SPECIAL SCOOP / Living ASEAN - Inspiring Tropical Lifestyle

THE 2019 BAANLAESUAN FAIR SELECT AT A GLANCE

By livingasean
February 18, 2019
HAPPENING,SPECIAL SCOOP

More than 19 years of event planning experience have prepared us at Baanlaesuan Magazine Group for the job of hosting the best home and garden fair in Thailand and the ASEAN region. “Real Life Galleria” is the theme of the 2019 Edition of Baanlaesuan Fair Select, which is now in its second year. The exhibition is brought to you by room Magazine. Look for room Showcase at the fair for imaginative designs and inspiration. Experience the excitement of modern design that comes with every showroom on display during the five-day event. Good design inspires the admiration of everyone, and it’s one that answers your specific lifestyle needs. For the 2019 Edition of Baalaesuan Fair Select, Room Magazine proudly presents a collection of masterpieces by some of Thailand’s distinguished designers.

Looking back, the furniture section’s friendly, welcoming atmosphere at the 2018 Baanlaesuan Fair Select.

If you are handicraft lovers, there’s a special zone for that. Look for My Craft Zone at the fair for new ideas and inspiration for your next project. Whilst there, drop into The Book House to browse and shop new books and other bestsellers on the topics of home and garden. For those who are enthusiastic about small garden ideas, Baanlaesuan Pocket Garden offers a wonderful richness of small garden ideas. Just a reminder, the home and garden fair is happening from 20 to 24 February 2019 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center.

The floor plan, 2019 Baanlaesuan Fair Select (Click here)

Entrance to the Galleria

To create an inviting atmosphere, the entryway to the Galleria is decorated showroom style. Simple, clean designs paired with perforate metal patterns give handy hints about furniture, home goods and decorating ideas. The paint color, the furniture, the lighting combines to make the area awesome. Drop by for a photo opportunity. There’s something good in every show.

room Magazine Showcase
Real Life Galleria: The Secret of Showroom Making

Real Life Galleria is a show about design masterpieces by some of the country’s top-notch designers. Organized on theme of “The Secret of Showroom Making”, the exhibition provides a conducive atmosphere for learning and exploring design possibilities. It’s the product of a collaboration between the Baanlaesuan Magazine Group and the Design and Objects Association. The 2019 Edition of Baanlaesuan Fair Select proudly presents five masterpieces by five leading homegrown designers. They include Suwan Kongkunthien, M. L. Pavinee Santisiri, Amornthep Kachanont, Jirapan Tokhiri, and Rangsan Narathasajan. Together, they let us in on their secrets in “giving a home the look and feel of a living art gallery”. Over time, our curators have worked jointly with diligent care and effort to choose five designs that answer different lifestyle needs. Not only are the showpieces fully functioning as expected, but they are awesome in ways that bespeak their unique style.

The Book House at 2019 Baanlaesuan Fair Select

Real Life Galleria is also the theme of this exhibition booth. The relationship between color and texture in the room is defined by a gridiron design that sits atop a series of archways painted contrasting shades of red and green. Where appropriate, small green plants thrive from hanging containers creating a welcoming atmosphere. It’s designed to be an ideal place to browse, read and shop books specially screened and chosen by a team of editors at Baanlaesuan Printing.

Special Promotions! Buy books from Baanlaesuan Printing on this occasion only and get:

* 15% discounts when you buy 1 to 3 books.
* 20% discounts when you buy 4 books.

The Book House and Chang Green Oasis

Relax Zone for Garden Lovers

The Relax Zone is a stress free area for garden lovers. It’s pleasing to the mind to be able to sit down and do some reading after a long walk. And if you think it’s time to grab a bite to eat, there’s a very nice café for that. Plenty of food and drinks to enjoy in a relaxing environment! It’s also a center for home decorating demonstrations and workshops for those who are interested. Decorated urban café style in a garden setting, the Relax Zone makes a visit enjoyable thanks to live music courtesy of Chang brands.

Besides good food and a cup of coffee to replenish your energy and recharge your spirit, the Relax Zone will put a smile on your face. There are plenty of design ideas to take home to liven up your favorite family hangout.

