“One North Residence” is a condominium complex project led by the Government of Singapore. Located in the Buona Vista district, the project focused on a landscape design within common areas.
The plaza offers wide-open spaces with a pond in the center, lined with potted plants and deck furniture in polite colors.
Forms and functions of the property are represented to the beauty with utility into three areas. First, there is a graphic-style swimming pool bordered by passageways and grassy lawns. Nearby lies children’s playground that consists of a small hill. On the edge of the grassy mound stands a full array of lush green vegetation that adds the natural touch and textures to the landscape. The plants that thrive here are all harmless species because this is the rendezvous for everyone young and old.
The green playground consists of a grassy mound for children. An array of equipment from sliders to an amusing underground tunnel.The entryway to the tunnel resembles a rabbit hole near the small hill. The floorboard is made of rubber tiles for safety. /// Murals on the tunnel wall educate children about of various plant species. From the center point, children can admire outside scenery through a semi-circle window. The swimming pool is surrounded by a wood deck covered with palm trees to create a cool canopy.
The second is the rooftop deck consists of a simple-looking sky garden. Next to it there is a swimming pool with a view of the sprawling urban landscape. The area is bedecked with small trees. There is a skywalk that connects the gardens on top of the two buildings. Gazebos made for relaxation are nestled alongside small trees and beautiful lines of bamboo plants.
Bird’s eye view of the swimming pool. The reception building has a large rooftop garden equipped with automatic watering systems to care for ground covering plants.
The last is a Rain Tree courtyard. Chan Huaiyan, director of Salad Dressing, the project’s landscape architects, designs it. He recalls that every effort is made to save this more than 50-year-old tree. For example, a radius of 7 meters from the trunk is kept intact to allow for healthy, vigorous roots and avoid unwanted consequences during the period of construction.
The skywalk connecting between towers is an amazing vista point.The rooftop deck has a swimming pool with amazing panoramic views. A square Jacuzzi, which is part of the pool, is aglow with light and color by night.
The rain tree continues to thrive and provide a crisp, cool canopy for the residents here. The verdant oasis also consists of a small plaza. A variety of retail shops on the ground floor caters to needs of local residents. Further and beyond, an open terrace extends to meet a beautiful shallow pond in the rectangular shape. Ornamental lights are put in place both inside the pond as well as alongside it. For a neat appearance, the lights are hidden inside rectangular boxes that serve as deck furniture. The enchanting atmosphere makes it ideal for relaxation in the late afternoon and evening.
A well-groomed rain tree in the courtyard is kept a good distance from surrounding buildings. Every effort was made to protect its roots during construction.
Apart from main components, the architects also pay attention to detail by putting in plants everywhere, including climbers on balconies and between buildings. This results in the formation of vertical gardens with a water feature at the center of a verdant oasis in One North Residence.
The shower area by the poolside is wrapped in lush green hedges for privacy. /// The passageway between buildings is lined with potted plants and verdant climbers that thrive all the way to the top. To put nature into the part of the residential complex.
A designer couple’s dream house stands amidst the idyllic farmlands of Vietnam countryside. Interior designer My An Pham Thi and her husband Michael Charrualt, who is also a 3D graphic designer, built their new home office using natural materials and creative building techniques. Basically, it’s a design that embraces the green building concept aimed at minimizing negative impacts on the environment. By mixing locally sourced materials with imagination and modern methods of construction, they were able to create an eclectic living space with a look that’s uniquely their own.
The designer couple’s home is built using a mix of real wood, concrete masonry, brickwork and palm-leaf roofing. The vertical pattern of bricklaying makes the fence wall look taller than it really is.
It’s a design choice that came at the right time as sustainable building was catching on in different parts of the country. Green construction provides many benefits, among them reduced waste, reduced cost and better air quality, and the list goes on.
This designer couple’s home out in the country conveys a great deal about that line of thought and the need to go green. They mixed local materials with imagination to create an environment-friendly home that’s cozy and warm without burning a hole in the pocket.
A large table with Windsor chairs and a vintage Chinoiserie daybed adorn the spacious, semi-outdoor dining room. Overhead, cement surfaces in the ceiling are brushed smooth for ease of maintenance and precautions against humidity damage.
