HOUSE / Living ASEAN - Inspiring Tropical Lifestyle

A Modern Steel Framed Home Holds the Secret to Happiness

By livingasean
November 23, 2016
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Bangkok, Thailand /

/ Story: Ekkarat Laksanasamrit / English version: Peter Montalbano /

/ Photographs: Sitthisak Namkham /

A person’s sense of proportion in creating a house to suit his own lifestyle can have energizing results. We recently visited a modern steel framed home in Bangkok’s Viphavadi Rangsit area that illustrated this. Nutt Chenyawanit, owner of Tin Home Toy merchandise, designed this house as a reflection of his identity.

From details of home décor, such as galvanized iron and stylish plant containers, to the overall house design, we saw a modern steel framed home that retained the flavor of Tropical architecture.

Open and relaxed in a traditional house style reduced to essentials, with a high pitched gable roof, extended eaves and awnings for sun and rain protection, this house with a modern appeal looks the epitome of good design, one that holds the secret to what makes people happy in life. An it looks fun to live in, too.

We asked the homeowner for his thoughts on design. He explained: “We like high ceilings; low ones feel cramped. The living room and stairwell area reaches up a full two stories, and elsewhere on the ground floor ceilings are generally three meters or higher. On the second floor, ceilings follow the roof slope, for the most part.”

The exception is the master bedroom, which has a standard ceiling height. “Bedrooms with high ceilings feel too buoyant,” he said.

The entry area has eaves overhanging the walls reaching out 4 meters, both aesthetic and practical.

The Tin Home Toy office building next door, built in a similar style, was here before the house and now is separated from it by a swimming pool. Nutt favors architecture with steel-based frames that give it a raw cool modern style.

The metal post-and-beam design for floor and roof here made for rapid construction and quick cleanup. It presents a stylish façade of show brick walls and glass panels.

Extended eaves, large doors and windows provide good ventilation and make the house comfortable for living. Metal frameworks minimize the need of support posts for the extended eaves, freeing more space for parking. High ceilings allow warm air to rise and exit through upstairs windows.

The living room with a double height ceiling is open wide on two sides to catch the sun so artificial light isn’t needed.

Usable space on the ground floor holds the living room, stairwell, dining room, kitchen, and service areas like a storeroom and laundry. Upstairs consists of bedrooms and a workroom. Hallways are at least 2.5 meters wide for a spacious feel.

Walking around, a visitor has the sense that each space is made for specific purpose, some for children, some for moving around in comfort, some for convenience.

modern style steel home — A small storage space by the stairs for bicycles gives a hint about Nutt’s spare time activity.

A closer look at the details reveals a “set aside” concept that reflects the way good judgements are made. In this particular case, it shows in design innovations such as high ceilings that bring the sort of happiness and contentment we find in this modern steel framed home.

The bedroom with windows opening into the bathroom: open, relaxed, and good ventilation.

The ceiling follows the roof slope in this relatively large bathroom. An array of wooden shutters opens directly into the bedroom.

Architect: Nutt Chenyawanit and Jirayut Chaiyajamrunphon

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องค์ประกอบอย่างลงตัวในแบบ บ้านสไตล์ดิบเท่

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Fresh Air, Sunshine and a House Built around a Tree

By livingasean
November 23, 2016
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand /

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

/ Photographs: Soopakorn Srisakul /

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Architect: Rujnumporn Keskasemsook of Sook Architects

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บ้านล้อมไม้

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Craftsman’s Cottage

By livingasean
November 18, 2016
HOUSE,LIVING

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

/// Thailand ///

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Rooftop House with a Wonderful Panorama of Old Bangkok

By livingasean
November 17, 2016
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Bangkok, Thailand /

/ Story: Tawan / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Soopakorn Srisakul /

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Owner/Decorator: Jason M. Friedman

Visit the original Thai version…

Rustic Industrial ผสมผสานในสไตล์ไทยและตะวันออก

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10 Inspiring Modern Tropical Houses

By livingasean
November 15, 2016
HOUSE,LIVING

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

Modern Tropical Home in Indonesia

Designers’ Eco-friendly Dream Home

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Countryside Home in the Eyes of Architect

Nature Meets Concrete House

Enchanting Thai Style Home

The Warm Half Concrete Half Wood House

Simple Reinforced Concrete Structure House

Comfy Minimalist House

Modern Tropical Bamboo House

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

By livingasean
November 14, 2016
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Chiang Mai, Thailand /

/ Story: Warapsorn / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Sungwan Phratep /

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Owner/Designer: Chamnian Thongma

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บ้านทรงสี่เหลี่ยมหลังคาจั่ว จุดเริ่มต้นของความพอดี

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Flexible Condo Living

By livingasean
November 10, 2016
HOUSE,LIVING

Time changes, things change. People who stick with stability in life may find the fact troublesome but not Anirut Kittithichot, the owner of this flexible condo. To him, change is certain.

