/ 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.
“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.
/ Story: Ekkarach Laksanasamrith / English version: Peter Montalbano /
/ Photographs: Soopakorn Srisakul /
A lot of work and research was invested in this row house renovation project. The big question is: how to make the compact house look wider?
Home renovation: The project is accomplished without any concrete construction. The new second floor rests on cylindrical steel posts instead of big cement pillars.
Like most urban residential buildings in Vietnam, “3×9 House” was formerly a shophouse built a long time ago. Only recently it was restored to a good state of repair. Looking back over the years, the old place lacking fresh air and ventilation had only a few windows and lots of solid brick walls, which made the building look dim.
A bold move was needed to rejuvenate it. The result is a modern living space that looks and feels fresher, younger and more lively, plus it helps to lift up the mood of the residents.
The 3-by-9-meter house has become a point of interest by integrating natural features in the design.
As land prices in Vietnam continued to rise rapidly and steeply every year, buying a new house seemed like a formidable task. So the owner thought it wise to invest in renovating his existing home.
He reached out to A21 Studiofor their good reputations in the building industry, especially when it came to turning small, stuffy old houses into nice, uncluttered and environment-friendly homes.
Clay tiles are placed inversely on the entire interior walls to create a stripe pattern and unique touch.
Walk in the door, and the first thing that catches our eyes is a tree growing up through an opening in the footbridge set against the wall. It’s a sign of welcome warmly greeting visitors coming into the entryway. The overall effect is bright and airy, thanks in part to a rooftop skylight illuminating the interior living spaces and letting sunlight shine on the tree.
For indoor thermal comfort, openings in the walls let breezy wind enter through the front door and circulate inside the home. As a result of this, the entire interior feels fresh and full of life all the way to the rear section, the second floor and the room under translucent sliding panels on the rooftop.
Flanked by three-story row houses on both sides, “3×9 House” is exposed to direct sunlight only in the middle of the day. For the rest of the time, the home is full of nice cool shade, making it feel very comfortable, warm and cozy, so there’s no need for air-conditioning.
The steel framework supporting the roof is equipped with a sliding skylight. This effectively illuminates interior spaces and allows the tree to keep on thriving.For the health benefits of a well-lit home, the bedroom space connects to the footbridge with an opening for a tree to thrive under the rooftop skylight.Loft style ideas paired with earth-tone color make the simple bedroom feel open, airy and uncluttered, thanks in part to the absence of solid room dividers.A modern kitchen setup gets rid of smoke and smell fast, as a result of a range hood blower and openings in the rooftop.
For a bigger, more open vibe in the interior, solid room dividers are avoided, with the exception of the bathroom. The ground floor consists of a living room, dining area and kitchen; all connected.
The bedroom and leisure areas are upstairs. Since the homeowner lives alone, solid room dividers are of no use. In a nutshell, it’s about integrating natural features, openings in the walls and a good ventilation system in the overall design. That’s what makes it a good place to live.
A colorful mix of tiles are reminiscent of vernacular architecture.
/ 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 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: Warapsorn Akkhaneeyut / English version: Bob Pitakwong /
/ Photographs: Sitthisak Namkham /
Terraced houses are ubiquitous throughout Singapore, many of which are well preserved to showcase the country’s rich architectural heritage and history of British Colonial rule. Many of them have changed to better serve commercial and residential needs of the modern world. This handsome terraced house is no exception.
Part of the top floor becomes a small sky garden.
This terraced house belongs to Alan Barr and Phaswan Promphat, both of whom interior designers.
Alan has had experience living in big cities, such as New York, before the job sent him across the globe to settle in Singapore nine years ago. He didn’t arrive empty-handed, but with furniture and other prized possessions.
Over time Alan transformed the old townhouse into a trendy residential unit, incorporating a touch of New York in the prevailing climatic conditions of Singapore.
The spaces between Colonial-style arch windows are filled with bookshelves that stand tall from floor to ceiling.Part of the living room is remodeled into a workplace. The table is custom-made from discarded materials.
The home has a narrow front façade, but the narrow width is compensated by depth, a design feature typical of Sino-Portuguese architecture.
The front part has since been remade to accommodate lattice awnings from floor to ceilings. They serve as privacy curtains while shielding the interior from direct sunlight without limiting air circulation.
From the outside in, it looks like any two-story home. Step in, and you will find it is actually a three-story design.
The ground floor now serves as a carport and storage facility. A set of stairs takes us to the second floor, which is the living room and kitchen with a spacious dining area.
The home office is here, too. From the living room, there is another set of stairs leading to the bedroom on the third floor.
An armchair and a round coffee table adorn the relaxed living room in chocolate and cream tones.Antique-inspired décor items line the hallway leading to a relaxed living space in the rear of the building. A room with a corner sofa and a large coffee table has enough space to entertain a circle of friends. The backsplash is covered in ceramic tiles made to look like bricks.[left] The living room floor is covered in a patchwork of carpets crafted of donkey hide that is soft to the touch. [right] A niche under the staircase has enough room for a mini-bar.
Alan said, “This home used to be a design studio. The interior was just about right. It looked like a home, but it was not.
“At the time, it was an office and it had no kitchen. So when we got it, we had to put in one. I like the layout of this home very much. I divide it into two simple zones – general, and privacy.
“The top floor is served by two separate sets of stairs. The attic has since become an office. Space is divided to store decorative works on one side and use as a workstation on the other.”