Connecting with nature. A part of the house is left unroofed to bring the big blue sky and the sound of leaves rustling in the trees into the room.
The fence wall in front of the house boasts the simplicity of raw concrete finishes with beautiful bamboo detailing. There are two gates made of wood in dark reddish browns that blend with the rural environment, at the same time, protecting the home from the outside.
As a feature that’s a source of pride, the house’s external envelope is crafted of bare brickwork that adds visual interest to the overall design. Where appropriate, perforate brick walls are installed to allow fresh air and natural light into the home, making the interior feel nice and dry.
All of this is achieved by using simple materials readily available in the locality, such as wood, cement, bricks and palm-leaf roofing. Together they give the house in the fields a beautiful indigenous flair.
Benefits of a perforate shell: Bricks are laid with openings in between for increased light and better ventilation in the interior.The absence of solid room dividers makes the interior feel light, airy and spacious. The same applies to the bookshelf without a back panel that’s easy to use and easy to keep clean.
In essence, it’s the love of the outdoors that inspires My An Pham Thi and Michael Charrualt to build their home out in Vietnam countryside. It boils down to the healthy lifestyle they cherish in their heart, a yearning desire to seek reconnections with nature. And this rustic country house in the fields is made for that.
Take a look inside. The ground floor boasts a specious living room with Chinoiserie furniture that connects to the dining room with a large table and Windsor chairs. It has the view of a side yard garden.
Tall windows under vaulted ceilings fill the third-floor master bedroom with natural light.
The second floor works as a home office with a snug bedroom tucked away in a quiet, more secluded area.
The master bedroom lies on the third floor that’s characterized by simplicity and a handful of essential elements unique to Minimalist style.
A small patch of greenery adds life and refreshing change to the relaxed bathroom ambience.
Here, time goes by so slowly, and the designer couple isn’t in a hurry to go anywhere. Their dream home is, in fact, a live-in experiment, in which different materials and various building strategies are being evaluated to determine how they perform in real life.
Should any issue arise, it will be dealt with one by one to arrive at the best solution. But one thing for sure, it’s a home with love and care.
Multicolor floor tiles and an area rug in complementary shades adorn the spacious living room made comfortable by a white upholstered sofa.
Owner/Architect: My An Pham Thi and Michael Charruault of MM++ Architects (www.mmarchitects.net)
/ Story: Supachart Boontag / English version: Bob Pitakwong /
/ Photographs: Rithirong Chanthongsuk /
Once an affordable choice among artists, lofts have grown to become one of the most popular house styles. The design that makes use of high ceilings to create an airy, cozy and comfortable place of residence appeals to a much wider demographic now than any time in the past.
High beam ceilings and sliding glass doors brighten and enlarge the appearance of the living room.
This three-story retro loft house in the Malaysian state of Selangor is the brainchild of Ramesh Seshan, who has experience in loft design. Judging from the way things are going, it’s an architectural style that represents endless possibilities.
It all began with Lee Kok Choong wanting to renovate his old house as a retro loft style residence. Responding to his heart’s desire, architect Seshan explored and rethought all the materials and building strategies to create solutions that meet his preferences.
The result is a cozy and warm loft home showcasing the simplicity of unornamented concrete finishes. Uncovered brick walls become the center of attention, whereas rough textures are accentuated alongside of retro Chinese style detailing.
The center courtyard house plan features a serene carp fish pond. The mellifluous sound of water fits in well with the loft atmosphere.A semi-outdoor staircase leading to upstairs living rooms boasts the simplicity of bare concrete finishes.For a lightweight look, concrete flooring on the footbridge is replaced by thick tempered glass panels.
As one would imagine, the newly renovated home is rich in the appeal and qualities that connect with history.
Take for example the second floor entryway that’s inspired by colonial architecture in old Hong Kong. The floor is covered in custom-made ceramic tiles in geometric shapes. Nearby, a footbridge is paved with thick tempered glass that blends well with wrought iron detailing on safety handrails.
From a distance, the rustic façade in brown conjures up memories of the Jawa spaceship Sandcrawler in sci-fi movies Star Wars. Step inside, and you find a spiral staircase made of bare concrete with its distinctive rough textures and the expanded metal infill balustrade that’s the hallmark of industrial loft style.
