thanks to the raw look of bare concrete finishes.
“I used to live in the house next door. One day this home was up for sale, so I bought it because I liked the design and the decoration,” homeowner Prom Duangkai said with a smile.
“I gave it a complete makeover, turning it into the kind of dream home that I have had for a long time. Old house poles and full-grown trees on the property were left pretty much intact. Upon completion, I sold the old house and then moved over here.”
The one-story wing of the house is used as work room and space for entertaining houseguests. The main entryway has folding shutters that open up the entire front façade to connect with the great outdoors.The hobby lobby: The homeowner’s favorite hangout is the front porch, where time goes by slowly and is spent working on creative projects. It has all desirable qualities – ease of care, plenty of natural light, and good ventilation.Furniture items in dark earth-tone browns blend nicely with the atmosphere inside the welcome area. The homeowner’s woodwork and décor items are on display here.
There are two buildings on the property. The smaller, one-story wing abutting on the street in front serves as work room and space for receiving houseguests. It has a spacious front porch that is being used for hobbies and carpentry work.
Good ventilation paired with plenty of natural light turns the area into ideal workspace. Walk in the door, and you find simple living room ideas and decorative pieces crafted mostly of wood. Every piece fits in well with the raw appeal of naked concrete finishes in the room.
Upfront, bi-fold doors open all the way from one side to the other, making the room feel light, airy and comfortable all day.
Generous wall openings increase the amount of fresh air circulating indoors, while lush vegetation permeates the landscape to reduce the harsh effects of solid concrete walls.
“I designed everything myself, from the basic structures, to furniture, to décor. I like bike riding and making road trips to reconnect with all that nature has to offer. It is about a longing for good times and going back to the beauty of our natural home,” Prom said.
“I’ve always wanted to incorporate the raw feel of wood and bare concrete finishes in the design. It’s a way to create a living space that syncs with the rhythms of nature. That’s the reason for choosing naked materials. Then, I put in large windows and doors so that the garden can be seen in full view from inside.”
[Left] Awning windows provide better protection from the elements and create a natural ventilation effect. / [Right] Big rocks placed one on top of the other make a set of steps that connects the porch to the side yard.Prom added that he was a big fan of DIY furniture and handcrafted decorating items. Besides saving a lot of money, they can be custom-made to meet specific everyday needs. Every now and then he created one-of-a kind furniture and décor items in this way. They might look unfinished and far from ideal. But that’s exactly what gives them the power of giving delight.
A twig anchored to a home office desk serves as rack for hanging hats and tchotchkes from a lifetime of carpentry. House and garden publications that are his pastime are kept here.
Move on to the second building. It’s a two-story place of residence that shares the same characteristics as the first building.
The exterior walls are of naked concrete finishes mixed with wood. There’s an element of surprise though. An opening in the second-floor balcony allows a Pride of India tree (scientific name: Lagerstroemia speciose) to rise from the ground up and shoot right through reaching for the sky.
Here, nature has priority. It’s the homeowner’s favorite shady garden nook, where time goes by slowly. It’s a place to sit down sipping coffee taking a break from pruning trees in the yard.
The homeowner’s creative space is a patio complete with a set of workbench and stool made out of materials left over from other projects. The coarse bark texture of the house pole in the background harmonizes with the rustic country ambience.The front porch offers plenty of space for potted houseplants, including miniature succulents and bonsai trees.A thriving Pride-of-India tree shoots right through an opening in the second floor balcony. It is the intention of the homeowner to let nature permeate the living spaces where possible.
In retrospect, it’s amazing to think about all the benefits that trees are giving us humans. Particularly at this house, they provide a refreshing change and the inspiration the homeowner needs to satisfy his passion for wood. Needless to say, it’s an enchanting place to live and work.
For the homeowner, nothing beats a bike ride around the neighborhood in the afternoon. Oftentimes he runs into something worthwhile to take home. Even twigs and tiny found objects sometimes make great décor items.
This beautiful Tuscan home is one of 60 houses in “The Eyrie” project at Khao Yai. Its atmosphere is similar to – and just as attractive as – houses in Italy’s Tuscany region.