/// Thailand ///
Story: Mone /// Photos: Damrong /// Style: Phakhawadee /// Owner/ Designer: Anirut Kitthichot

Shelves in this large built-in cabinet can be reassembled to maximize a storage space.

Setting the teak dining table against a mirrored wall makes the table looks longer. Laminated white-oak surface on the cabinet blends with the surrounding and gives an uncluttered feel.

Anirut was a marketing executive at Cotto. He left the job and signed up for a scholarship in business design at Domus University, Italy. Currently, he returned to Bangkok to work in marketing full-time again.
“I like things and got bored of things easily. To me, designing new works is a fun challenge.” Anirut said.

For a single young man like him, this 46-square-meter condominium room is not too small. The space is more than enough to apply his creativity. The empty room was gradually turning into a private kingdom reflecting his personal taste and individuality.

By putting a sticker of his favorite quote and a black frame in, the service door is hidden in plain sight.

The room is relaxing and friendly. Chilling music is playing, while its Scandinavian décor sets an easing mood. “Maybe the relaxing atmosphere comes from a good portion of light color. If I’d used birch wood instead of teak, the rooms would look even more Scandinavian. But I picked a teak table because of its future value. One day I might got bored of it, But I can still adapt it into something else.

Wooden-like ceramic tiles give a rustic feel to the pantry wall while protecting the surface from humidity.

Always falling in love with new things, Anirut chose to mix and match his interior decoration. He also likes the challenge of hunting for rare and interesting items. Some of his furniture took a long journey from Milan. Some are from his trips. Some are from trade fairs, and some are his own creation made by his favorite furniture maker in Bang Po. The most outstanding pieces among these are antlers and furs, which give the room a rustic feel.
Anirut has a clever way of utilizing the space. He avoids installing fixed furniture in case of future changes except for built-in closets to keep little items (which seem to be a classic problem for every condominium dwellers) in some corners.

A hanging lamp is used instead of a bedside table due to space limitation. A sticker on the glass wall is removable. So, Anirut can change it as often as he wishes.

“I like having parties with my friends and having many people come over. But their working hours are odd. So, there are only 3-4 dropping by at the same time. To create an illusion of having many people and also to make the room appears larger, I installed a mirror at a dining table.”

The 2-unit wardrobe has a metal frame instead of a door, since Anirut likes to see clothing inside the cabinet. /// A mirror cabinet in the bathroom adds more space for small items. Lighting is enhanced both above and below the cabinet to reduce glares.

personal style is much loved by friends and acquaintances. Many asked him to design their houses, which Anirut gladly agree to help. His place may be a flexible condo, but for his friends’, he advises differently to each. “I don’t want to walk into their place and like it too much. That would mean it’s my place, not theirs!”

A Concrete House Embraces the Charms of Oriental Culture

By livingasean
November 9, 2016
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Bangkok, Thailand /

/ Story: Ekkarach Laksanasamrit / English version: Peter Montalbano /

/ Photographs: Sitthisak Namkham / Styliing: Phakhawadi Phahulo /

The architect and owner of Volume Matrix Studio Co., Ltd., Kasin Sornsri, and his wife Maiko Ishimoto have agreed to live in Thailand. Together, they incorporate Thai and Japanese influences in the design. The result is a calm and peaceful orchard home that embraces the charms of Oriental culture.

Oriental Appeal House — The house-on-stilts design is ideally suited for coastal areas in tropical climates. Situated on a piling foundation, the Oriental-style home provides outstanding outdoor space, good natural ventilation and precautions against flooding.

Blending two cultures together may seem to be hard, but good communication and understanding guide them through. “If you look closely, you’ll notice a hint of Japanese atmosphere mixing in the house,” Kasin said.

“The stilt floor is open, making it suitable to sit and relax on traditional Japanese furniture with a square latticework in the background. The floor is lower down on the side and covered with pebbles like a Zen garden. A 7-tatami-sized Japanese room is on the second floor.”