The kitchen is located near living spaces for convenience. The floor is covered in smooth marble, while exposed brick walls add visual interest to loft ideas.
Interestingly, each floor has its own character. The first floor is paved with green marble imported from India, while red marble, aka Rosa Levanto, adds a bold personality to the living room on the second floor. The third floor is an entirely different story as it unexpectedly switches to a combination of various concrete finishes.
Interior design showcases a fun twist, incorporating unique and unexpected elements. Take for instance a leisure area that uses a pair of vintage barber chairs for sitting on, instead of the regular bar stools at standard height. Behind the bar counter, an antique storage cabinet in subdued chili red and collectible décor items take pride of place on the wall.
A concrete spiral staircase leads to living spaces on the second and third floors.
The U-shaped house plan features a central courtyard that opens to natural light. The bright and airy atmosphere is further enhanced by large glass doors.
Even though the design is influenced by many styles and built using a variety of different materials, the architect has finally managed to keep all the retro loft qualities in perfect harmony.
More so than anything else, the overall effect is impressive; a home that’s stylishly fashionable, cozy and pleasant in its own special way. An experience like this is worth its weight in gold!
Rust-colored panels form the outer shell of double-wall construction that shelters the interior living spaces from too much sun and rain.Different color marble floors mark the boundaries between the bedroom and the adjoining bath.A leisure area on the second floor is inspired by traditional ways of life in old Hong Kong. Black and white stripe bamboo blinds are influenced by a popular design in old Malaya, now Malaysia, during colonial times.Modern facades in brown brings out cool personality of the Retro-Loft house style inspired by the ways of life in old Hong Kong and cultural heritage in old Malaya, now Malaysia.
/ Story: Panchat Changchan / English version: Bob Pitakwong /
/ Photographs: Rithirong Chanthongsuk /
The place called “Desa House” belongs to 49-year-old artist Leon Leong. Located in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur, the artist house clearly stands out from the rest in a neighborhood characterized by ubiquitous townhomes.
Newly added is the sky garden that extends outward from the second-floor façade.
The most eye-catching feature is the lush sky garden that extends outward from the second floor. The structure also doubles as a carport roof. Green foliage adorns the front façade and functions as a privacy curtain.
The striking features remind us that we have reached our destination.
The sky garden platform, which doubles as a carport roof, is accessible from the second floor.
The bedroom and the studio are lit by natural light through a sliding glass that slides open to access the greenery. The same applies to the rear portion of the house, which opens to a backyard.
In the front and back, green foliage forms privacy curtains that effectively set the interior spaces apart from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Roof beams are clearly visible after ceilings are removed to make way for the new add-on.There is no need for electric lights as the interior is sufficiently illuminated by natural energy via the second-floor skylight and the main entrance. Lattice skylight crafted of concrete turns the second-floor living spaces into a well-lit place. /// Natural light illuminates the central court that the artist owner uses as his workstation.
The artist house’s aesthetic is achieved by putting in an add-on and other details to the existing structure.
Like other townhomes in the neighborhood, there is a central court that the occupants use for relaxation. But architect Wen Hsia of the WHBC Architects group has a better idea.
She transforms this centerpiece into something different. What used to be a seating area now becomes a lush landscape, where tall trees cast shadows on surrounding walls and much of the first floor.
It brings in the outdoor, and the atmosphere comes alive every time leaves blow in the wind. All day the light and sound show gives the artist homeowner the inspirations that he needs.
The interior spaces double as an art gallery, where Leon displays his beautiful works of art. The artist’s favorite spot is the bookshelves composed of concrete and wood frames.The perfect match for timeworn kitchen countertops and minimal raw wood furniture.
Leon needs plenty of light to create works of art, and he gets it all in the home studio.
To bring in natural light, the architect has tiled roofing replaced by lattice skylight, creating beautiful special effects. Concrete lattice casts striking shadow patterns everywhere.
It is cheaper, longer lasting, and easier to maintain than that made of wood. As night falls, the studio is aglow by electric light.
Interestingly the studio light alone is enough to illuminate the entire home.
The artist’s workstation is nestled underneath the stairway and behind the bookshelves. The living room shares space with the kitchen for added convenience. Tall trees provide a crisp, cool canopy to the backyard. Beach pebbles, concrete slabs, and a patch of manicured grass fill up the garden floor.