/// Thailand ///
Story: Ajchara Jeenkram /// Photos: Soopakorn Srisakul, Sitthisak Namkham /// Style: Phakhawadee Phahulo /// Design: Amnad Khitapanna /// Landscape Architecture: Little Tree by Sirivit Riubamrung and Charturong Khunkong
This relaxing spot is a good place to sip tea in the late morning. The owners built a trellis of umbrella bamboo here, and planted climbing vines for shade.The garden and cozy little nook out front are designed to match the architectural style.Gentle sunlight in the early morning shines into the house, creating a warm atmosphere. /// Set in U-shaped form, the kitchen can be used as a food preparation counter or a small bar. There’s a built-in ceiling-height cabinet for equipment storage.The living room connects to the dining area, decorated with natural materials: woven wicker, stone, brick, and authentic wood.
The owners tell us that the minute they saw the prospectus they decided to buy here, because of their faith in the skill of Amnad Khitapanna, the project’s designer.
The homes here are outwardly of all different designs, no two alike, but they complement each other to give the impression of a single village. This house is situated in the middle of the property, leaving room for grass lawns both in the front and the back.
The lower floor steps down to the kitchen, dining room, and living room, which are set at a lower level to connect more smoothly with the back yard. The property slopes down a bit. This adds some privacy and also opens to a beautiful view of the ring of mountains behind the house.
The dining area connecting to the kitchen gives the feeling of a French bistro, with light and airy décor.By the staircase, the owners keep the light subdued for a sense of intimacy. /// The hallway on the second floor is full of sweetness: Painted furniture, a classic chandelier, and curvy decorative items.
Niece’s bedroom is done in pastels and wavy cloth for a sense of sweet femininity. /// Light-colored wicker furniture pairs with flower pattern decorations for a hint of European style.
Bedrooms on the second and third floors are decorated in sweet, pastel colors. Additionally, there is a library-cum-living room, which the owners selected black and green for the decor on purpose to differentiate the space from other rooms.
An umbrella bamboo trellis on the front yard forms an arbor planted with climbing vines, complemented by European-style metal furniture, where one can drink tea and relax.
The interior decor was done entirely by the owners just the way they wanted. They never studied design formally, just collected memories from their journeys to Tuscany and used as decorative ideas for this gorgeous home.
What they have created is no less wonderful than the house design that could have been done by a professional.
English country décor and furnishings adorn the dressing corner and living spaces in the bedroom.Above the headboard are the wife’s paintings inspired by her stays in hotels abroad.The wife’s favorite bathtub with lion’s paws leg design. A tall window is built to bring in natural light and for improved ventilation.The classic library-cum-living room is done in cream. A European-style fireplace is installed for use during the winter.The lounging area in the back is not exposed to sunlight. So, it can be used all day long. /// Behind the house is a smooth grass lawn. Mexican daisies on the wall and a wrought iron fence go together well with the overall look of the house.
The standard concept of “townhome” gets thrown out the window the minute you see this exotic oriental home.
/// Thailand ///
Story: “kirakira,” Photos: Sitthisak Namkham, Style: Somboon Gringgrai, Owner/Designer: Pantavit Lawaroungchok of Apostrophy’s The Synthesis Server Co., Ltd., Contractor: Hem Heepkaew of Happening Design and Construction Co., Ltd.
The townhome stands prominent behind green grass and trees. The house exterior features wood and stone, also containing the spirit of nature. The simple lines of the house in grey, white, cream, and brown convey a feeling of comfort.A relaxing spot in the front: A banyan hedge by the kitchen forms a sweetly refreshing green wall.The family’s favorite hangout, with fancy furniture and bright gold ornamentation harmonizing in a common theme. A wall of black marmo granito in the back almost makes you think you’re in the lobby of a 5-star hotel.Dining corner, with a mixed array of furniture. At the side is a show wall with some of Pantavit’s most prized collections.
Pretty posh for a “townhome”, the mood is reminiscent of a formal dinner in a luxury hotel. An emphasis on lighting arrangement and bright, shiny furnishing makes for a uniquely elegant charm.
Pantavit Lawaroungchok, owner/design director of “Apostrophy’s” design studio, was experimenting with new urban living concepts and transformed his family’s property into something resembling a ritzy resort.