Kasin continued, “For comfort and utility, we use concrete flooring in some areas. It is easier to clean than a mat floor. I also designed some spare rooms for my wife’s relatives. Most are empty, equipped only with a bathroom, in case there are many guests at the same time.”

Poured concrete window frames that extend outward add artistry to the building both inside and out.

The house is situated in a tiny peaceful street on a property of nearly 16 acres. It once had four small houses surrounded by a mango orchard. The owner kept most of the orchard and didn’t cut any tree down.

The posts of this concrete balustrade alternate with gaps in between to keep them from being opaque. The stairway design is simple and strong.

This house with Oriental appeal was built right up against the fence to avoid disturbing the orchard. It has three levels that collectively act as a fortress hiding the orchard from the outside and enhancing privacy.

Each component of the house is humble and harmonizes with the natural surroundings. To accomplish a simple and uncomplicated look, the owner used pillars and beams and, at the same time, tried to keep equal thickness for all beams to cut the cost of wood.

An interesting surface of a building can be created by pressing faux wood against the wall. But make sure to choose a beautiful grain for this.

Most floors were constructed of prefabricated concrete, except bathrooms, balconies, and decks, which used poured concrete. Polished concrete walls were chosen because the material was easy to work with, suited for environmental conditions, and easy to find.

“I used foamed blocks instead of red bricks. The material is lighter, anti-heat, easier to construct and lowering overall weight for the house.” Kasin explained.

“Normal glass is preferred, not UV-filtered ones. So, natural light can enter. Box-like flaps were added to screen the light. They also act as ventilation pipes to draw fresh outdoor air into the home.

“For a little differentiation, I added a small amount of black color into polished concrete walls. It also blends well with mango trees in the orchard.”

Overall, the appeals of the Orient are in the details. Some parts of concrete walls are marked with patterns made by pressing a faux wood against the wall while the concrete was setting. Exterior walls are alternating between rough and smooth surfaces. With such attention to detail, the house is undoubtedly in a good hand.

Owner: Kasin Sornsri and Maiko Ishimoto

Architect: Kasin Sornsri of Volume Matrix Studio Co., Ltd.

Visit the original Thai article…

บ้านคอนกรีต ผสมกลิ่นอายสไตล์ญี่ปุ่น

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A Parisian Studio

By livingasean
November 7, 2016
HOUSE,LIVING

Where do people look for an inspiration? Some discover it in books or magazines, while others turn stories into new thoughts. The owner was passionate about an apartment in the 1998 film “A Perfect Murder.” It was the inspiration that led to his so-called Parisian Studio.

/// Thailand ///

Story: Montra /// Designer: Priyawat Temchawala /// Photographer: Damrong /// Assistant Photographers: Thanatcha, Jantima

The cabinet face is designed to look as if it holds many drawers, adding more vintage details.

The work corner and the living room are in the same area. The desk consisted of metal legs made from water pipes and a wooden top to fit the width of the wall. Different cushions were originally placed here. But Priyawat later replaced them with his vintage armchair. — The work corner and the living room are in the same area. The desk consisted of metal legs made from water pipes and a wooden top to fit the width of the wall. Different cushions were originally placed here. But the owner later replaced them with his vintage armchair.

“At first I thought I’d just knock out the ceiling, fix it up, and think about the rest later. But ideas were popping in my head. So, I had to redo everything,” said the owner who also designed the space by himself.

Light-colored décor contrasts with raw surfaces of conduits on the ceiling, utility pipes and the metal arch. The arch’s scale was adjusted to suit a low-ceiling height and to accentuate its clear lines. Pipes were painted white to reduce the rawness of the original metal surfaces.

“I thought it was just a question of making the ceiling higher. But once it was out, I wanted to make an archway pretty much like the loft-style, high-ceiling room in the film.”
The owner had done a lot of research. One design book about the Eiffel Tower caught his attention. “The book enlarged each part of the Eiffel Tower to show exactly what was there. I was entranced by the detailed ironwork because it had such unique elegance.”

The bedside lamp design was derived from one of Priyawat’s projects for a hotel. To contrast with the lamp’s modern style, Priyawat paired it with a vintage wooden bedside table. — The bedside lamp design was derived from one of the owner’s projects for a hotel. To contrast with the lamp’s modern style, he paired it with a vintage wooden bedside table.