/ Story: Ekkarach Laksanasamrich / English version: Peter Montalbano /
/ Photographs: Soopakorn Srisakul /
With bamboo as its main material, the architect has integrated the modern Tropical design into nature. This well-ventilated house in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is the brainchild of John G. N. Bulcock of Design Unit Architects Sdn. Bhd. Though the theme is modern Tropical, Bulcock preferred not to limit his idea only to the word. “Actually, I’m not interested in defining it. I’m more curious to look into the floor plan, the atmosphere, and the functions. And I like it the way it is,” said the architect.
A concrete roof spanning 15 meters across provides protection for the sitting room, dining room, and bedrooms.
Fung Kai Jin, the owner of this bamboo house in Malaysia, gave Bulcock freedom to design. The only request was to feature bamboo in the work, although the material has some flaws of its own.
[left] The swimming pool and terraces lie at the low end of sloping ground surrounded by full-grown trees. [right] The door is especially made to open wide from one end to the other. So, the view is not blocked.“Bamboo is a gift from nature,” said Fung. “It is strong and durable to a certain extent. But it has some weaknesses. It doesn’t last as long as other kinds of wood, or steel and concrete masonry, and it requires more maintenance than other materials.
“But for those who have a penchant for bamboo, I think it’s worth the effort. After all, you get to spend time in the house that you love every day.”
The sitting room has high ceilings. The upstairs TV room is protected from the sunlight by a bamboo lattice.Spaces between the walls promote good air circulation.
Bulcock then decided the house has to be an integrated one. “The main idea is to make the house an integral part of the nature,” he recalled. “Meaning, it has to blend well with the land features and trees around it. So the plan calls for plenty of open spaces and undisturbed materials, such as plain concrete finishes, glass, and bamboo.”
Imitating nature with a rain garden, the architects put in a nice little green al fresco oasis on the second floor.A semi-outdoor area stays cool and comfortable all day, thanks to leafy plants and underground vapors.
The three-story house was set on a slope. So, Bullock placed a carport and a main entrance on the second floor for practical use. The floor consists of a dining room, kitchen, TV room and a wide balcony overlooking a swimming pool. The lower floor includes a home office, living room, storage room and a maid’s quarter. The private area is reserved on the third floor.
The bedroom is adorned with simple decoration. Plain concrete walls and white ceilings spice up the atmosphere. The floorboard is made of hardwood for durability and a stress-free environment.
The house is kept small and uncluttered by dividing into rooms connecting through a roofed hallway that spans over 15 meters across the area. A small interval between the roof and the building is allowed for the rain and the sun shining in.
There are also gaps between the main roof and nearby rooms to promote good ventilation. Fresh air circulates throughout the day through passageways and gaps in the bamboo lattice. Courtesy of the Tropical weather, there is no need for an air-conditioning machine for this bamboo house in Malaysia.
The architects install bamboo lattice in the interiors as well to create visual continuity.Fixed windows at the top edge of dining room walls allow light to shine through, while effectively keeping the heat out.
“As it rains, a fine spray of water descends upon bamboo lattice. When the owner chose this kind of material, he accepted that wet weather is normal,” Bulcock said
“Call it living close to nature. We need to plan which part can be exposed to the rain and vice versa to avoid damage to the structure over time.”
Large windows in the son’s bedroom make the interior very light and airy. The swimming pool below can be seen in full view from here.
All things considered, this bamboo house in Malaysia is a good example of what living close to nature should look like.
For maximum exposure to the natural surroundings, stair railings are crafted of glass panels.
/ Story: Skiixy / English version: Bob Pitakwong /
/ Photographs: Soopakorn Srisakul /
Located in a suburb of Ho Chi Minh City, this minimalist-style house has plenty of ample space for a family. It’s the brainchild of A21 Studio, a homegrown architectural firm renowned for its creative designs in residential, public, hospitality and cultural categories.
Double-height space design makes the interior feel open and airy, allowing plenty of natural daylight and fresh outdoor air into the home
From a design perspective, the suburban residence codenamed “M11 House” boasts the simplicity of clean lines typical of a modern home, with many natural elements beautifully integrated into the plan.