There are a lot of remarkable things about this house, beginning with the large central room’s “triple space” concept vertically connecting it to the sky, with a three-story tall clear glass “moonroof ” that opens and shuts by remote control to add dimensions of light and shade to each level. The open design also facilitates interaction among family members between floors.
On the first floor is a living room, dining area, kitchen, and vertical garden. Pantavit’s mother’s and aunt’s bedrooms are on the second floor, along with a small living space and Buddhist altar room. The third floor holds Pantavit’s master bedroom, actually more a kind of super-fancy penthouse with a bedroom, an entertainment area, a master bathroom , a dressing room, and a small garden on the balcony.
From the dining room looking out toward the entryway in front: furniture arrangement clearly splits the space it into definite zones. /// One of Pantavit’s favorite spots is the 3.5-meter dining table. It doubles as a place to work, or just to read.Cabinet shelves have a mesmerizing shine: these are fabricated separately, then put together and finished using a spray-paint technique similar to what’s used in auto body shops.
Its interior decor consists of furniture and other items with a contemporary Asian look, a lot of it collectibles Pantavit fell in love with and brought back from trips abroad.
The area in back is built out into a 7.5-meter-high vertical garden, with plants divided into 3 zones, each receiving the same amount of light, moisture, and water through an automatic sprinkler and UV sun lamp system. The automation helps ease the hurried lifestyle of urban dwellers.
The exotic oriental house design is a fine expression of beauty that can be found in mixing Asian styles, and at the same time is a useful experiment in urban family living and novel use of space.
The back area of the townhome is transformed into a super-hip vertical garden. Here you can lounge around in this hanging modern-looking bubble chair made of clear acrylic.The stairwell is decorated with a very interesting abstract painting, intentionally placed there for its patterns that play with the planes of wall and floor. /// A “living room” corner on a mezzanine level has a warm, easy atmosphere.The walkway on the second floor is lined with beautiful pictures. From the guard rail, the lower floor can be seen, and family members on different levels can interact.Inside Pantavit’s aunt’s bedroom we’re greeted by soft, inviting, and restful lighting. The vertical patterns on the wall fools the eye into thinking the room is larger than its actual size.The master bedroom on the third floor is done in white, cream, and browns. Mirrored panel behind the headboard makes the room appear to be larger.The master bath has a shower section and a bathtub. A washbasin is designed for two. One of the walls has openings to let the natural light in. /// In the master bedroom directly adjoining the bathroom, a dresser is arranged along the wall in the dressing room. Venetian blinds are on one side of the wall for sufficient light during makeup.
This pristine mountain retreat at Khao Yai, Nakhon Ratchasima evokes a flashback of Safari scenes in the 1985 film “Out of Africa.” It consists of a group of buildings that merges into the lush green contours of geography and topography of the area. A stream runs through it. The relaxing sounds of a babbling brook are soothing to the mind as it moves under the canopy of tall trees into a larger tributary somewhere far away.
The first building, nicknamed the Clubhouse, serves a dual purpose as a welcome area and common room open to everyone. Its funky yellow façade is adorned with reclaimed timber recycled from an old ship hull, evoking pleasant memories of an installation art show.
“I like being by the sea. Mountains are not my kind of place. But this location changes everything. It’s different from other places. There’s a small stream flowing through it. The gentle rush of water flowing enlivens the entire natural surroundings,” said homeowner Piset Chungyaempin, who is executive chairman at Piko (Thailand) Public Company Limited.
Here, ecosystem health takes precedence. To transform his property into a perfect holiday home, Piset avoided cutting down trees the best he possibly could. He has a plan. With a smile, he said: “The house is a holiday retreat for now, but in the future we can live here long term.”
The kitchen inside the Clubhouse has a rustic country flair. The walls in shades of orange characteristic of Fresco architecture add the charm of a Tuscan village to the atmosphere. The kitchen island is crafted of pinewood in light hues to bring out the superb natural wood grain that whispers a soft rustic appeal.“The kitchen is probably the most expensive part of the house,” said Piset. “It’s designed to look as if it had been around for some 50 years. The cooking range, for example, is a new technology remade to imitate the Retro styles in times past. It stands in perfect harmony with a relaxing vintage ambience.”