Urban Pocket Garden Ideas

Explore new ways of planting your own small gardens at 2019 Baanlaesuan Fair Select.

Urban Pocket Garden Ideas are the theme of a show for people living in small spaces. They come in handy to brighten the home with living plants, whether it be a backyard patio, small terrace or indoor space. Healthy green foliage provides unexpected pops of color and texture that can soften the harsh appearance of the built environment. The show garden offers clever tips for choosing plants and decorative containers suitable for small spaces. There are plenty of cool designs to transform a niche of space into a stunning garden that bespeaks your unique style. They include living green walls or vertical gardens, potted gardens, and urban green space ideas. Drop by for a good photo opportunity.

Art and Craft Zone

Looking for decorating ideas to create a personal oasis? Art and Craft is a zone for home goods, décor accents, even small ornaments for every room in the house. Save on home accessories from across the country, among them unique screen prints from “The Archivist”, cool items of clothing and nice looking hats for summer from “PALINI”, and more. There are plenty of handmade ceramics and imaginative décor materials to make your home awesome.

Just a reminder: The 2019 Baanlaesuan Fair Select is happening from 20 to 24 February at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. It’s open from 9.30 to 21.00 hrs. See you there.

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Looking back, the Chairmen of Thai Design, a Room Magazine showcase at the 2018 Baanlaesuan Select Fair

Highlights of The 2018 Baan Lae Suan Fair, A Focus on “Massclusivity”

By livingasean
October 26, 2018
HAPPENING,SPECIAL SCOOP

Speaking of the lifestyle trade show, there’s no denying that the Baan Lae Suan Fair has become a household name. The popular event is held three times yearly. The first show takes place in late May, followed by the midyear edition in early August, and the yearend event in late October. Each time, the show features a different theme or concept that encapsulates the mood and what’s trending at a particular time. All the most important aspects of the idea are expressed through the model home and show garden that make the event’s main attractions.

The current edition of Baan Lae Suan Fair 2018, which runs from October 26 to November 4, is the biggest trade exhibition in terms of design, lifestyle, and outdoor living. Besides giving companies the opportunity to showcase their products and services, the show is a shopper’s paradise for home goods, décor, and accessories. Like flipping through the pages of “Baan Lae Suan” Magazine, it’s easy to be spoilt for choice.

“Massclusivity” Show Entrance

The way into the exhibition hall is crafted of brown corrugated sheets cut to size and assembled in one place to create a welcoming entrance. The pieces are unevenly spread and neatly decorated with lighting. Where appropriate, green indoor plants are added to make the entryway area elegant and enjoyable.

Model Home Featuring the “Massclusivity” Concept

Traditional economies are systems in which large quantities of standardized products are made to satisfy market demand. In the process, the costs of production are reduced. Over time, the ability to mass-produce has given rise to the popular phrase, “cheaper by the dozen.” This is especially true in the homebuilding industry. Nowadays as construction materials are affordable and available in abundance, people have become even more creative in unleashing their imaginative energy. Such an interesting phenomenon is compellingly told during the 2018 Baan Lae Suan Fair, where a model home built around the concept of Massclusivity is on show from now until Sunday November 4. The home with distinct character is designed by Narong Othavorn of the SO Company.

The architect reinterprets the shop-houses in a different way. Inspired by the building type that’s ubiquitous across the country from past to present, Narong creates a unique home using recycled and mass-produced building materials. The result is a cube-shaped home in which all the rooms are built 3.60 by 3.60 meters.

The two-story home is an ensemble of 12 steel-framed units, each of which is designed to serve different purposes ranging from parlor and dining rooms to bedrooms and baths. In a nutshell, it’s about adapting all too familiar materials for new uses, and old design for new purposes. This is manifested in the use of breeze blocks, louver windows, and clear corrugated roofing sheets in making the face of the building and walls. Where appropriate, terrazzo tiles are installed in a new way that’s immediately appealing.