The uncluttered ground-floor interior appears light and airy, thanks to glass partition walls that make a small space feel big. Nearby, a center courtyard offering an oasis of calm can be seen in full view from anywhere in the home. A work of outstanding design is the innermost section of the house that’s spacious and cozy, thoughtfully devised to promote soothing relaxation.
The bedroom on the ground floor is located in the cozy innermost section of the house, separated from the rest by outdoors privacy screens.Tall glass-wall systems separate the bedroom from the terrace along the outside of the building. There’s a platform bed with an oversized mattress and soft white lights emitting a warm and cozy light for deep relaxation.
Double-height space design offers many benefits. Among others, it creates a connected home by providing visual continuity between the first and the second floor, not to mention there is flexibility in design, too.
Here, the kid’s study room and sitting room on the second floor can be connected or separated as needed. The third floor is a different story. It contains a home gym with a bathtub, and room offering seclusion for a good rest after a long day at work.
Sunlight streams through the windows turning the stairwell into well-lit place.The second-floor living room is plain and uncluttered. A tree in the center courtyard blocks the sun’s rays from penetrating into the home.
Worthy of attention is the clean-cut edges between indoors and outdoors. The interior in general is an interesting amalgam of the bright shiny concrete floor, glass room dividers, and solid walls painted a cool-toned white, while streamlined furniture makes for comfortable living in a Minimalist style.
A minimalist-style built-in sofa with throw pillows in bright colors grace the living room. Simple design results in the least amount of disruption.The bathroom is enclosed in clear glass for visual continuity with the rest of the private room.
Overall, well-thought-out design ensures there’s the least disruption of airflow making it possible to do without air conditioning. That translates into big savings on electricity and other energy-related expenses.
The center courtyard is visible from every point of view in the home.A slat wood panel effectively separates the kitchen from the corridor without disrupting air circulation in the interior.
In the fewest possible words, it’s a well-made home tailored to answer the homeowner’s specific needs, one that bespeaks his passion for minimalist design and environmental awareness. At the end of the day, a good life can only be built with good relationships between man and nature.
The bedroom with an abundance of natural light and a garden view is in the snug innermost part of the house.An extra parking area under a shade tree is ready for future use.
/ Story: Ronnapa Nit / English version: Bob Pitakwong /
/ Photographs: Sitthisak Namkham /
In Singapore, people look for creative ways to make the most of limited space, and that includes the rooftop design. A multiple-floor renovation by Formwerkz Architects clearly illustrates this. The Singapore-based architectural practice has succeeded in creating a unique living space on the rooftop tailored specifically to the homeowner’s lifestyle needs.
The rooftop deck is a vista point to capture amazing panoramic views.
From a distance, the place looks similar to other two-story homes in the neighborhood, except for the rooftop deck. The platform-like structure is unlike anything else, yet it fits right in the modern context that forms the setting of the area.
[Left] An open kitchenette connects with the dining room making the area look neat and uncluttered, while a warm shade of brown and burgundy on the wall contrasts with modern furniture. / [Right] A U-shaped sectional sofa is set against the wall to maximize space.
The designing process started out with the living room, dining room and kitchen before moving on to the upper floors that hold a sitting room, multipurpose area, bedrooms and a rooftop deck. It represents a line of thought that ensures all areas are easily accessed and connected.
The overall effect is very light and airy, thanks to natural light shining through a rooftop skylight and fixed windows in the sidewall.
Fundamentally, it’s about harnessing the power of nature to create good living conditions. This is evident in well-thought-out design that ensures no electric light is ever needed during the daytime, translating into big savings plus excellent indoor thermal comfort.
Earth-tone color adds a touch of warmth to the living room on the second floor.
Strictly speaking, the interior living space is an interesting amalgam of modern architecture and graphic design innovations. This is especially true of the living room, where Art Deco style meets modern materials, such as mosaic tiles, terrazzo walls, glass panels on wood, and metal frames.