In sync with the rhythms of nature, the house plan twists and turns around the existing trees. The homeowner made a choice from a range of possibilities. Instead of one big house in the woods, he chose a design consisting of three smaller buildings. The result is a charming trio that’s comfortable, warm and welcoming, plus a sense of space and privacy.
“This room is affectionately called the Aquarium although people live in it,” said Piset. Spectacular views of hillside landscapes can be seen from here. It’s a glass-enclosed living room with a typical Safari feel to it. Furniture pieces strike the right balance between old wood, leather, and vernacular style upholstery.The dining area boasts a Mexican-style teak table from the Crossroad, a Chiangmai furniture store. Upholstered wooden chairs with genuine leather backrests came from the Netherlands.
The first building has two levels, which Piset nicknamed “The Clubhouse.” It serves a dual function, as a welcome area for entertaining guests and a common room for use by anyone at any time. There is a mid-sized kitchen with a hint of cool country vibes on the first floor.
The second building holds a rustic home living space by the water. At present, it’s a living room setting. When needed, it can easily sleep up to four people. Piset’s favorite nook is the front porch overlooking a carp fishpond and a small stream nearby. He plays the guitar and does his hobby projects here sometimes.
The building that houses Piset’s private residence has turns and angles intended to avoid cutting down trees on the property. The floor plan allows for nature to permeate the living spaces to the max.
The ground floor of the private residence can be rearranged to accommodate visiting house guests. The room in Safari style is adorned with area rugs, throw pillows, and upholstered chairs crafted of vernacular fabrics. The ceilings, floors, door panels, and cabinets feature beautiful wood grain in natural shades.The master bedroom is spacious with a bed made of old wood in it. “Like a fortunate stroke of serendipity, it’s by chance that I came across old railroad ties listed for sale. They were very heavy and needed seven to eight people to transport them up here,” said Piset.The front porch overlooking a carp fishpond is Piset’s favorite nook, where he likes to play the guitar, or just relaxes in the comfort of a wicker chair that he brought over from his old house.
Piset named the third building “Tarzan’s house.” His son lives here. It’s a one-bedroom house on stilts designed to look like a treehouse.
There is a small pantry for making simple meals and a balcony that doubles as a lookout post. Its most interesting feature is the hydraulic powered staircase that’s neatly stowed away when not in use. It’s like he’s actually living somewhere up there in the treetop.
[Left] A bathroom countertop crafted of reclaimed wood brings out the beauty of raw natural textured finishes. / [Right] An old bookshelf speaks volumes for the homeowner’s personal interests. It’s filled with publications on guitars, boats, and Safari style decor. All things considered, it is a small world embracing Safari themes and colors that Piset has come to love. It is a living space rich in spirits of adventure and memories of enchanting experiences.
Taken as a whole, it’s a group of three buildings that differ greatly from one to the other. Nonetheless, they share a few common characteristics — a mix of Moorish, Safari, and rustic country styles. Decorating items for the most part reveal a taste for the beauty of raw textured finishes, while furniture comes in the Antique style.
The bedroom inside “Tarzan’s house” showcases Spanish-style antique cabinetry bought from a Chiang Mai furniture store. To give it a vernacular touch, the walls and ceilings are made of woven bamboo paneling mixed with OSB boards.[Left] A spacious bathroom feels very relaxed. Piset said: “It’s designed to eliminate fear of a confined space.” / [Right] A countertop is made to look as if it were floating. Wooden parts in muted colors imitate antique wood finishes, while a mix of brassware and marble adds a touch of class to the interior space.
This modern classic house was inspired by the classic style of architecture, but adapted for a simpler look to fit contemporary ways of life. The interior is spacious, with a very high ceiling.
/// Thailand ///
Story: Supachat Boontang /// Photos: Sitthisak Namkham /// Style: Somboon Kringkrai /// Architecture: The Emperor House Co., Ltd. /// Interior Decoration: 8 Interior Architect /// Landscape Architecture: Little Tree by Siritvit Riubamrung and Charturong Khunkong
The parlor’s white wall brings out the gold of decorative wall mirrors and hanging lamps. Orchids are arranged in small bouquets.The reception parlor and living area in white and cream is fresh and bright with classic purple armchairs, which the owners really love. A glass wall and a golden center table with super-shiny surface help to break up the room’s dazzling whiteness and add an elegant touch.The parlor is separated from the large main room of the house by a folding wooden partition that keeps the room from being too hidden away. /// To one side of the dining room is a small, relaxed corner for morning coffee and informal breakfast.The dining area comes in white from floor to ceiling to walls. A green mosaic tile and black and white graphic pattern on the rug help keep the space from appearing too empty and bland.The “living room” corner on the second floor has grey shelves behind it. The strong brown of the sofa and gently patterned throw pillows give warmth to the room and make it an attractive place to be.
