LIVING / Living ASEAN - Inspiring Tropical Lifestyle

A Modern Tropical House Perfect for Indonesia’s Hot, Humid Climate

By kangsadank
November 4, 2025
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Jakarta, Indonesia /

/ English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Apinine Thassanopas /

Indonesia, a nation straddling the equator, enjoys a tropical monsoon climate with two distinct seasons: the dry season (April to September) and the rainy season (October to March). Unsurprisingly, homes in this region often contend with year-round warmth and humidity, influenced by both climate and urban living conditions. Creating a home that remains comfortable in such an environment presents an ongoing challenge. Nora’s Residence is a thoughtfully designed, three-story, single-detached modern tropical house. Purposefully built for hot and humid weather, it integrates seamlessly into its urban surroundings in Jakarta, Indonesia.

The design concept for Nora’s Residence is rooted in the principles of tropical architecture, specifically using an understanding of local climate to make the home more comfortable. At its core, the design aims to achieve indoor thermal comfort by minimizing heat buildup and promoting cross ventilation throughout the interior spaces. Additional strategies include the use of locally sourced building materials to foster a healthier living environment, along with exterior aesthetics that harmonize with the surrounding landscape. More than anything, it’s a design that thoughtfully responds to the lifestyle needs of those living in the warm, humid climate of the Indonesian archipelago. Join us as we discover the latest innovations in air conditioning technology perfectly crafted and installed by professionals. It’s a great opportunity to stay up to date with state-of-the-art systems for home use, now on view at DAIKIN PROSHOP INDONESIA. All of this is part of the ASEAN HOME TOUR series broadcast by Baan Lae Suan TV in collaboration with Living ASEAN and supported by DAIKIN.

Modern Tropical — Light, Airy, Simply Brilliant

This modern tropical house is located in Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia that is known for its high humidity, warm temperatures and vibrant city life. Named Nora’s Residence, it demonstrates how thoughtful planning can make all the difference in cultivating a cozy and livable atmosphere. The design is tailored to the specific needs of a family of four: mom and dad, and their two children, and is also well-suited to hosting relatives who frequently drop by for a chat. The style of the house is inspired by the homeowners’ love of tropical architecture, reimagined for modern living. The result is a layout that prioritizes privacy, pleasing appearances, and indoor thermal comfort, even in the face of extreme weather.

Tropical architecture is renowned for its ability to promote natural ventilation and keep the home cool throughout the year. In a harsh climate, a well-ventilated space is essential and enduring. Open floor plans and strategically placed openings, such as windows and vents, help create airflow patterns that expel hot air, while a high-pitched roof design reduces humidity buildup. Meanwhile, long eave overhangs protect the home from storms, shielding the walls and foundations from rain and sun’s heat. The tropical house floor is also elevated well above ground level to prevent flooding, a time-tested technique passed down through generations. Adding to its charm, the home is finished with locally sourced materials such as timber and bamboo, which harmonize beautifully with the natural surroundings.

Nora’s Residence is, at its core, about putting the principles of tropical architecture into practical use, something the design firm Nataneka Arsitek is both highly skilled in and deeply passionate about. The house stands as the epitome of balanced home design, perfectly suited to the hot, humid and rainy weather of Jakarta. Thanks to their deep understanding of Indonesia’s unique geography and climate challenges, the design team no doubt has succeeded in crafting a home that is both beautifully executed and highly functional. A place that nurtures well-being while delivering strong aesthetic appeal.

Jeffry Sandy, lead architect and co-founder of Nataneka Arsitek, shared that the initial brief was to design a simple, functional home tailored to the lifestyle of a family of four. However, after considering the homeowners’ traditional values which emphasize close connections with relatives, the plan changed. The layout was expanded to include more bedrooms and larger communal areas, with integrated amenities to accommodate visiting relatives from out of town.

“As the need for space and amenities grew, so did the size of the new home. Yet the design team remained committed to the core principles of tropical architecture by prioritizing passive design strategies that promote natural ventilation, create a relaxing atmosphere, and maximize thermal comfort throughout the home.”

Designed According to the Principles of Tropical Architecture

For this reason, the house is designed to stand tall, creating a distinctive architectural presence with a light and airy ambiance. Interestingly, the low-lying land has been filled to slightly raise the ground level above the road surface. As a result, the primary living areas are located on the second and third floors, while the first or ground floor serves as a service zone, complete with ample space for a car garage.

From the front gate, the driveway gently slopes upward, the change in elevation from one end to the other is so subtle it’s barely unnoticeable. Nearby, a tranquil fish pond nestled under a canopy of lush trees adds to the calm and relaxing atmosphere. Head upstairs and you will find living areas designed for both habitation and leisure, similar to the common spaces typically found on the ground floor in most homes. The house features a warm, earthy colour palette that blends beautifully with its surroundings. To foster a cozy atmosphere, locally sourced timber is used extensively for ceiling, wall finishes, slatted wood paneling and decorative accents. Thanks to its open-plan layout, the home enjoys excellent air circulation between the interior and exterior, a smart passive design strategy that brings in fresh air and reduces heat and humidity buildup in the interior.

By design, Nora’s Residence makes excellent use of open-concept spaces, high ceilings, and glass doors on all sides. This allows the home to maximize natural light and airflow, while the interior is thoughtfully zoned into distinct living, dining, and kitchen areas. Bi-fold doors with clear glass panels can open fully from end to end, seamlessly connecting the indoors with the surrounding lawn and nearby swimming pool. In short, it’s a space designed for activity and family gatherings.

Sharing his insights from the project, Sukendro Sukendar Priyoso, another lead architect and cofounder of Nataneka Arsitek, explained that the proportion between the house and its lot was carefully considered to create a sense of balance and harmony. To enhance the overall environment, the design team left adequate spaces on the left and right sides of the building. These side yards, working in tandem with strategically placed windows, allow for generous natural light and effective cross ventilation. Meanwhile, long eave overhangs and wooden slat wall panels shield the interior from direct sunlight, helping to reduce heat gain, lower energy costs, and improve the efficiency of the tropical home’s air conditioning system.

“This house is designed around the concept of balance between indoors and outdoors, opening up interior spaces to allow more natural light and enhance comfort and well-being. The first floor houses the service areas, along with a nearby garage that accommodates four cars. The ground level has been elevated to create ideal conditions for planting and to offer the homeowners the opportunity to enjoy a lush, manicured landscape. We also added a backyard swimming pool complete with essential support facilities. It’s the ground floor that truly connects us to the land,” said Sukendro.

Balance between Indoors and Outdoors

This tropical house has defining characteristics that set it apart from others. In essence, it’s designed to bring nature indoors, with large windows that allow ample daylight and natural breezes to flow through the interior. When electromechanical air conditioning is not needed, simply opening the windows enables cross ventilation, keeping the home cool and comfortable. It’s an effective way to create a tropical living environment, supported by well-maintained gardens and strategically planted trees in the home’s open spaces.