[Left] A nook beside the wall offers seclusion in the son’s bedroom. Louvered windows with wood slats alternating with glass panels are used to aid air circulation. / [Right] The front facade bedecked with a vertical garden provides natural sunscreens protecting the master bedroom.The stairwell connecting to the lower floor is illuminated by a rooftop skylight.[Left] A bright and airy bathroom at the far end is visible from the stairway leading to the top deck. / [Right] The bathroom in white comes with a wall-mounted countertop. The mirror with a rounded corner paired with soft pink recessed lighting creates a sense of spaciousness.A ramp and a staircase provides access to the rooftop deck.
Among other things, the most eye-catching feature is the rooftop design that extends from the penthouse roof resembling a continuation of the indoor living space. The al fresco area is a perfect place to relax and unwind on a lazy afternoon, or to host an outdoor party.
From a distance, the newly remodeled house is thoughtfully devised to blend with the surroundings. It’s a way that forms a pleasing whole, where traditional and modern values peacefully coexist in this residential neighborhood of Singapore.
A skylight beside the rooftop deck allows plenty of sunshine to reach all the way to the lower floor.The house’s four levels lie hidden from view, while its front facade fits right in with two-story homes in the neighborhood.
/ Story: Ekkarach Laksanasamrit / English version: Bob Pitakwong /
/ Photographs: Sungwan Phratep /
The hot and humid climate in Thailand is inevitable. But where there’s a will there’s always a way. This energy efficient home clearly illustrates that. The old house belonging to Assoc. Prof. Tonkao Panin Ph.D., of the Faculty of Architecture, Silpakorn University was lovingly restored to its former glory. The result is a place of residence that’s very pleasant, airy and well-lighted.
The house floor consists of prefab concrete slabs raised on a solid framework of steel. The lower floor right underneath it is covered with concrete in glossy finishes.
Located on the bank of a canal, the property faced a long-term problem. Flooding tended to happen often. This eventually necessitated a complete teardown to make room for a new home.
A short driveway covered in concrete pavers leads to the car park beneath the house.Well-thought-out design leaves plenty of room for air circulation, a nice way to create a comfortable home.
“We had full-grown trees on the land, which we intended to keep. So, the architects designed the building around them. Due to some limitations, parts of the old home remained intact. The space where the trees are standing now has since transformed into an atrium,” Tonkao said.
The staircase leading to the second floor has simple looking handrails that match the style of the house.Semi-outdoor passageways increase exposure to the sun and the wind.
“I want a home that’s open and airy – a house that breathes, so to speak. The new design calls for a system of wide corridors and ample spaces underneath it. The low land is now filled up to bring it to street level and create semi-outdoor multipurpose room.”
The energy-savvy double-wall corridor connects all interior spaces.
Tonkao chose steel for the main structure because it reduced construction time and enables a flexible construction schedule.
The two-story, L-shaped home splits into two wings located on either side of the warm and pleasant center courtyard. The canopy of tall trees keeps the entire living spaces cool and comfortable all day long.
For indoor thermal comfort, the exterior walls are made of hollow bricks to block the sun while allowing the wind to pass through. Plus, long eaves overhanging the outside walls protect the home from heat waves, while house-on-stilts design improves ventilation.
A sliding door separates the home office and sitting area on the second floor. The two rooms become one when the door is opened.
“We sleep soundly in a compact bedroom. A wide corridor helps when we walk pass each other. Semi-outdoor walkways enable us to keep abreast of current weather conditions and we don’t need air-conditioning,” said Tonkao apparently content with the design.
All things considered, it’s an energy efficient home, one that embraces natural light, increases airflow and makes daily living not only comfortable, but also enriching.
Louvered windows are ideal for increased air circulation. Clear glass alternates with translucent panels add curb appeal.[Left] An array of tall windows maximizes natural light, makes the home seem more inviting and accentuates the vertical design. / [Right] An all-white bathroom next to the bedroom is handy for everyday use and easy to keep clean.
Architect: Assoc.Prof.Tonkao Panin, Ph.D., and Tanakarn Mokkhasmita of Research Studio Panin (www.researchstudiopanin.com)
/ Story: Supachart Boontang / English version: Peter Montalbano /
/ Photographs: Sitthisak Namkham /
The design of this modern steel house fosters a harmonious relationship between man and mother nature. What presents itself as a chic, cubic steel structure draws its inspiration from traditional homes in the neighborhood and the lifestyles characteristic of the people in a locality.
The materials selected for this house are primarily recycled. The use of steel structures enables rapid construction, aligning seamlessly with the Dry Process approach.