To make the house look warmer and more welcoming, the designers pared down the size of large areas by using arches for demarcation.
Cream and white, light colors relaxing to the eyes, were used in unique combination with a different color in each room, creating charm and interest with purple, emerald green, and gray.
The interior decor doesn’t clearly indicate any particular style, but retains a classic foundation, or better said, a hint of American classic, reducing decorative elements for a more elegant presence, yet still warm and inviting.
Upstairs, they “living room” corner right near the staircase in the center of the house, is a practical place to meet and chat before bedtime.The master bedroom is symmetrically designed like a fancy hotel room. Following the designer’s suggestion, white and navy blue are used in tandem for a dignified atmosphere.Contemporary wallpaper adds a special look to the entryway connecting the dressing area to the master bedroom.
Furniture placement emphasizes a balance consistent throughout the house and garden. There is minimal ornamentation, but everything is arranged correctly for the house to come off as posh, beautiful, and well set up.
Nature is brought in boldly to supplement the classic house. There is a wonderfully shady and green English garden with a stylish gazebo for relaxation and socializing. All in all, this is a modern classic home truly shaded by nature.
Simple but effective, a mirror with a fashionable, classically elegant shape hangs on the wall. /// The dressing room has a built-in cabinet with a clear glass surface for easy access to stored items.The small bedroom features a gorgeous combination of lavender, white, and cream made for a sweet atmosphere.At the side of the house is a shady English-style garden, planned in symmetrical balance, with a gazebo front and center whose design matches well with the house.The small building is used for receptions and dining on important occasions. /// A cute spot for socializing, the area showcases alternating paved and grass blocks in the chessboard pattern often seen in English-style gardens.A roof of clear glass lets natural light into the mid-garden gazebo. Surrounding aluminum-framed glass walls connect a view of the garden outside.
Our team meets the owners of this modest-sized condominium. With beaming smiles, the owners open the door of their little perfect room for two to greet us.
A table with wrought-iron legs topped with wood harmonizes with the straightforward designs and colors of the chairs and the metal-framed sliding door. To prevent the room from looking too dark, the designer put in the golden stools.The owner tended to buy similar accessories to what she already had because she didn’t see them in her sight. To solve this, the designer made space for hanging small accessories on the side of the cabinet. The owner likes the idea a lot.
“We met our designer all because of Room Magazine,” one of the owners said. She was referring to the owner and designer of a Parisian-style suite featured on the magazine’s March 2012 issue.
“I had already bought the place, but didn’t know where to start. Every day I dropped by at a bookshop to buy books and magazines on interior decoration, bring them home and talk with Aor and my parents. This went on and on, until we saw that edition of Room. Well, for me that was love at first sight. And Aor felt the same way.”
View from the entrance. A metal framework partitions the space into a dining area and a parlor. From this angle, it’s like looking into an outdoor greenhouse.
There were plenty of problems to be solved with this room. Accommodations and adjustments had to be made for their lifestyles and personalities. Bell works in the fashion business, and likes putting on makeup while watching the morning news. Aor gets up later. So they put a vanity and a television outside the bedroom.
The bedroom is simple but striking. The pigeon-gray wall contrasts with the crimson bed sheet. Gimmicks lie in details, such as using an industrial lamp instead of an ordinary reading light, while a fancy crystal chandelier-like lamp is hanging on the far side.
Bell doesn’t see herself as full of feminine sweetness. Her favorite color is “pigeon grey,” which has a hint of blue. But she also wants the place to be a comfortable one for Aor, her other half, too. The couple then trusted in the skills of their designer and let him run his own ideas to work on the transformation of the space.