The primary focus of this house design is functionality, specifically, a ventilation system that performs well in hot, humid weather. All doors leading into and out of the living room can be fully opened to connect the interior with the surrounding landscape. Built during the COVID-19 pandemic, Nora’s Residence clearly prioritizes good air circulation, an essential feature in modern home design. Open floor plan also plays a key role, seamlessly merging functional areas into one expansive space. Surrounded by wide-opening glass doors, the interior evokes feelings of peace, joy and belonging. These doors not only blur the boundaries between inside and out but also allow fresh air to enter and flow freely through the trpoical home, keeping the home cool and comfortable.

Innovations for Cozy Living, Ways to Save Energy

In addition to good ventilation and the right amount of sun exposure, the house feels cozy and welcoming thanks to an air conditioning system that is neatly and discreetly concealed. As the architects intended, it is a thoughtfully designed, beautifully crafted home that is both contemporary and aligned with the latest technologies. The entire house is cooled by an air conditioning system called VRV (Variable Refrigerant Volume) from DAIKIN. Hidden from view and achieved through careful planning, the system delivers efficient climate control without disrupting the clean, cohesive aesthetics of the interior.

The VRV air conditioning system is a centralized A/C system that incorporates innovative technology. What sets it apart is its ability to be installed in extended ceiling space, making it an ideal fit for open-concept living areas where rooms seamlessly connect with the garden. Everything is arranged in a neat and orderly manner, allowing the system to remain virtually invisible while enhancing the interior’s overall aesthetics. With the unit concealed above the ceiling, the only visible elements are the discreet air grilles through which cooled air is distributed—creating a comfortable atmosphere without any unsightly distractions.

The VRV system features a single condensing unit connected to multiple evaporators, making it ideal for large spaces with high ceilings. It saves space and reduces the complexity typically associated with installing multiple outdoor units. Thoughtfully integrated into the home’s design, the VRV system enhances interior aesthetics while maintaining a balanced and comfortable atmosphere, and it contributes to lower energy costs as well.

DAIKIN PROSHOP INDONESIA, Pioneering Innovation For Tropical Living

The decision to install an advanced air conditioning system, such as the VRV from DAIKIN, in this modern tropical home reflects a desire that goes beyond simply maintaining a cool temperature. It’s about creating a balanced atmosphere: a sense of calm and contentment that enhances well-being throughout the home.

Thanks to its deep understanding of the challenges facing the ASEAN region, DAIKIN is well aware of the problems caused by rising air pollution, increasing temperatures, and high humidity, all of which contribute to discomfort in daily life. This is particularly true in Indonesia, where the impacts of extreme weather are compounded by a lack of consumer awareness when it comes to choosing the right air conditioning product for their needs.

Jimmy, DAIKIN senior sales supervisor for Indonesia’s Central Region, explained that for a long time, Indonesian consumers have been accustomed to just one type of air conditioner: the wall-mounted unit. Many still prefer older installation methods. This is where DAIKIN steps in, turning challenges into opportunities by understanding consumer needs as well as introducing new ideas, products and services to support better living

“This issue is particularly common among a specific segment of consumers—namely, homeowners. It’s especially true for those living in single-detached houses who aren’t necessarily interested in making additional efforts to protect their homes from heat. All they want is for air conditioners to be installed in an easy way and to keep their indoor spaces cool, and that’s enough for them. To start with, DAIKIN Indonesia saw that this market sector had potential to grow. That’s why we focused on delivering high-quality products and services tailored to Indonesian consumers. This commitment led to the launch of DAIKIN PROSHOP in 2016, a one-stop solution shop offering expert consultation and professional installation services,” said Jimmy.

Committed to delivering high-quality products and services, DAIKIN PROSHOP offers home air conditioning systems customized to create pleasant and enjoyable living spaces. Renowned for solutions that improve indoor air quality and for technological innovations tailored to individual needs, DAIKIN PROSHOP functions as a one-stop solution shop providing expert recommendations to identify the best air conditioning options for each home. Designed primarily for mid-level to high-end residential, DAIKIN PROSHOP’s products and services are supported by teams of specialists who collaborate closely with interior designers and architects throughout every stage of a project, from planning to execution. Ultimately, it’s about understanding homeowners’ needs and offering the best possible advice.

DAIKIN PROSHOP: Excellence in Strength and Service

Timmy Anggara Arthawardhana is the director of DAIKIN PROSHOP PT Usara Sinergi Pandega, one of 44 authorized DAIKIN dealerships in Indonesia. Introducing the services of DAIKIN PROSHOP, Timmy emphasized that it is more than just a store selling air conditioning systems. It is also a specialized shop dedicated to providing expert advice and inspiration. Its true strength lies in delivering superior after-sales service.

“We want customers to understand that, while DAIKIN products are of the highest quality, proper installation is essential to ensure maximum efficiency. That’s why we bring in expert teams from DAIKIN PROSHOP to carefully assess and complete each installation thoroughly and professionally. This gives us confidence that our products perform at their best and meet the highest installation standards,” said Timmy.

DAIKIN PROSHOP prioritizes a positive customer experience by actively promoting consumer understanding of how its air conditioning systems work. Designed for mid-level to premium homes, DAIKIN products are showcased through regular in-store events that feature product displays and curated items of interest. In this way, customers have a chance to experience the products and services firsthand as well as envision how they would integrate into their own living spaces.

The showroom also includes mock-up rooms equipped with DAIKIN’s air conditioning units. These setups feature open-concept layouts, such as dining areas that flow seamlessly into living spaces, allowing customers to see how each component, from the main air conditioning unit to the air ducts and ceiling grilles works together as a complete system. Also on display are insulation techniques and materials that help shield the home from external heat, which is crucial to maintaining system efficiency and keeping energy costs down.

To meet the needs of homeowners and strike a balance between form and function, DAIKIN PROSHOP works closely with leading architects and interior designers throughout every stage of the project. This collaboration ensures that the selected air conditioning systems not only meet end-user expectations in terms of comfort, health, and wellness, but also align aesthetically with the home environment. With careful planning and discreet design, there’s nothing bulky or visually intrusive to disrupt the beauty of the interior. These thoughtful design elements are what set DAIKIN apart from other brands.

“We consult with both architects and homeowners early in the process, before construction even begins, to provide informed recommendations. Our role includes system design and installation, ensuring the solution fits the size of the home and is visually cohesive. Once approved, we provide cost estimates and manage the full installation. After that, we focus on after-sales service and ongoing customer support to build long-term trust in our products and services.,” Timmy explained.

DAIKIN PROSHOP currently has 44 dealerships and 42 showrooms across Indonesia, strategically located in areas with growing mid-level and high-end property development. To build strong customer relationships, the company actively shares information about the latest innovations in air conditioning technology. By keeping consumers well-informed about its offerings, DAIKIN PROSHOP empowers them to make confident, informed decisions when selecting the air conditioning systems best suited to their needs.

All of this demonstrates that at its core, DAIKIN PROSHOP is more than just a provider of physical products. Rather, it is a purpose-driven company committed to enhancing the quality of living spaces and offering practical solutions to real customer needs. In tropical climates, where high temperatures and humidity are the norm, homeowners require highly efficient air conditioning systems—ideally, ones that integrate seamlessly with interior design to create a sustainable, tranquil living environment.