The BaanLaeSuan Fair Midyear 2018, Plenty of Events You Don’t Want to Miss

By livingasean
August 7, 2018
HAPPENING,SPECIAL SCOOP

The BaanLaeSuan Fair Midyear 2018 is scheduled for 4-12 August at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Center, Bang Na (BITEC Bang Na). Save the date! The annual event taking place at Halls 98 thru 104 showcases the latest in smart-home technologies and innovations designed to answer modern lifestyle needs. Hence, this year’s theme is aptly called the “Internet of Home.” Nowadays, microcomputers can be used for a variety of purposes, while the “Internet of Things” (IoT) has made it possible to monitor in-home safety, control lights and temperatures, and possibilities are endless. Needless to say the network of computing devices embedded in everything home has changed the way we live in one way or another. That being said, the houses of the future will look significantly different. And we don’t want you to miss out on it.

Entrance to the “Internet of Home” Exhibition

The entrance hall is the first stop on your journey into the BaanLaeSuan Fair Midyear 2018. Reduced ornamental details are intended to make the entryway beautiful and welcoming as a photo-op venue. Plus, it’s about keeping it simple.

Whether it be a flight of stairs, door frames, or window casings, every house part is a symbol that communicates the ideas and the quality of being useful and suitable in modern circumstances. Meantime, the lighting arouses enthusiasm, while a television screen gives handy hints about what’s on display inside.

BaanLaeSuan Home Ideas
Smart Home Where Things Work by Voice Command

There are technologies aplenty to make your home smart and capable of answering modern lifestyle needs.

While the Internet of Things allows business to connect with technology with amazing results, the Internet of Home offers a glimpse into the future of human dwellings, especially the kind that’s controlled by microcomputers and a network of interconnected devices. Take for example a voice command that works by converting the analog waves of human voices into digital data that in turn cause machines and other systems to operate.

This part of the show illustrates how technological advancements are being used to create modern conveniences in every part of the home. And it’s happening now. The areas already benefiting from smart home technologies, such as voice recognition and related applications, are:

The Kitchen, dining room, and backyard: The kitchen serves multiple functions. Both the countertop and the island designed for food preparation can transform into bar counters or dining room furniture when needed. Here, three design options are operated by voice command. They are:

1.In the Morning, the lighting over the kitchen countertop and nearby island operates by voice commands. At the same time, the TV set turns itself on to bring in morning news.

2.Romantic Nighttime View. Voice commands turn off the lights in the kitchen by night, while the dining room and nearby backyard remain fully lit culminating in romantic dinner experience.

3.When it’s party time, all the lights in this area turn on, while the stage is aglow under the lights in many vibrant colors. At the same time, the stereo system turns on and fills the room with the sound of music.

The exhibition also showcases a part of the backyard that’s equipped with charging facilities for electric cars. The area can be easily updated to suit different purposes in future.

The bedroom, dressing room, and bath: The dressing area and adjacent bathroom come complete with smart mirrors that operate by a voice-recognition app. Two sets of commands are on display in this part of the show.

1.In the morning, a voice command opens the curtains to allow the bedroom to bask in the early morning sun when the temperatures are mild. At the same time, the lighting in the dressing room turns on.

2.By night, the curtains are closed and bedroom lights are turned off by the voice-command app, turning the bedroom into a cool and restful place.

Having seen enough of home decorating ideas, it’s time to head for the Book House E-commerce Café. It’s a quiet hangout for people with a passion for reading, and you are welcome to download something to read for free for 24 hours.

Take your time to browse around the store for new book releases from BaanLaeSuan Printing and Publishing, or just lean back and chill out with a cup of fresh-brewed coffee.

Graphic illustrations of the “Internet of Home” concept

Vernacular Houses around the ASEAN

By livingasean
May 6, 2018
HAPPENING,SPECIAL SCOOP

If you are interested in design based on local needs, local materials, and local traditions, you will find vernacular building exhibitions well worth a visit.

/// Thailand ///

The expo area features 5 show pavilions designed by the design firms.

Five show pavilions are open now at Architect ’18, the ASEAN’s largest building technology exposition organized by the Association of Siamese Architects (ASA). It’s happening on May 1-6, 2018 at Impact, Muang Thong Thani.