The designer has managed to adjust the room plan and move a door for added convenience. He also inserted a little pet door for Minnie, their dog. The door has a unique look, studded with different kinds of brass rivets.
The end result was more than satisfying. When they had their first look at the designs and models, they were delighted. “It was really gorgeous! Aor and I made almost no changes from his original design. It was exactly what I’d had in mind, in both design and function. We both saw it as the perfect solution.”
The path from design to finished work wasn’t all smooth sailing. Little problems popped up along the way. Sometimes it was the contractor not sticking to the specs. Other times the details or materials weren’t exactly what they had pictured. “The flooring with black and white chess pattern, some parts of the white stone turned yellow, or had a little stained, but I left them that way. If things weren’t too ugly, we were OK with them. Actually, I was impatient and wanted to move in really fast.” (laugh)
The intricate patterns on the closet surface are the designer’s solution to the original design. “These started out as engravings, but it was taking so long. The designer turned them into illustration works instead. The closet ended up being really beautiful, and we love it.”
Maybe it’s destiny that brought Bell and Aor to fell in love with the Parisian-style studio. But beyond the destiny, it’s the matter of efforts and understandings that make the perfect room for them.
This unusual home with intriguing ideas hidden inside belongs to Vazzan Tirangkura. With a big smile, he told us the story behind it. “It’s called The Tinman House because I was impressed with Tin Woodman, the fictional character who was looking for his heart in L. Frank Baum’s novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.”
The coming together of vertical and horizontal lines gives a sense of youthful exuberance to the box-shaped house perfectly fitted for a rectangular plot of land. Grayish-black checker plates act as a double skin that prevents heat and filter sunlight, keeping the interior cool and comfortable.
Vazzan had looked for the right location for years before he came across this piece of land by accident. “I was driving one afternoon and got lost. As luck would have it, I made a turn into this side street and found a house listed for sale right there in front of me. The land was 53 square wah (212 sq. m.). I thought about it for a night and went back to settle the deal first thing the next day.”
After a consult with Jun Sekino of Junsekino Architect and Design, the rest was history. Jun Sekino was his favorite architect, who continued to translate his ideas into reality.
“Vazzan wanted this house built for a small family with two kids.” He was single at the time. It sounded ridiculously dreamy to me. But once finished, the Tinman House reflected both the homeowner’s character and a living space that’s raw, something in its true state not pretending to be more palatable than it actually is,” said Jun Sekino.
A modern Buddhist altar is made from a laser-cut metal plate, giving a raw and sleek look, which goes well with the house’s materials and linings.
The rectangular house plan offers 415 square meters of space for practical and effective use. The stairway works as a core ventilation stack. The linear interior hallway distributes functions to all the rooms.
The first floor has a carport, a welcome area, living room, dining room and kitchen, while the second is divided into a library, workroom, dressing room and guest bedroom. The quiet and more secluded third floor holds a master bedroom and children’s bedroom. On the fourth floor lies a sky garden with a peaceful lounge offering privacy.
The open entranceway adopts traditional Asian-style flooring to suit the modern environment. The outcome is an airy area that feels comfortable without air conditioning.
On the whole, it’s a creation based on form-follows-functions and ergonomic concepts. For best results, the homeowner participated in planning every step of the way. He questioned every detail so that all the building designs performed the function tailored to his needs.
Bright yellow epoxy flooring in the dining room; the color is chosen to encourage an appetite. A mirror panel connects the dining room to the living room. Louvers are installed from floor to ceiling. So the wind can flow through and the view outside can be seen.
Minimalist design appears not only in its look, but also in the house’s functionality. There are no door knobs. Instead, bolts are applied for every door in the house. Isn’t that exciting? It’s been a while since we last saw a bar that slid into a socket to fasten the door and window.
The kitchen combines a striking red color with a raw, industrial style. The counter boasts the beauty of simplicity in the form of polished concrete finishes. Supplies are stored inside built-in checker plate closets.
Overall, the decoration is done in a loft style that brings out the true nature of materials. Reclaimed timber recycled from the old demolished house find new purposes as a gigantic bookshelf (0.60 x 29 x 3 meters in size), a work desk, a bedside table and flooring materials, to name but a few.