For more updates on design, stay tuned to the ASEAN Home Tour series, a Baan Lae Suan TV program supported by DAIKIN, on air every Sunday at 10.15 a.m. Amarin TV HD, Channel 34.

Architect: Nataneka Arsitek

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A Contemporary Luxury Condo Embraces the Beauty of Heritage, Clean Air and Balanced Lifestyle

A Wood Façade House Nestled in the Beauty of a Tropical Garden

A Contemporary Luxury Condo Embraces the Beauty of Heritage, Clean Air and Balanced Lifestyle

By kangsadank
October 6, 2025
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia /

/ English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Apinine Thassanopas /

In the ASEAN region that’s known for warm temperatures and high precipitation, creative design has made the best possible use of abundant sunshine, seasonal winds and the visual beauty of land to achieve comfort and well-being at home.

We’d love for you to come check out a newly updated contemporary-style condo unit inside “The View at Serai Saujana”, a residential development located on the outskirts of Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur. The beautifully restored home belongs to Ms. Elaine Chew. It’s the epitome of design integration combining elegance and modern innovations to create physical comfort, emotional well-being and functionality.

Inspired by Hanok, a traditional Korean house, the renovation work is the brainchild of interior designer Effendy Nadzri, who is co-founder and design director at Endo Sdn. Bhd. Meanwhile, take the time out of your busy schedule to explore new technological innovations designed to create clean air at DAIKIN SOLUTION PLAZA in Kuala Lumpur. The show is part of ASEAN HOME TOUR Series, a Baan Lae Suan TV program sponsored by Daikin.

Design Challenges and Inspirations
Blessed with a scenic golf course view, the charmingly restored condo unit boasts the spacious appeal of an open-concept floor plan. Because the couple came from different cultural backgrounds, they needed a home that celebrates a sense of history and heritage. The result is a rich tapestry of ideas, customs and understanding between Ms. Elaine Chew who is Malaysian of Chinese descent, and her better half who is a Korean engineer.

The concept of Hanok or traditional Korean houses provides the designer with valuable inspiration, culminating in a home that blends shared ideals and feeling shaped by Korean culture with characteristics that define a distinct Malaysian identity. The house’s structure consists of the foundational elements traditionally built of wood, stone and earth while the roof is covered in baked clay tiles. Designed for prevailing weather conditions and seasonal extremes in Korea, the Hanok house emphasizes a cookstove heating system, by which hot air is channeled through underfloor passages to keep the interior warm in winter. During the long, hot summer, Hanok’s gaps between floorboards and the building envelope work in tandem to shield the home from the sun’s heat. At the same time, porous materials primarily used for insulation let wind pass through and circulate inside even when doors and windows are closed.

The designer turns homeowner dreams into reality, defining them precisely to create a minimalist house style characterized by simplicity, which in turn, is inspired by Zen Buddhism. Here, collectibles valued and cherished by the couple have pride of place on their wall. Together they create the most outstanding feature in the contemporary-style living room and vividly reveal Southeast Asia’s broader character.

An informal, all-purpose room is used by the family consisting of mom and dad, their two children and a cat. From time to time it serves as a space for receiving and entertaining guests from abroad. The high bar table and chairs create an organized, tranquil environment contributing to a relaxing atmosphere.

Seamless Design Meets Materials that Reflect Identity

What makes this dining room stand out is the use of locally sourced traditional materials redefined and recontextualized for modern purposes. The outcome is a living space filled with the warmth of vernacular objects that speak volumes for human experience and local culture. Plus, simple clean lines emphasize clarity that’s the hallmark of a contemporary style. Components that combine wood and stone go hand in hand with some of the furniture in the room so the space flows in a consistent style and color scheme. Some of the pieces are designed by the homeowners. They include the hanging light inspired by the traditional Chinese lantern, the marble table top from Italy and wooden chairs in a contemporary Asian style.

The spacious living room overlooks scenic fairways at the Saujana Golf Club, without doubt a factor that influences the homeowner’s decision. Perched on the 12th floor above a rich and vibrant expanse of greenery, the condo home offers a wonderful panorama stretching as far as the eye can see. The designer takes full advantage of ample natural light and consistent clean air circulation to create a light and airy atmosphere all year round. In this manner, the old doors that open to the balcony were taken out and replaced by an innovative bi-fold door system that opens wide from one end to the other, thereby emphasizing open spaces and a connection to the outdoors.

As interior designer Effendy Nadzri explains, the east-facing bedroom consistently receives bright, warm light in the morning. To avoid getting too much sun, plantation shutters for sliding doors are installed. Plantation shutters provide excellent light control while their solid, louvered design protects privacy and enhances home comfort.

In addition to the functionality of spaces and interesting design, it makes perfect sense to pay attention to air movement in the home. Because air circulation directly impacts the health, living conditions and energy efficiency of the home, the designer chooses to install DAIKIN VRV Home Series, a smart central air conditioning system capable of keeping every corner of the home cool and comfortable. Designed to blend seamlessly with the interior through strategic use of color, texture and form, the VRV Home Series has proven reliable and effective in the warm and humid climate of Southeast Asia. The result is a condo home that’s aesthetically pleasing and highly functional.

Well-Being Begins with the Right Air System

As the homeowners put it, a cozy home must have a sufficient and appropriate level of light to provide a sense of comfort, warmth and relaxation. Thermal management is vital to ensuring comfort in the home and modern air conditioning technology comes in handy to do exactly that.

The husband, who is an engineer, is very particular about the efficiency of air conditioning machines. It’s easy to see why managing air movement in the home is vital to maintaining a healthy, comfortable indoor environment. DAIKIN VRV Home Series is chosen for its ability to provide proper airflow. This is especially useful where the bathroom comes complete with a Japanese-style onsen soaking tub. The VRV Home Series has a blow dry function to prevent issues like the buildup of moisture in the interior. It quickly dries the bathroom getting it ready for the next user.

Sharing a slice of paradise with friends, Ms. Elaine Chew said: “The house where we lived previously was cooled by individual air conditioning units. Each one of them functioned on its own. This condo home is powered by DAIKIN VRV Home Series, a smart central A/C system that keeps the home cool, meanwhile, transforming those pesky eyesoars into unique design elements. For a discreet appearance, A/C indoor units are hidden above the ceiling. By design, only sleek and stylish ceiling cassettes are visible in the interior.”

From Elaine’s point of view, living in the tropical climate of the ASEAN region requires a cooling system that works. One simply can’t do without a cooling fan of some kind, or an A/C system that actively chills the air. Proper airflow is important, too. A well-thought-out ventilation system design, coupled with an understanding of light directions, is crucial in making a home comfortable even when outside temperatures are high.

This is especially true here, where advances in DAIKIN’s cooling technology have transformed an ordinary home into a cool, well lighted place, focusing on using modern innovations and space-saving decor. In the fewest possible words, it’s about creating a peaceful home, protecting privacy and enjoying a good life every day.

DAIKIN SOLUTION PLAZA: Pure Air Innovations for Better Living

After exploring the essential elements of a comfortable home, let’s find out a little bit more about DAIKIN SOLUTION PLAZA in Kuala Lumpur. It’s a showroom used to display the latest home innovations and smart, integrated systems that improve ventilation and air quality from DAIKIN. Its slogan, “A value that goes beyond technology”, conveys a great deal about the company’s commitment to finding solutions that best answer the lifestyle needs in warm and humid climates.