Plastic crates filled with clay are readied for the show at Architect ’18.

Other attractions range from a photography display by Vernacular Built Environment and Cultural Heritage Studies Group, and exhibitions by various architectural firms, to retail businesses, and seminars featuring distinguished speakers from Thailand and abroad.

The expo’s must-see events include a show pavilion by Boon Design, which presents building techniques using materials readily available in a locality, such as plastic crates for fruit transportation filled with clay.

Inside one of the show pavilions dedicated to vernacular-style living

The dark exterior that is characteristic of the Boon Design show pavilion

Designer Boonlert Hemvijitraphan said: “Traditionally, earth has been a material of choice for home building while plastic crates come in handy as byproducts of the industry. The choice of materials is often dictated by availability in a particular area. Homes can be made of anything, whether it’s earth or wood, so long as they are adapted to suit local needs and requirements.” Like so, a vernacular house in Southeast Asia may appear dim on the inside because there are only a few openings. Lace fabrics on the windows tell stories of clever adaptations to suit local weather conditions.

Vernacular houses on the waterfront in Myanmar, Cambodia, and Thailand

photograph reflects local beliefs and customs around the Region.

The building techniques differ from country to country across Southeast Asia as illustrated by the photo exhibition by the Vernacular Built Environment and Cultural Heritage Studies Group. Its members include Isarachai Buranaut, Kullphut Seneevong Na Ayudhaya, Somchai Chuechuaychu, and Surapong Jamniyom.

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WOODEN THAI HOUSE IN THE LANNA TRADITION

Remix DEESAWAT at Bangkok Design Week 2018

By livingasean
January 27, 2018
CULTURE,DESIGN,HAPPENING,SPECIAL SCOOP

Remix Deesawat; Upcoming Event at “Bangkok Design Week 2018,” The Creativity festival which designed to be a showcase for creative and design works and innovations driven by creativity and design thinking.

/// THAILAND ///
Story: Bundaree Deewong /// Photography: Deesawat

Bangkok Design Week 2018 brings together experimental and commercial works, creative businesses and socially-oriented projects with the aim to foster creative cooperation by sharing of knowledge and experience, to provide inspirations and to facilitate networking and business opportunities while putting the spotlight on the city’s design and creative potential on the global stage.

Remix Deesawat
Bangkok Design Week 2018
27 January – 4 February 2018
10.00 am. to 20.00 pm. (Everyday)
Avenue: Showroom Deesawat, Sukhumvit 24, Bangkok

Enjoying with Remix Deesawat event with the showcase of the ASIA STAR TALENT with the various creative activities as Designer presentation, Architect talk and so on. It’s happening from 27 January to 4 February 2018 at 10.00 am. – 20.00 pm. (Everyday). This exhibition will take place at Showroom Deesawat soi Sukhumvit 24 Bangkok.

For the interested program as follow:

Material Maker

Meet the craft material maker from Japan (Matel, washi(paper), fabric, etc). Find out the new era of the material that has been developed into a new combination of material for creative product. Together with this showcase, is also the innovation material from Thai manufacturer.

Asia STAR TALENT

Showcase of the Design Gallery from ASIA STAR Talent. With the designer from Japan, Singapore, Philippine and Thailand. With the creative talent…and unique cultural back ground..this will be the showcase that represent culture and innovation.

WOOD x ARCHITECT

Meet the Japanese architecture Mr. Kiyoshi Iuchi from Soramado Architect from JAPAN…that will create the value of wood into the construction. As the trend of the wood and the new concept of architect…Mr.Kiyoshi will present the concept where wood is now back in trend material for architectural work. IFFS (International Furniture Fair Singapore) Opening of the new opportunity for the new design showcase for Thailand young designer at IFFS Singapore.

Maison&Objet

New concept new layout market strategy for Maison&Objet Paris. Target for exhibitor and visitor for September 2018 preparation.