There are plenty of ideas that take modern loft decor to the next level. Built-in furniture is all custom made, pushed up against the wall to create a roomy living space. The pieces are made from industrial supplies, for example, water pipes, metal plates, expanded metal grating, and checker plates.
More so than anything else, it’s the use of primary colors that adds a refreshing change to the home — red, yellow and Majorelle blue.
A loft-style guest bedroom is ready to welcome his “don’t drink and drive” friends. Shelf-like metal bunks with mattresses have enough room to sleep two people comfortably.[Left] An expanded metal mesh door adds an airy feel to the dry part of a bathroom. Polished concrete finishes paired with a stainless steel bucket make a simple set of wash basin and counter. / [Right] A red custom-made metal door breaks the rawness of unpainted concrete.A roomy workspace on the second floor can be seen in full view through a rope net hung in the middle of the third floor. The wall on the west side is filled with an array of bookshelves, which as a whole provides a buffer against heat.
Taking everything into account, the building external envelope is clear and simple, while interior design is lively and fun. All the spaces and functions are interconnected to serve everyday needs. No doubt it’s a perfect home for a small modern family.
Sharing his slice of paradise, Vazzan said: “Because I travel a lot, I’m very happy when I have a chance to stay home. I love every corner in this house. Each of them is designed having me as its center. It’s thoughtfully devised to be simple, practical and timeless. Even in the next 20 to 30 years, it will always be a contemporary home.”
The stairway is painted Majorelle blue, an indelible visual impression Vazzan experienced during a recent trip to Morocco.Simple master bedroom décor affords a warm, relaxed atmosphere. The headboard is adorned with a laser-cut metal plate featuring dragon and swan design. The metal bed frame is designed by Vazzan himself.
Before we say goodbye, Vazzan has a piece of advice for those planning to build a home of their own. “The owner has to take part in the design, because he or she is the heart of the house — The Tinman House included. The heart of a home is borne by its owner.”
Viewed from the top, a spiral staircase in Majorelle blue connects the dressing room to the bedroom on the second floor.
Surrounded by mountains and the clean, pure beauty of nature, the owner of this lovely home in the hills feels there is no better place for him and his family to have a wonderfully peaceful retirement life. No more do they have to travel abroad for relaxation.
Surrounded by mountains and the clean, pure beauty of nature, the owner of this lovely home in the hills feels there is no better place for him and his family to have a wonderfully peaceful retirement life. No more do they have to travel abroad for relaxation.We come in from the carport to a welcoming parlor furnished with an antique console dresser.The stairway in the entry hall leads up to the second floor.The living room adjoins the dining area. This part of the house is light and spacious, with glass doors on all sides.
The house is modeled after residences in the Cotswolds, an ancient rural area in the south of England, and adapted to suit the weather and available building materials in Thailand. With a steep, narrow-eaved roof, it has arched entryways and many windows. The top floor is really an attic, with the roof as ceiling. There is a fireplace and chimney for use in the cold season. The charm of the house shows in the craftsmanship.
The island can easily switch uses to serve as a dining table
The living room has a high ceiling, with beams added in to illustrate details of house construction.
The workroom is warm and comfy with long glass windows looking out on the garden.
Outer walls are of stone, which provides good insulation, and the longer the house stands, the more classic its beauty will be. The interior is open and comfortable. Glass windows and doors open wide for garden views, besides catching the breeze and letting in natural light during the day.
Colors are earth tones, warm and relaxing. The garden is designed to match the style of the house: warm and natural-looking, after the fashion of English gardens.
Where the home environment is naturally lush and green and the weather is cool and comfortable almost the whole year, each day of life brings deep relaxation and comfort.
The master bedroom with charming country-style furnishings: Wooden beams are set above the bed for decorative effect. Recessed and indirect lighting provides a soft, relaxing illumination.
Bedroom décor on the lower floor features cream tones, with olive-green walls. /// The master bath has a double washbasin with a stylish marble countertop .A verandah with warm-colored wicker sofa and chairs opens out directly from the living room. On good-weather days this is a great place for breakfast or an informal lunch.The deck on the far side of the house is under an extended roof. Table and chairs are set out for easy dining or a small family party.The kitchen building is for serious food preparation. Split off from the main house, it still has a section for non-cooks to sit and hang out. /// A small swimming pool, set off from the house, is covered to protect against the heat.