Mr. Edwin Chai, an executive at DAIKIN Malaysia Sales & Service Sdn. Bhd. said: “At the moment, DAIKIN isn’t just an air conditioning machine. It’s advancing all the time and has since elevated to the next level, focusing on creating a value that goes beyond technology. The company has achieved its objective, providing premium quality products to all consumer groups, offering clean air and air circulation system design that performs optimally in the hot and humid climate of the ASEAN region.”

As a leading innovator in air conditioning technology, DAIKIN uses this showroom to display a wide range of products through strategic organization, useful visuals and content. The first floor is dedicated to products for small businesses while the upper floor is exclusively allocated to systems for high-end residential developments. They are designed for visitors to recognize the full worth of each product and how well it meets consumer needs, whether it’s for the guest welcoming area, the living room, the kitchen, the bedroom, the dressing room, or the bathroom.

DAIKIN has introduced new innovations designed to blend aesthetics with functionality, meantime, saving installation space both inside and outside. Named the “VRV Home System”, it’s a central air conditioning technology that makes effective use of a single condensing unit, thereby saving installation space in parts of the house exterior. Plus it’s thoughtfully devised to keep a network of pipes organized and hidden from view. This allows the indoor cooling unit to remain invisible although the effect of crisp cool air can be felt throughout the home. Only air vents in the wall can be seen, resulting in seamless interiors and the pleasing appearance of high ceiling design.

Tailored Solutions for Every Room in the Home

A kitchen without the smell of cooking oil. If you enjoy cooking at home but worry about lingering food odors, DAIKIN has a ventilation system especially designed for use in the kitchen. It’s capable of effectively pulling microscopic oil droplets, smoke and odors from the air.

Cozy bedroom design for better sleep. Experience deep sleep in a bedroom made cozy by three dimensional airflow design. It creates air circulation patterns that go to work both horizontally and vertically, thereby keeping the entire bedroom calm and peaceful. Plus it fits flush with the wall for a neat appearance in the room.

Dry bathroom design to reduce moisture. Bathrooms tend to get wet all the time. Separating wet and dry areas in the bathroom works sometimes but not always. To solve the problem, DAIKIN has introduced VRV technology that incorporates three systems in one. It consists of an air conditioning system, an air suction system, and a blow dry machine that quickly keeps the bathroom dry after a bath, thereby preventing mold and mildew, moisture buildup and stuffy smells.

Keeping clothes and leather goods fresh and clean in storage. DAIKIN home innovations help keep the wardrobe smelling fresh and clean by controlling indoor humidity and ensuring proper ventilation. They prevent fungus in leather goods, such as handbags, belts, shoes, so on and so forth. Among other things, they keep leather goods looking like new and reduce stuffy odors in fabrics by maintaining good airflow in closets and rooms.

Mr. Ng Chee Meng is director of High Cool Engineering Sdn. Bhd. He has authoritative knowledge of DAIKIN home innovations and a good understanding of the cooling needs of consumers in the ASEAN region. DAIKIN recently introduced a new product line designed to reduce humidity in the dressing room, kitchen and bathroom to make the home more livable .

Mr. Edwin Chai is an executive at DAIKIN Malaysia Sales & Service Sdn. Bhd. He said: “Consumers nowadays have higher expectations of the quality of modern home innovations. In response to their needs, DAIKIN has developed new methods, ideas and products that are energy efficient and friendly to the environment. Plus, they provide the optimal solution suitable for the prevailing climate and lifestyles of people in the ASEAN region.”

To put it briefly, there is more to a happy home than just architectural design, the arrangement of functional spaces and creative ideas that go hand in hand with people’s lifestyles. The point is that technology also has a role to play in making the home more livable, providing physical ease and well-being. It’s something we can all design.

Stay tuned for more from ASEAN HOME TOUR Series, a Baan Lae Suan TV program on air every Sunday at 10.15 hours, Amarin TV Channel 34.

Architect: Mr. Effendy Nadzri / Co-Founder and Design Director of Endo Sdn Bhd (https://www.endokl.com/)

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A Country Style Home Office Set amid an Urban Environment

By kangsadank
September 22, 2025
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Petaling Jaya, Malaysia /

/ Story: Kangsadan K. / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Lin Ho /

In the middle of a crowded urban neighborhood and slow travels caused by snarled-up downtown traffic, a yearning for the peaceful countryside enters one’s mind. In this particular instance, it gives rise to a desire to create a home office in Petaling Jaya, a city 20 minutes by car to the west of Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia.

home office — The gable front building boasts the simplicity of bare concrete walls and glass windows strategically placed to let natural daylight stream into the interior workspace.

Beautiful in its austere simplicity, the building represents the coming together of puzzle pieces about the memories of childhood and the unblemished charm of life in the country. For the homeowner, it’s an experience that has prepared him well on a journey to become a designer. It’s a place to enjoy the little things in life, from water droplets on leaves to views of the landscape from the living room window.

Together they tell the story of how the elements of nature can be integrated in design that merges into the visible features of the land. More than anything else, it’s a residence with space designated for business purposes set amid fresh air and lush trees native to the Tropical climate prevailing in Malaysia.

Floor plan / Courtesy of OTCQ Architects

The building stands out from other homes in the neighborhood, thanks to the box-shaped office space under a gable roof made entirely out of concrete. The premises are hemmed in by brown brick walls left exposed to the elements. In the courtyard garden, shade trees grow vigorously providing a calming environment and keeping temperatures cooler. On the walls and courtyard floor, carpets of mosses thrive creating damp habitats resembling the rainforest.

There is plenty of vegetation, yet overhanging tree branches leave enough room for sunlight to stream into the office interior. The building itself lies adjacent to a meeting hall with amphitheater style seating, which is expedient for the structure built on a slope. The overall effect is impressive as a result of high ceiling design and rooftop skylight systems providing natural light and good ventilation.

Next to the home office lies the main residential building accessible via a courtyard covered with decorative beach pebbles in shades of grayish white. It provides a green oasis for plants to thrive, showing the way to the two-story house mostly enclosed by glass walls.

Everything about it serves as a testament to the architect’s attention to detail. No doubt the atmosphere is light and refreshing with tree branches casting shadows on brick walls. Together they bring the rustic style into the home. Inside, a steel staircase painted black for a lightweight look gives access to the second floor with balconies made for connecting with the outdoors and breathing fresh air.

The dining room enclosed with a glass wall affords the view of a side yard filled with green plants.

The principal bedroom opens to a gallery that forms part of the house to take in fresh air and views of the landscape.

The most important element of design lies in planning airflow patterns in a way that improves ventilation in and around the home. Limited space and sloped ground notwithstanding, the architect has succeeded in overcoming site constraints by leaving one-meter-wide spaces on both sides of the building. The left holds a staircase built flush against the wall, while the right side contains a green space.

It’s thoughtful spatial design that drives natural air circulation throughout the premises. The result is a home office made for comfortable and simple living in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the big city.