For the most part, the house is made of recycled building materials adapted to suit a new use. Among them is the steel structural framing that reduces building time and noise pollution on the job site, making it suitable for dry construction.
The homeowner, Thitiwoot Chaisawataree, who is an architect and professor of architecture at Kasetsart University, shared the following with us:
“My parents wanted to transform the storage building at the back of their house into a relaxation room for hosting friends and relatives. The renovation plan involved dismantling and repurposing parts of the old structures that were no longer needed.
“The plan also emphasized adapting materials from past projects for use in a different purpose. They included hollow cement blocks, glazed tiles, electrical switches and outlets, paint, cast iron decorations, spiral staircases and steel rod fencing. And as the result of all this, a bright and airy modern steel home was created.”
The area beneath the house is spacious and well-ventilated. A long wood bench securely mounted on H-shaped steel framing is a perfect addition to the entrance of the building.
To lower humidity and enhance air circulation in the home, the floor was elevated to a plinth height above the natural ground level. Hardwood flooring materials were scarce. It was fortunate that the homeowner had purchased these materials and stored them for eight years prior.
They included wood planks 20 inches wide, 2 inches thick and 5 meters long that were used to build hardwood flooring. The design stipulated that none should be cut. One advantage of reclaimed timber is its low humidity content and reduced vulnerability to insect infestations.
Lightweight building materials were chosen since the renovated home rests on the original, long-standing foundation. The foundation sits on older pilings, which are shorter and have a limited weight-bearing capacity.The master bedroom boasts a variety of features, ranging from a workspace and sitting area to a cozy nook for relaxation.
The newly renovated home, spanning approximately 100 sq. m., is spread over two floors. The ground floor encompasses the primary open-plan living area. The second floor, which can be reached through a staircase outside the first-floor corridor, houses a bedroom, sitting room, workspace, and bathroom.
The architect, reflecting on his project, said: “Despite the ceilings being lower than usual at around 2.30 meters, the sitting area feels spacious. It draws inspiration from traditional Thai-style homes which prioritize creating living spaces in harmony with the environment, rather than emphasizing decorative elements.
“With this in mind, even a box-shaped house can be adapted to incorporate such design principles.”
Reclaimed wood planks find a new use as flooring materials on the first level. The use of movable furniture allows for future updates to meet the changing needs for space.
Speaking of the current trend in urban design, the homeowner wrapped up his perspective about this modern steel house very nicely.
“I’ve observed that today, we often face challenges in integrating the environment seamlessly into our home design. We’ve distanced ourselves so much from nature and, consequently, become more reliant on energy for various necessities, such as air conditioning and insulation.
“It seems we’re prioritizing the aesthetics of our home’s exterior over a design that naturally shields us from environmental factors. Over time, when we realize that the house doesn’t meet our needs, we consider expanding our living spaces. Ill-conceived designs can sometimes result in aesthetically displeasing outcomes.”
[Left] The contrast of orange with black enlivens the interior living spaces. / [Right] A perforated cement block wall promotes effective air circulation.
“Specifically for the Thai lifestyle, a comfortable home is one that’s tailored to the needs of its residents. Even better if the functional spaces are adaptable, allowing for potential future expansions.
“Simultaneously, the Tropical hot and humid climate of Thailand should be a primary consideration in home design. Comfortable interiors stem from design that harmoniously coexist with nature. Well-conceived floor plans ensure optimal air circulation and offer protection from the elements. It’s advisable to steer clear of materials that retain excessive heat.”
Like sunshine after rain, the interior spaces evoke memories of traditional Thai houses from days gone by.
/ Story: Samutcha Viraporn / English version: Bob Pitakwong /
/ Photographs: Rithirong Chanthongsuk /
Despite being located in a vibrant prime location, this home-cum-art gallery in Yangon is a fascinating place with a serene atmosphere and qualities that delight and please the senses. Architecturally speaking, it’s a nexus of ideas from different styles, places, and times.
The white mansion mixes and matches the visual elements of Contemporary and Colonial styles of architecture. Plus, it puts an innovative spin on traditions of years gone by, resulting in charm, good looks that tell the story of ongoing change in modern-day Yangon.