The impeccably proportioned home is a homey condo in a skyscraper-studded Thonglor District. Ten years ago, his parents bought 70 square meters worth of room here to use for rental income. As the room deteriorated over time, the owner found a chance to transform it into a home of his own.
“I wanted an ordinary cabinet, but we couldn’t find a cabinet to match the other ones. One day I stumbled across a telephone booth, which was big enough to hold a washing machine. Finally I decided to put it in for a unique look!”Different shades of teakwood add dimensional depth. Silver lamps draw attention to the pipe system on the ceiling.
Thanks to the owner’s job as marketing manager, working in real estate put him in touch with Arujit Lertkitja, interior designer for Coquo Studio. When Oat sounded him out about taking on this project, he got back a slew of ideas for a dream house makeover: “I didn’t know what the style I wanted was called, so I opened up magazines looking for keywords, and sent Oh over two hundred reference photos. Oh’s suggestion was to add sweet details by selecting lighter shades of wood since my wife would be living here, too.”
A metal-framed mirror wall creates an illusion of a larger kitchen.
From the reference pictures and many heart-to-heart chats with the designer, the two came up with the “industrial loft” style. From a two-bedroom flat, it was converted into a studio. Just one bedroom was left. Walls were demolished to connect the kitchen, dining room, and living room, while doors were put in to clearly define private areas: bedroom, bathroom, and dressing room.
This white-themed kitchen corner has an especially sweet and classic look. It’s a “full kitchen” for people who like to cook. The island adds an extra space. It also functions as a cocktail bar during a party. /// The chic-looking built-in shelves hold the owner’s books and collectibles.
The old condo ceiling was completely removed to display the newly installed pipe and conduit systems. Besides adding the rawness, the removal also raised 20 centimeters from the original ceiling height. They used materials with rough surfaces, such as white brick and black window frame, all for a slick and modern look on a budget.
For a more relaxing look, brick pointed white add texture to the walls in the living room and workroom. /// Floating shelves and tables lined along the wall reduces tension while providing full functionality.
To add warmth and reduce the room’s harsh roughness, the owner and the designer kept the teak floor, but scoured and polished to make it pale and bring more light into the room. Oh decided on built-in furniture with some movable teak pieces, planed them down and painted them white for a softer look.
These fit in nicely as a set when mixed in with furniture from old houses, which the owner himself had searched out and selected.
The owner replaced the old bathtub with a shower, separating dry and wet bathroom areas with a black-framed metal partition. The wood tile floor here brings a warmer feeling and a connection with other rooms.
“I was consulting with the designer about furniture all the time. Before buying, I sent pictures to get her comments and suggestions. Sometimes she’d run into something really suitable, and just buy it herself in advance.”
The clean and orderly bedroom connects to a dressing room. The black metal door frames go well with the other parts of the home. Large glass pane along the corridor makes the space look wider and more open.
Besides the totally pleasing décor, the impressions of this house left us with the kind that really makes a place a “home,” in contrast to just a “place to live”. The word “homey” really fits the surprisingly mellow ambience of this industrial loft residence.
Having wooden-shuttered windows behind the wash basin connecting to the bedroom creates a nice view from the bathroom, and also lets more natural light come in.
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![[Left] Awning windows provide better protection form the elements and create a natural ventilation effect. [Right] Big rocks placed one on top of the other make a set of steps that connects the porch to the side yard.](https://livingasean.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/006-6-1024x730.jpg)
![[Left] A bathroom countertop crafted of reclaimed wood brings out the beauty of raw natural textured finishes. [Right] An old bookshelf speaks volumes for the homeowner’s personal interests. It’s filled with publications on guitars, boats, and Safari style decor. All things considered, it is a small world embracing Safari themes and colors that Piset has come to love. It is a living space rich in spirits of adventure and memories of enchanting experiences.](https://livingasean.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/012-8-1024x730.jpg)
![[Left] An expanded metal mesh door adds an airy feel to the dry part of a bathroom. Polished concrete finishes paired with a stainless steel bucket make a simple set of wash basin and counter. [Right] A red custom-made metal door breaks the rawness of unpainted concrete.](https://livingasean.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/008-8-1024x730.jpg)