Architects: OTCQ Architects (https://otcq.my/)

This house appears in the special Baan Lae Suan issue on the theme of “Cozy Living in Urban Homes” is out now. Design lovers, this one is for you. It’s the latest in the ongoing “ASEAN Tropical House Series”.

The exciting new bilingual edition (Thai-English) is a nice little collab between the Baan Lae Suan Press and its English language media arm Living ASEAN. It’s the coming together of ideas for dealing with the problem of limited space, turning site constraints into solutions. Precisely, it looks at problem solving techniques, ultimately creating small urban homes that are right within the context of Southeast Asia. In this issue, ten houses are chosen for their exemplary designs that inspire. It’s meant for architects, designers, and homeowners searching out new ideas for creating a living space that’s cozy and comfortable plus it blends in beautifully with the environment.

Available at bookstores nationwide. Or go online. Order now at https://www.naiin.com/product/detail/621643

For bulk international orders, contact livingasean.bkk@gmail.com

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QAH: A Gable Front Townhouse Strikes a Balance between Work and LifeA Red-Facade House Stands Tall in the Fresh Air and Sunshine

A Red-Facade House Stands Tall in the Fresh Air and Sunshine

By kangsadank
August 18, 2025
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Hanoi, Vietnam /

/ Story: Kangsadan K. / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Nguyen Viet Tien, Nguyen Tuan Nghia /

A house facade painted crimson looks unusual in a way. It stands out a mile protecting a tall and slender home from the elements, while robust openings in the exterior keep the rooms comfortable and warm. The seven-story building seems to tower over everyone else in a crowded old town neighborhood of Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital. The design intention is clear. To overcome the challenge of limited space tucked away on a narrow street, the only way to go is up, yet an architect has found a way to make the house blend with the environment. Plus, it’s full of life and energy, snug in the warmth of natural daylight and gentle breezes. On every floor, greenery thriving in semi-outdoor rooms adds restorative effects, turning the narrow-front red-facade house into a breath of fresh air.

red-facade house — The crimson red façade boasts unique architectural features, making the seven-story home stand out from the crowd.

From a distance, the crimson red home stands out from the crowd, silhouetted against the skyline of Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital.

It all starts with the need to add living space as a family gets bigger, in the meantime, creating a calm, relaxing shared space in the home. It’s a circumstance that tasks the architect’s abilities to effectively deal with site constraints.

Diagrams illustrate spatial arrangements and the integration of green spaces in the house plan. / Courtesy of Nghia-Architect

The result is a box-shaped home running lengthwise in an elongated rectangle, one that makes the most of limited space and the problem of overcrowding in the area. It strikes a balance between privacy and shared space made beautiful by rooms and functionalities perfectly blending together to become a whole. Meanwhile, the house façade performs an important role for which it is intended: connect with nature.

A drawing shows the process of conceptualization in different phases from start to finish. / Courtesy of Nghia-Architect

The seven-story home has living rooms on the first and second floors, while private residential areas with bedrooms are put away in quiet places on the third and fourth floors. The communal space that’s the heart of family life is on the fifth floor.

It holds a kitchen and dining room conveniently connected to a cool and restful sitting room on the sixth floor. The altar for the traditional veneration of family ancestry is on the seventh floor adorned with a small green oasis, yet it provides enough fresh air to create indoor thermal comfort. Needless to say, the view from high up is calm and peaceful.

Among the most outstanding ideas is the house façade that works like a display of large picture frames showcasing pleasing views of the surrounding cityscape. Where appropriate, double height ceilings create an expansive and visually striking interior, while the balconies up front are adorned with thriving small gardens.

Together they provide the feel and functionality connecting to all the rooms, bringing natural light and fresh air to all seven floors of the building.

Apart from that, interior design is unique in every detail. Especially worthy of note is the steel pedestrian bridge painted white that connects the third and fourth floors. Along the way, curved lines add a gentle touch to the house plan, a clever hack to reduce the harshness of color and texture on the façade and exterior walls.

Plus, the interior feels light and well-ventilated, thanks in part to perforated metal paneling that improves airflow and affords views of lush gardens irrigated by harvested rainwater. In a few words, it’s a home abounding with greenery at every turn.

Architect: Nghia-Architect

This house appears in the special Baan Lae Suan issue on the theme of “Cozy Living in Urban Homes” is out now. Design lovers, this one is for you. It’s the latest in the ongoing “ASEAN Tropical House Series”.

The exciting new bilingual edition (Thai-English) is a nice little collab between the Baan Lae Suan Press and its English language media arm Living ASEAN. It’s the coming together of ideas for dealing with the problem of limited space, turning site constraints into solutions. Precisely, it looks at problem solving techniques, ultimately creating small urban homes that are right within the context of Southeast Asia. In this issue, ten houses are chosen for their exemplary designs that inspire. It’s meant for architects, designers, and homeowners searching out new ideas for creating a living space that’s cozy and comfortable plus it blends in beautifully with the environment.

Available at bookstores nationwide. Or go online. Order now at https://www.naiin.com/product/detail/621643

For bulk international orders, contact livingasean.bkk@gmail.com

You may also like…

A White Row House Enchanted by Greenery and Natural LightMaison T: A Tiny Home Perfectly in Tune with a Vibrant City Ambience

A White Row House Enchanted by Greenery and Natural Light

By kangsadank
July 8, 2025
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Vung Tau, Vietnam /

/ Story: Kangsadan K. / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Apinine Thassanopas /

Greetings from Vung Tau, a coastal city about two hours by car or ferry from Ho Chi Minh City. Like everything else across Vietnam, it’s the very picture of an urban landscape dominated by long and narrow houses uniformly sized as part of a continuous row. They are nicknamed “Tube Houses” for the shape that’s much longer than it is wide. The same is true for this white row house in Vung Tau that has since been renovated, beautifully integrating elements of nature in the house plan. The result is a complete home makeover enchanted by the magic of light and shadow in architecture. Plus, a green garden oasis gives it great aesthetic pleasure.

The fresh white house exterior stands out from the rest.

Diagrams illustrate space utilization at every level of the house plan. / Courtesy of SDA (Sanuki Daisuke Architects)

The stunning white row house has five levels including the rooftop deck. It towers above everyone else in the neighborhood. The first floor holds a carport giving access to a room for guest accommodation tucked away at the rear. In the in-between space, a flight of stairs leads to the homeowner’s private residential areas located upstairs. The second floor contains a spacious living room with dining room and kitchen nearby.

The first floor holds a carport up front with a passage giving access to a bedroom for guest accommodation and a hobby room at the rear.

A flight of stairs gives access all the rooms and functionalities located upstairs.

A bi-fold door system opens from one end to the other, connecting the second floor living room with a nearby courtyard.

The quiet and secluded third and fourth floors hold bedrooms for family members. They are conveniently connected to the fifth floor that’s a rooftop deck filled with terraced vegetable gardens. There are bright interior courtyards adorned with lush foliage and a shade tree thriving in the middle of the floor plan illuminated by rooftop skylights.

The white row house consists of spacious platforms, staircases and passageways enclosed with walls. At the center of the floor plan, a tree rises from the courtyard below filling the void of space all the way to the rooftop.

white row house — The third floor room with a high ceiling has a view of functional spaces within the home.