Set in gray and black tones, the kitchen comes fully equipped with stainless steel fixtures. Dark colored backsplash adds a nostalgic vibe to the atmosphere. The stairway leads to the snug bedroom on one side of the upper floor.The staff’s office is located on the opposite side of the upper floor to ensure the residential area is not disturbed.
“The second-floor dining room serves multiple purposes, from eating and entertaining customers, to meetings and project presentations,” he continued.
“Personally, I don’t like an office hemmed in by glass walls supported by steel or other metal frames. Offices in much of Singapore are like that.
“I want a different kind of workplace, in which to impress the customers with different experiences. Most of them like it here, whether it is furniture or decorative items that we have on hand.”
The conference table and chairs are placed closer to the wall, lined with storage shelves.
As a whole, the interior spaces are neatly designed and well-appointed.
Décor items from various places are placed in perfect harmony with one another. As he puts it, good furnishings don’t always have to be expensive if you know how.
Alan has given this old terraced house a chic modern makeover with a hint of interest and personality.
/ 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.
Here are some smart storage ideas to give your home unique character and make a shining statement about your style.
An idea for small rooms: A built-in cabinet in which clothes, shoes, bags, and books may be stored. You can make this kind of smart, easy-to-use closet in the Chinese medicine cupboard style. Label the drawers clearly for easy access. Wall cabinets add beautiful patterns and dimensions to your living spaces. They inspire you with a vision of freedom to create attractive walls.
Location: Preeyawat Temchavala’s home
You can take your wall out of its humdrum existence by putting in exciting arrays of built-in closets and display spaces. Line them up along the corridor. Full-insert sliding doors, which fits completely in the openings, are ideal for the lower cabinets since they don’t get in the way. The upper cabinets may consist of open compartments made of plywood or MDF wood. It’s a good idea to incorporate electric lights in the design. Lights add interest and dimensions to rows of built-in shelving along the corridor. Recessed lighting fixtures behind the cabinets can be set at intervals that run parallel to downlights from the ceiling. They can hide behind veneer wood paneling in the same color as that on the ceiling.
Location: 3rd Floor, Sansiri lounge, Siam Paragon
Left: Stair risers and treads make for creative shoe storage. Turn each riser space into a shoe box and cover it with sliding cabinet doors made of plywood or MDF wood. 10-mm-thick wood panels should suffice. Sliding doors are ideal because they don’t get in the way. Make a couple of slits in the door for good ventilation. Now we’ve got an incredibly clever way to store shoes.
Right:
01 The rear and both sides of the cabinet made of plywood or veneer wood
02 Attach wooden boxes with LED or Halogen light fixtures about 5 cm in diameter. Install wiring at the rear.
03 Hardwood frame with plywood or veneer wood cover
04 The door panel with a recess cut into it so as to join the parts together
01 Hardwood cabinet
02 Cabinet shells made of white MDF wood
03 Permanent U-shaped stainless steel brackets to hold the shelf in place
04 White MDF wood shelves 24 mm thick
05 Hardwood frame covered with white MDF wood
Looks can be deceiving. What looks like a 40-by-50 cm pillar supporting the building is in fact a vertical storage space that stands tall from floor to ceiling. This creative storage can open on two sides for accessibility and convenience.
Location: Kasijsin Suwattanapim’s home
Hallway walls are perfect for putting in a full array of built-in closets. The semi-outdoor area is a convenient place for storing shoes, gardening tools, toolboxes for the handyman … you name it. Black-laminated cabinet doors make post-it notes highly visible. But if you prefer magnets like the kind used on the refrigerator, we recommend installing a magnetic board on the back of the laminated panel.
Location: Assist. Professor Singh Intrachooto’s home
01 Black U-shape rail upon which a rolling library ladder rests.
02 Hardwood panels 30 mm wide, U-shaped steel rail painted matte black
03 Steel rolling library ladder painted matte black
04-05 The rear and the sides of the hardwood cabinet made of ash-plywood in natural colors
06 Hardwood frame covered with ash-plywood in natural tones.
An airy, high-ceilinged room is ideal for putting in a row of overhead shelves equipped with a rolling library ladder for easy access. The cabinet depth can be anything from 25 to 30 cm to create enough space for books and equipment. Add different textures to the wall to give the area a distinctive style.
Location: Areeya and Pilan Spanond’s home
You can create even more storage spaces buy turning hallway walls into bookshelves. By positioning the stairs 40 cm away from the wall, you have got a bookshelf that stands tall from floor to ceiling covering the entire length of the room. Where appropriate, put in some glass doors so that you can access the top shelves from both front and back sides. This is just one clever hack to put yours walls to work.
Location: Wonlopsiri’s Home Family
01 Outer frame
02 Hardwood frame covered with MDF plywood in gray
03 Furry carpet is held in place by Velcro tapes commonly found at stationery stores
04 Hardwood frame topped with plywood panel 18-20 mm thick
05 Hardwood drawers (30 x 30 x 45 cm) covered with gray MDF plywood
Nothing goes to waste. The space under the loft bed can transform into a commode containing concealed chambers used for storage. The commode can be as high as 45 cm from the floor to give ample spaces for storing miscellaneous items.
Location: Nu Nimsomboon and Klaiduean Sukhahoot’s home
Even a mundane bench can turn into useful, multipurpose storage in the courtyard. The space under it can be remodeled to shelter your shoes, hand tools, gardening tools and all from bad weather or danger. It’s a good idea to divide the underneath space into two parts and put in a couple of drawers with easy handles. The drawers can be made of plywood or MDF wood about 10 mm thick for durability.
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Never Too Small: Renovation Gives a Townhouse the Atmosphere of Home
![[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)