For more information: Deesawat
Link: http://www.baanlaesuan.com/93255/design/remix-deesawat/

STYLE 2017: Asia’s Most Stylish Fair in Bangkok

By livingasean
October 18, 2017
HAPPENING,SPECIAL SCOOP

STYLE 2017, the region’s most comprehensive lifestyle trade show, is happening now in Bangkok. Embracing the concept “Life+Style,” it is fast becoming a global marketplace attracting over 60,000 buyers and poised to transform Bangkok into a regional hub of the lifestyle industry.

/// Thailand ///
Photography: Nantiya

STYLE is the region’s largest and most comprehensive lifestyle trade show, comprises three main events in one, namely: Bangkok International Fashion Fair and Bangkok International Leather Fair: BIFF&BIL, Bangkok International Gift Fair and Bangkok International Houseware Fair: BIG+BIH and Thailand International Furniture Fair: TIFF. The fair is hosted by The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) between October 17-21, 2017 at BITEC Bangna with local and international entrepreneurs across 2,000 sales booths and expected 2,000 million Baht worth of business transaction.

STYLE 2017 assists and caters to all needs of all parties with the offering of specialized services to accommodate both exhibitors and visitors. These include business matching services at Buyer Lounge assisted by interpreters of many languages such as English, Chinese and Japanese; DITP SERVICE CENTER that combines all DITP services in one spot and Logistic Consultancy on the ground to provide logistic solution and facilitate on-site goods transport

Besides, STYLE 2017 renders itself as a source of inspiration with 20 fascinating exhibitions as well as trend updates, design inspiration, fashion and lifestyle trends that can developed into business opportunities. Fashion buffs should not miss Trend Forum 2018, QURATED Fashion Incubation Project and other co-hosted exhibitions to inspire and offer designers and creators a platform to showcase their creativity and develop ideas to become tangible products. DITP also teams up with Chaipattana Foundation to host an exhibition in honor and remembrance of HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej with workshop of funerary flower making made from vetiver grass for the royal cremation.

STYLE is held between October 17-21 2017 (trade days : October 17-19,10am-6pm and public days: October 20-21 , 10am-9pm) at Hall 98-104, Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre (BITEC).

Link : www.stylebangkokfair.com

Highlights of the 2017 Baan Lae Suan Fair: “Remembering Our Guiding Light”

By livingasean
October 9, 2017
HAPPENING,SPECIAL SCOOP

It’s almost as if you were walking right into the pages of Baan Lae Suan Magazine itself! Bigger than ever, the 2017 Baan Lae Suan Fair fills the entire exhibition hall with presentations and sales of a huge variety of house and garden products. Expositions, activities, information, and updates on what’s trending now are grouped under the headings “Design,” “Living,” and “Outdoor Living.”

/// Thailand ///
Story: Baanlaesuan / Photography: Rittirong Tongjunsuk

This year’s theme: “Remembering Our Guiding Light.”

This year’s theme is about interdependence. How do we live together in a relationship of mutual benefits? Through the ages mankind has found the answer in nature’s own secret: All things, living and non-living, need balance for sustainable existence. Balance in this sense doesn’t mean “equality,” but rather mutual fulfillment: if there’s a surplus on one side, use it to fill a deficit elsewhere. Keep things in the right balance, neither too hot nor too cold. Whether among people or generally in nature, a balanced interdependence results in beautiful growth and the memories that last forever. And we vow to never forget the one who sent a guiding light for us to follow.

1. Demonstration houses: “Divide – Connect – Abundance”

These three words illustrate the concept of living together. Divide usable space, possessions, and wealth to create utility. Connect with others, become closer through mutual dependence. Find Abundance in living together. Demonstration homes are structured around mutually dependent living, with common dining, kitchen, and bathroom spaces, while at the same time each structure has its own relaxation and activity areas geared to individual lifestyles and preferences.

2. Garden Zone – by Baan Lae Suan Publishing

This zone is one of Baan Lae Suan Publishing’s biggest hits, returning this year under the theme “Backyard Garden.” Take delight in small garden spots, relaxing corners in a gazebo, and other examples of how to make full use of space around the house. Here organic agriculture fans can learn about soil care and growing vegetables, and participate in free workshops. Absolutely not to be missed! Follow up on activity schedules and find the workshops you’ve been waiting for at www.facebook.com/Baanlaesuanbooks

Garden Plants Competition

At this year’s biggest plants competition, you’ll find unique and hard-to-find species that will arouse curiosity and interest. The plant life from all regions comes together in a single place at the 2017 Baan Lae Suan Fair.