Overall, it’s an outstanding design showcasing well-thought-out spatial arrangements. Among others, semi-outdoor living areas up front bear some resemblance to a porch or a patio, only they are nicer and bigger than the average room size in the house.

As the architect intended, they evoke pleasant memories of open public spaces in the city. Sunny and airy with lush leaves at every turn, they take up much of the space between the front façade and the midpoint of the house plan on the second and third floors.

Meanwhile, the breathing façade allows fresh outdoor air to enter and circulate inside. Exceptionally good is the third floor living area that benefits a double height ceiling. It’s an enchanted garden where house plants grow vigorously in full sun shining in through rooftop skylights.

Needless to say, the most important element of design is the perforated metal façade painted a cool-toned white. Built in a uniform style, it starts from the ground up and rises all the way to the uppermost point, ultimately becoming a part of the rooftop. From sunrise to sunset, perforated metal panels cast shadows on the walls and floors directly underneath them.

Besides letting the fresh air and sunshine stream into the interior, they work in tandem with shade trees and understory plants in the yards, filling the rooms with the magic of a light and shadow show. Like poetry in motion, the show goes on all day as time passes, adding unique and unusual features to a beautiful work of architecture.

Architect: SDA (Sanuki Daisuke Architects)

This house appears in the special Baan Lae Suan issue on the theme of “Cozy Living in Urban Homes” is out now. Design lovers, this one is for you. It’s the latest in the ongoing “ASEAN Tropical House Series”.

The exciting new bilingual edition (Thai-English) is a nice little collab between the Baan Lae Suan Press and its English language media arm Living ASEAN. It’s the coming together of ideas for dealing with the problem of limited space, turning site constraints into solutions. Precisely, it looks at problem solving techniques, ultimately creating small urban homes that are right within the context of Southeast Asia. In this issue, ten houses are chosen for their exemplary designs that inspire. It’s meant for architects, designers, and homeowners searching out new ideas for creating a living space that’s cozy and comfortable plus it blends in beautifully with the environment.

Available at bookstores nationwide. Or go online. Order now at https://www.naiin.com/product/detail/621643

For bulk international orders, contact livingasean.bkk@gmail.com

You may also like…

Sanuki Daisuke, Sanuki Daisuke Architects (Sda.): Incorporating Empty Spaces and the Environment in Quality Residential Design

Floating House in Thu Duc: A Home under the Canopy That Fits Right in Nature

A Narrow, Multigenerational Home Lets Nature Permeate

By kangsadank
June 24, 2025
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam /

/ Story: Kangsadan K. / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Apinine Thassanopas /

A home in an elongated rectangle performs a dual role as a multigenerational residence and an architectural office in the middle of a densely populated area in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Needless to say, there were site constraints that limited the design of the building. Some of the challenges were just inevitable, but an architect homeowner has found a way to deal with them, turning the hot and stuffy home into a clean, well-lighted place. The secrets to success lie in reconnecting with nature by integrating green spaces in the plan. Notwithstanding the narrow space, the home is lovingly restored and fully loaded with all functionalities.

Multigenerational Home — A view from the street shows how a narrow lot limits and influences design, making it necessary to build vertically.

As the architect explained it, living in a crowded urban environment doesn’t always mean sacrificing good life or cutting off from the great outdoors. On the contrary, it’s design flexibility and serious attention to detail that’s the key to combining both opaque and see-through structures to form a whole, ultimately creating in a living space that breathes easily.

A charcoal sketch illustrates spatial planning and functionality on the first floor. / Courtesy of k59 atelier

Charcoal drawings show spatial planning on the second and third floors. / Courtesy of k59 atelier

Charcoal sketches show the positioning of rooms and functionalities on the fourth floor [top], and the rooftop deck [bottom]. / Courtesy of k59 atelier

A drawing of the side elevation view in cross section. / Courtesy of k59 atelier

In other words, it’s a home that’s not so much a solid mass of stonework, and not so much a sealed-off glass enclosure that can never be open. They are inherent parts of the building that reach out to reconnect with nature, people, culture and society at large.

Speaking of design, all four levels of the building feature open floor plans that allow natural light and provide fresh air to the interiors. The first floor holds a spacious living room up front and a kitchen at the rear that’s proper in the circumstances of a big family.

Together, they form the heart of a multigenerational home, with plenty of space for an elderly mother, an aunt, a brother, and the architect’s own family with a little child. The second floor bears some resemblance to a mezzanine with an altar for the veneration of family ancestry characteristic of Vietnamese culture. The third floor is the architect’s private office space, while the fourth holds the principal bedroom with a green garden oasis for complete relaxation.

The third floor has a footbridge providing access to a bedroom at the far end elevated by potted indoor plants.

The third floor holding an architectural workspace feels spacious and airy, thanks to an open floor plan.

The architect’s office space benefits from natural light and fresh air, passive cooling strategies that saves big on AC costs.

There’s one feature that’s exceptionally good. The elongated rectangle is divided into two more or less distinct sections. The front and rear parts of the house lie separated by a center corridor onto which rooms open.

The top floor holds a private residential space accessed via a footbridge that connects the sitting room up front with the bedroom at the rear.

By design, functional spaces are located up front, with private residential areas tucked away in quiet places at the rear. The bedrooms for family members are scattered on almost every floor. For optimal traffic flow, all the rooms are linked to one another via the corridor and stairway at the center.

The facade supports a vertical garden from the third floor to the top. Plant irrigation is well planned to prevent water splashing back into the home.

Apart from the bright and airy center hall, the building façade features pleasing simplicity of appearance. At ground level, a bi-fold fence system is crafted of perforated metal panels for good ventilation.

Above it, the balcony façade is enclosed by custom iron frames in various sizes and configurations, adorned with lush climbing vines. They thrive in company with small threes growing luxuriantly nearby. In essence, it’s about bringing green into the home, turning it into a healthy and happy place to live for a multigenerational family.

Architect: k59 atelier

This house appears in the special Baan Lae Suan issue on the theme of “Cozy Living in Urban Homes” is out now. Design lovers, this one is for you. It’s the latest in the ongoing “ASEAN Tropical House Series”.

The exciting new bilingual edition (Thai-English) is a nice little collab between the Baan Lae Suan Press and its English language media arm Living ASEAN. It’s the coming together of ideas for dealing with the problem of limited space, turning site constraints into solutions. Precisely, it looks at problem solving techniques, ultimately creating small urban homes that are right within the context of Southeast Asia. In this issue, ten houses are chosen for their exemplary designs that inspire. It’s meant for architects, designers, and homeowners searching out new ideas for creating a living space that’s cozy and comfortable plus it blends in beautifully with the environment.