The calm and peaceful place is a short distance away from a busy market on Nawaday Road. Min Han, the homeowner, is on hand to give a warm welcome and show us around the premises.
The three-story home has many interesting features that apparently blend well together creating a building that works as a cohesive whole. Take for example the Modern-style wing that stands in perfect harmony with the nearby Colonial-style mansion. It’s a new addition to the original structure that’s zealously preserved.
A vivid color painting and wood furniture in dark brown dominate the hallway on the first floor. Unique elements of design including large bay windows are preserved in every part of the Contemporary style wing.
Other than that, the floors have since been improved and refinished, while room dividers are remade to create a light and airy atmosphere on the inside. In front of the house stands a two-story family business building, where traditional Burmese snacks and light meals are sold, including Yuzana Pickled Tea Leaves.
Nearby, a fence beautifully crafted of stone masonry separates a parking space upfront from outside and protects the family home from the noise and hubbub of the big city.
The stairway under a high ceiling is bedecked with paintings and sculptures evoking fond memories of a private art gallery.
“In fact, I am not much of an artist. But I like collecting works of art, especially those of U Maung Maung Hla Myint, who is nationally renowned for his bright color paintings. Vivid color paintings make the space feel more lively,” said Min Han.
The upstairs living room bedecked with bright color paintings is illuminated by a skylight above the stairway.
To create a sense of spaciousness, the architects put in a steel staircase with glass railings at the center of the house plan, resulting in unobstructed views of the whole interior. In general, the room is comfortable, airy and well-lighted, thanks to skylights above the stairway leading to the third floor. Together, they make the furnishings and other decorative details more noticeable.
The dining room of this home-cum-art gallery is adorned with beautiful works of art from the owner’s private collections.The bedroom’s white interior contrasts with dark brown colors of wood beams, posts, and ceiling joists.The interior living spaces are well-lit thanks to transom windows set above the top edge of the wall and the doorway.
For a neat appearance, the system of electrical wiring and lighting is arranged in a tidy way pretty much in the same fashion as that of a typical art gallery. There are spotlights on the installations, which makes the interior spaces look very well organized. As a private gallery, the hallway also doubles as a rendezvous point for friends and relatives coming by for a visit.
A spacious sound studio in the back confirms that a music lover lives here.The shower room is plain and simple. Attention to detail is reflected in the use of different materials separating dry and wet areas.
The homeowner not only paid attention to detail but also actively participated in making design decisions every step of the way, resulting in perfect visual harmony from beginning to end. All told, it’s a delightfully warm home and an art gallery combined into one cohesive whole. And it conveys a great deal about the homeowner’s love of art and a taste for something different.
[Left] The upright structural support is crafted of wood posts. Where appropriate, all sharp edges are removed. / [Right] To create a light and airy feel in the interior, the stairway is built on a steel frame with glass railings. There are no risers between the treads for good ventilation.
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![[Left] An open kitchenette connects with the dining room making the area look neat and uncluttered, while a warm shade of brown and burgundy on the wall contrasts with modern furniture. / [Right] A U-shaped sectional sofa is set against the wall to maximize space.](http://livingasean.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/9-2.jpg)
![[Left] A nook beside the wall offers seclusion in the son’s bedroom. Louvered windows with wood slats alternating with glass panels are used to aid air circulation. [Right] The front facade bedecked with a vertical garden provides natural sunscreens protecting the master bedroom.](http://livingasean.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/9-7.jpg)
![[Left] A bright and airy bathroom at the far end is visible from the stairway leading to the top deck. [Right] The bathroom in white comes with a wall-mounted countertop. The mirror with a rounded corner paired with soft pink recessed lighting creates a sense of spaciousness.](http://livingasean.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/9-9.jpg)
![[Left] An array of tall windows maximizes natural light, makes the home seem more inviting and accentuates the vertical design. / [Right] An all-white bathroom next to the bedroom is handy for everyday use and easy to keep clean.](https://livingasean.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/b.jpg)
![[Left] The upright structural support is crafted of wood posts. Where appropriate, all sharp edges are removed. / [Right] To create a light and airy feel in the interior, the stairway is built on a steel frame with glass railings. There are no risers between the treads for good ventilation.](http://livingasean.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/4-10.jpg)