As a result, the room was totally transformed. From an ordinary rectangular condominium room, it took on what the owner called a “Parisian Studio” look. The character of the room has certain rawness from the metal archway, while a touch of softness is filled with white tones. Details were gradually added to complete the whole look, just like putting jigsaw pieces together.

As an interior designer, he understood the fact that he could not adjust the floor plan much. The condominium also came with pre-installed electrical appliances, which were mostly immobile. So, he decided to focus on the furniture instead. Most of the furnishing pieces were custom-made. A floor-to-ceiling wardrobe was built-in to make the most out of the limited space, while a queen-size bed was equipped with wheels enabling it to move easily.

The queen-size bed and bedclothes are in shades of white to keep the tiny space from seeming cramped. A little panache is thrown in with the two bedside tables of different styles.

The owner also recognized the importance of a proper space management. A workspace was arranged at one corner close to a wall. The middle of the room was left for a living area. For privacy, he used long curtains to separate his sleeping area from the rest of the room.

Back to our question: Where do you look to find an inspiration? Well, answers may vary. But we know one thing for sure. This Parisian Studio inspired us with lots of little details.

The bedside table is designed to look like an antique. The original model is vertically adjustable. To save costs, this reproduced one can only slide aside.

Modern Design for Practical Living

By livingasean
November 3, 2016
HOUSE,LIVING

At first sight, the house seems like a plain-looking Tropical Modern home. But a closer investigation reveals the balance between beautiful design and functions for a practical lifestyle.

/// Thailand ///
Photos: Suphakon Srisakun, Ritthirong Janthongsuk /// Designer: Kanop Mangkhalaphruet and Ayutt Mahasom

In front of the house is a wall of vertical slats with small gaps between them, which allow a very partial view in from outside. A good sense of privacy is created this way.

The house fronts on an open lot to the west, allowing sunshine to pour in at certain times of day, and bringing the world of nature inside.

Every house has its unique character. This Tropical Modern home designed by Kanop Mangkhalaphruet and Ayut Mahasohm is aesthetically elegant and smart enough to serves the homeowner’s every need.

The double-layered roof provides a convenient release for heat. Together with the extended eaves, this helps keep the house cooler.

The house is located on a rectangular-shaped piece of land, with one end facing a village road and the other fronting a canal. Its I-shaped floor plan is laid out along the north-south axis to benefit from diffused sunlight from the north and winds from the south. Other precautions are also taken to avoid flooding at high tides. Meantime, an open space on the north side is reserved for a garden and a pool.

Usable spaces are divided into two main sections — service and residential. The service area consists of a Thai kitchen, a maid’s quarters, an electrical room, a carport, and storage. For practicalities, the section is located close to the entrance.

All physical lines of the house are intentionally designed to create horizontal and vertical relationships.

The residential area has a parlor, living room, dining room, workroom, and food preparation spaces. All rooms are open to take in views of the swimming pool and adjoining wooden veranda, which connect to the garden and the canal beyond. Floor-to-ceiling glass panels can slide open all the way, making the area a perfect space to relax or party.

For the privacy of both residents and visitors, the house offers dual access, one next to a carport and the other via the veranda. If houseguests are being entertained in the parlor, residents who have nothing to do with it can enter or exit through the carport leaving the meeting undisturbed.

Setting the doors back away from the line of support posts makes it possible to open all the doors at once without being blocked by them.

Kids’ bedroom and study room are an extension from the main structure. It adds an interesting feature to the building and doubles as long overhangs protecting rooms below from the elements. Openings are used only when necessary to avoid strong sunlight. Various shapes and sizes of vertical aluminum stripes add fun details to the wall and also protect the house from the heat.

A diminutive courtyard in the middle of the house directly adjoins the kitchen. When it is opened up, it provides great ventilation.

Another outstanding feature is roof design. Long overhangs provide protection for a full array of glass windows that can open to let heat energy out. For durability, handsome abode is constructed of reinforced steel structure. Round pillars are chosen to prevent injuries from accidentally bumping into sharp objects. All of these qualities are incorporated for the sake of practical living.

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A Parisian Studio

Where do people look for an inspiration? Some discover it in books or magazines, while others turn stories into new thoughts. The owner was passionate about an apartment in the 1998 film “A Perfect Murder.” It was the inspiration that led to his so-called Parisian Studio.

Modern Design for Practical Living

At first sight, the house seems like a plain-looking Tropical Modern home. But a closer investigation reveals the balance between beautiful design and functions for a practical lifestyle.

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