Available at bookstores nationwide. Or go online. Order now at https://www.naiin.com/product/detail/621643

For bulk international orders, contact livingasean.bkk@gmail.com

You may also like…

QAH: A Gable Front Townhouse Strikes a Balance between Work and Life

Tan Phu House: From a Stuffy, Narrow Shophouse to a Multi-Floor Home with Rooftop Garden

H.A Garden House: A Nature-Inspired Vacation Home Exudes Vietnamese Suburban Charm

By kangsadank
May 13, 2025
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Khanh Hoa, Vietnam /

/ Story: Kangsadan K. / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Hiroyuki Oki /

The hustle and bustle of a city can be overwhelming. It can make most of us yearn for a countryside escape. Looking for ideas about living a quiet, more natural lifestyle? Here is a vacation home in Cam Lam District, Khánh Hòa Province in south central Vietnam. Nestled in vibrant greenery, it offers a blend of suburban charm and an oasis of serenity where time stands still.

Created by Pham Huu Son Architects, a design firm based in Nha Trang, Khánh Hòa Province, the country house offers 600 square meters of usable space, large by any standard. The property is a rectangle with a wide frontage facing the street. It’s accessible via a small road that can be busy at times due to commuters heading to and from work. For privacy reasons, the house is situated further away from the front boundary, thereby leaving a sufficient quantity of parking spots up front by the main entrance. The result is a calm and peaceful living space that prioritizes privacy, visual balance and well-being.

An artist’s rendition shows the house being built towards the back of the property, separated from the street by a parking area at the front. / Courtesy of Pham Huu Son Architects

For privacy reasons, H.A Garden house is built further away from the front property line, protected by a breeze block fence that separates it from a parking area.

The countryside retreat named “H.A Garden House” boasts large common areas that include an interior hallway, living room, kitchen and dining room with views of a water pond fringed by vibrant greenery. Together they go to work creating a serene and immersive garden oasis. For practical reasons, private living spaces are tucked away in a tidy little garden filled with natural light. It contains two bedrooms, one for the homeowners and the other for guests. They are easily accessible via a small patio adjoining the house.

The reception room is adequately illuminated with natural light, thanks to tall glass wall systems combined with a high pitched roof and light-colored furniture.

Inspired by mountain landscapes, the roofs are set at different heights for aesthetic appeal and improved ventilation. Apart from enhancing the house’s exterior, they create a harmonious blend between the built environment and beautiful natural surroundings. In the fewest possible words, it’s a design concept that regards humans and nature as fundamentally one and the same.

What makes this house stand out is a plethora of big window ideas that provide sweeping views and open wide for better airflow coming in from nearby gardens. But wait, there’s more. A water pond in the yard also helps promote overall wellness and relaxation, while long eaves overhanging the walls of the house provide protection from the elements, ultimately keeping the home cool in summer. Briefly, the entire place just feels good the moment you step in.

Named H.A Garden House, the place is made for cozy holiday living. It’s one that places great emphasis on informal spaces for relaxation, socializing and bonding with others in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Above all else, it’s a design that fosters a sense of connection with nature by bringing the outdoors in. And that’s precisely the purpose of architecture. The result is a home in a rural setting that’s not only functional, but also sustainable and aesthetically pleasing. Have a look.

Architect: Pham Huu Son Architects

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Office for Trees: Beautiful All-Glass Workspace amid Lush Green Gardens

Sanctuary Villa: A Modern Suburban House Embraces Nature, Comfort and Privacy

A Wood Façade House Nestled in the Beauty of a Tropical Garden

By kangsadank
April 28, 2025
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Jakarta, Indonesia /

/ Story: BRL / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: KIE /

Like an oasis from a picture book, this cozy modern home with a wood slat façade is carefully thought out to reconnect with nature and outdoor spaces fringed by lush tropical trees. It’s a unit of construction added to an existing heavily built concrete house in classic style, creating a unique blend of old and new. From the beginning, few trees grew in the yard adjoining the old family home. There came a time when more living spaces had to be created, and the homeowners chose to put in a contemporary style home using wood slats for the exterior façade. To make it complete, tropical trees and shrubs were added for comfort, warmth and relaxation.

From a design perspective, the challenge lies in creating a sense of pleasing agreement among parts of the buildings. Before anything else, large openings in the wall are installed resulting in good natural ventilation and improved lighting in the interior living spaces. Then it’s time to spruce up the existing landscape filling it with healthy green foliage, a swimming pool and a carp pond in the front yard. Together they go to work making the outdoor living spaces invitingly comfortable.

The front yard has a carp pond that runs alongside a stepping stone walkway connecting the two houses. Needless to say, the mellifluous sound of water flowing in the yard is so refreshing.

But the things that make a difference are the tropical trees that clean the air, provide oxygen and enhance the quality of life for house occupants. Among them, tower trees, also known as giraffe trees, provide shade that helps regulate temperatures, plus they blend together beautifully with the hardwood façade in deep browns and warm tone colors. The new house with wood slats for exterior walls offers a welcome contrast to the bland uniformity of the old family home nearby.

The outdoor room is refreshing thanks to a swimming pool that extends for the full length of the house. Peacock flower trees (scientific name: *Delonix regia*) planted at specific distances apart can grow very tall while long thin leaves allow sunlight to reach the garden floor.

The new three-story home has all the appropriate parts and functions. The first floor has a bedroom, a fitness room and service areas tucked away below ground level. The central common area on the second floor consists of a living room and dining room with a view of the garden and swimming pool.

The second floor holds a common area that’s the heart of family life. By design, the open floor plan creates a seamless flow between rooms.

The third floor room gives access to a rooftop deck with plenty of space for an outdoor seating area. Steel columns that serve both structural and aesthetic purposes are erected along the building’s outer limits. In this way, a glass wall that runs the full 15-meter distance can be created without pillars. For visual harmony, the upright steel pillars on the periphery of the building are covered with long, thin, flat pieces of timber that blend into the garden landscape.

Steel columns along the outer edge of the building are covered with hardwood boards in deep browns that blend with decorative wood paneling in the interior.

Disparities between materials create a welcome contrast in the furnishing and decoration of the interior. Here, Carrara marble floors and granite walls sparkle alongside wood slat panels in deep browns.

As for the furnishing and decoration of the interior, the emphasis is directed towards showcasing differences between materials, ideas and sensations on the eye. In this particular case, it’s about highlighting disparities between two living spaces – one is built using wood slats for the exterior façade while the other is painted a clean white shade.

A view from the street shows the new home with a wood façade (left) and the old white house (right) placed close together for contrasting effect.

Among other things, it offers pairs of contrast between white Carrara marble floors and wood surfaces in deep browns. The two things that are opposite from each other lie juxtaposed under natural light shining in through skylights in the rooftop. Together they go to work creating a home atmosphere that’s light, airy and conducive to relaxation. Plus, there’s a modern tropical courtyard garden that connects everything to everything else.

Architect: RCAB Studio

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Baan Suan Athisthan: A Contemporary Vernacular Home in Sync with Nature and Community Life

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HNP House: Gable House in the Woods Where the Veranda Opens onto Bright Sunshine and Lush Green Trees

By kangsadank
March 18, 2025
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Hoa Binh, Vietnam /

/ Story: BRL / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Chimnon Studio /

Here’s an ordinary-looking gable house that embraces the calm and the magic of a wild forest-inspired garden. Behind an unassuming façade, the house in Hoa Binh, Vietnam opens to reveal functional and flexible spaces with lots of cozy outdoor seating making it a perfect fit for family lifestyle needs. The simple secret to happiness lies in leaving the existing landscape as it is, plus it’s built of lightweight materials with the minimal impact on the environment.

A front elevation view shows the old house facade in cool-toned white colors, left, and the new extension enclosed by the glass walls, right. The old residence now serves a new purpose as workroom, while the new add-on has plenty of living spaces with a garden view.

Nestled in what was once a fruit orchard in the countryside, the humble abode by the pond has been the family home for decades. Soon it came time for a renovation, and the homeowners thought it wise to put in an add-on unit of construction that adapts to changing needs. The result is a piece of gable roof architecture that’s warm and welcoming.

A pen-and-brush rendition illustrates different levels in the landscape. The family home is sited at the center with the lodge for the accommodation of guests on the left, and a water tower typically built on high ground on the right. / Courtesy of 814lab

The old house now serves a new purpose as workroom, while the newly built wing seamlessly blends form and function creating an ample interior space that inspires and performs as intended. There’s an open-concept living room at the center of the house plan with a dining room and clever pantry ideas for a kitchen nearby.

The front façade is glazed using clear glass paneling for a view of the forest-inspired garden. Upright pillars erected with equal intervals support a long, sturdy beam spanning an opening in the wall. They are intended to match the dimensions of wooden ceiling boards, a clever way to reduce waste and help the environment.

An open-concept floor plan appears bright and airy with plenty of space for a living room, dining room and a pantry for preparing light meals located at the far end.

The living room has a wide porch in front overlooking a lush, thriving yard with a playground for kids. To protect from the elements, the roofed platform along the outside of the house is enclosed by clear glass paneling that’s an integral part of the building façade. Step inside, and you find a pantry giving access to an outbuilding containing a hot kitchen for cooking traditional meals. Together they form the heart of family life, a sensible way to bring back the taste of home and flavors of simpler times.

gable house — The roofed platform along the outside of the house is covered with brick pavers that are durable, resilient and weatherproof. They are installed with narrow cuts or depressions in between to allow rainwater to drain.

The covered shelter projecting in front of the building doubles as a long passage connecting the old house with newly added living spaces. The floor is covered with brick pavers with narrow cuts or depressions in between to allow rainwater to drain. As a protection against flooding, the entire plinth area is raised on columns over the surface of the soil. At the same time, split level design creates an interesting combination of distinct areas within the same building.

The veranda is roofed over with corrugated metal sheets supported by steel framing that’s lightweight with a minimal impact on the environment, plus it’s easy to use and easy to transport.

By integrating nature into a design concept, the architects at 814lab, Vietnam have succeeded in creating a home that evokes a sense of tranquility and balance. In other words, it treats all the visible features of an area as equally important as the house itself. Like so, every tree on the property is valuable and worth keeping for as long as possible. The house and its landscape remain a familiar sight in the area, plus it’s easy to maintain, requiring little care and making the home more livable.

The property also includes two other buildings: a lodge by the river used exclusively for the accommodation of guests, and an outbuilding with elevated tanks to distribute the water via a piped system. They are located in less-often used areas that allow nature to take its course. Impressive in its austere simplicity, the lodge is stripped down to the bare essentials with only bedrooms and baths. Basically, it’s about creating tranquility and balance in ecosystems and meeting the needs of the present without compromising on the well-being of future generations.

Architect: 814lab

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MN House: A Gallery-Inspired Home Warmly Cocooned in White Architecture

By kangsadank
February 24, 2025
HOUSE,LIVING

Here’s a gorgeous white home built with love and dreams. Named “MN House”, it’s an oasis of calm and comfort in the midst of the hustle and bustle of city life. Plus, there is a sense that art is present everywhere, inspiring creativity and making the expression of human imagination part of everyday living.

/ Bangkok, Thailand /

/ Story: Lily J. / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Rungkit Charoenwat /

More than anything, its interior lighting design is inspired by galleries for the display of works of art, while the external envelope consists of long, straight and curved walls likened to a combination of oversized papier mâché. The curvature of the building shell is there for good reason. It opens at intervals to bring natural light into enclosed rooms. In the meantime, the light is more diffuse thanks to crisp clean white tones that make the home feel airy, warm and welcoming.

Creative big windows bring natural light into the home, while light-colored surfaces and curves in the walls effectively reflect much of the heat away, keeping interior living spaces cool.

First Floor Plan / Courtesy of SaTa Na Architect

Second Floor Plan / Courtesy of SaTa Na Architect

Third Floor Plan / Courtesy of SaTa Na Architect

The house’s modern interior boasts a pristine living room illuminated by daylight streaming in through a large opening in the wall. For privacy, the side of the room facing a nearby building is overhung by second-floor walls that protect it from unwanted eyes. In the meantime, a skylight built into the rooftop contributes to a healthy indoor air environment. A shaft of sunlight spreads over a wide area creating an impression reminiscent of the white interior of an art gallery.

Viewed from above, the courtyard pool provides natural ventilation and daylight in the middle of the home. The mere sight and sound of water enhances interaction between indoor and outdoor living despite limited available space.

The heart of the home consisting of a living room, dining room and a home office provides easy access to the courtyard pool and a small terrace at the center of the house plan.

The second floor has a courtyard pool and poolside deck offering a serene space for relaxation. It’s the heart of the home enclosed by glass walls and accessible from multiple rooms. By design, it facilitates easy flow from one area to another, creating the ultimate communal living area that includes the living room, dining room and a home office nearby. Such beautiful visual continuity and spatial relationships can also be seen in full view from the third floor.

The inner courtyard allows sunlight and fresh air into the home while the swimming pool offers a peaceful area for relaxation. It’s amazing how the mere sight and sound of water enhances every aspect of living. Add sunshine and a gentle wind, and you get a light and airy environment despite limited space.

In terms of spatial arrangement, the floor plan layout reveals a series of rooms connected by well-thought-out lighting design and clean lines that arouse different emotional responses from one area to another. It’s like looking at picture frames placed side by side. At every turn, perfectly crisp lines and bold curves create a pleasing visual combination that matches the details of the walls and ceilings, culminating in a modern interior decorating style.

Curved symmetrical structures and round windows work alongside each other to increase natural light in the home.

The simple modern house in cool-toned whites contributes to the neighborhood’s overall appeal.

To put it shortly, it’s seamless flow between rooms that makes this white home in the city a desirable place of residence, one that reflects well on the way of life, preferences and experience of the family living in it. Here’s a home inspired by serene and inviting interiors of an art gallery. Its white walls tell the story of the importance of privacy in the midst of urban chaos.

Locals go about their daily routines in the neighborhood where the white house is located.

Precisely, a well-thought-out design ensures the homeowners get what they’ve been looking for, a beautiful home that’s fully functional and capable of answering their lifestyle needs. Plus, there’s the peaceful atmosphere of the finest private art gallery.

Architects: SaTa Na Architect

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In the ASEAN region that’s known for warm temperatures and high precipitation, creative design has made the best possible use of abundant sunshine, seasonal winds and the visual beauty of land to achieve comfort and well-being at home.

A Country Style Home Office Set amid an Urban Environment

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MN House: A Gallery-Inspired Home Warmly Cocooned in White Architecture

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