Competition Categories:

Cactus and succulents: Oct. 28
Orchids: Oct. 30-31
Ferns: Nov. 1
Bromeliads: Nov. 3-4

3. “My Home” Workshop Space

Interior decoration is the topic of exhibitions and workshops under the theme “My Home School,” an event featuring a series of flashbacks of happy childhood memories. There’s a fun spot set up for taking pictures, which children will love. Adults will find plenty of great ideas for home décor. It’s an opportunity to try their hand at creating something in the workshop area.

4. Room Pavilion Zone
Multiple house design products in a super-cool atmosphere

Room Magazine returns with an exhibition called “Room Square,” a super-chic café with a menu created just for the Fair. Here you can also get inspirations for your own designs and décor at “Design Talk” seminars held in collaboration with LivingASEAN.com.

Hope to see you all at the 2017 Baan Lae Suan Fair, October 27 to November 5, IMPACT Challenger Hall, Muang Thong Thani. For more information, go to: http://www.baanlaesuan.com/fair2017/

Room x Living ASEAN Design Talk Vol.2 (Myanmar): ASEAN ARCHITECTURE DESIGN

By livingasean
October 3, 2017
SPECIAL SCOOP

Besides the honor of Living ASEAN’s being a presenter and media partner at the fourth Myanmar Build & Décor Fair, one of this year’s event highlights was its invitation of leading Thai architect M.L. Varudh Varavarn of Vin Varavarn Architects (VVA) as keynote speaker on the topic “ASEAN Architecture Design.”

/// Myanmar ///
Story: Nawapat D., PM Praphatsorn /// Photography: Damrong Lee, PM Praphatsorn

The fourth Myanmar Build & Décor Fair, September 28 -30 at Myanmar Event Park (MEP) in Yangon, Myanmar, organized by well-known event planner ICVeX and affiliates, was just as great as in any of the three previous years, full of fully furnished booths surrounded by enthusiastic admirers.

Besides Living ASEAN’s honor at being a presenter and media partner at the fourth Myanmar Build & Décor event, one of this year’s highlights was its invitation of leading Thai architect M.L. Varudh Varavarn, founder of Vin Varavarn Architects (VVA) and recipient of world-class awards from many institutions, as keynote speaker on the topic “ASEAN Architecture Design.” This attracted a large audience who were completely captivated with his speech.

Before turning the microphone over to M.L. Varudh Varavarn, the seminar was introduced by Mr. Jeremiah Pitakwong, Managing Editor of the Baan Lae Suan (House and Garden) Magazine Group, taking the stage to speak on the topic of “Modern Tropical Region,” showing seminar participants many facets of “modern tropical” architecture.

He used the example of the Amarin Printing and Publishing offices, designed and built with a shady, refreshing atmosphere by Plan Architect, one of Thailand’s leading architectural firms, whose prime focus is on living intelligently in hot, humid conditions.

“We’re lucky to be living and working in one of the best examples of modern tropical architecture in both the smaller buildings and the taller ones. We don’t have elevators, but there are long covered walkways where we get to experience the heat in hot weather and the wetness of the rainy season,” said Mr. Pitakwong.

He went on to introduce Living ASEAN, an online subsidiary of Amarin, as well as magazines, books, and TV programs that bring concepts of modern tropical living to readers and audiences, and spoke about the Baan Lae Suan Fair, which brings together Amarin’s own modern tropical community, as he drew on his own impressions in many years of travel and photographing houses all around the ASEAN region to find ways to inspire others.

M.L. Varudh Varavarn’s talk, aiming both to educate and inspire, was based on three of his most impressive and internationally recognized projects: 1) The Pine Crest Residence, a modern residence on Soi Tonson in Bangkok, simply designed for the most comfortable living, 2) Botanica Khao Yai, a resort project located in the well-known vacation area of Thailand like Khao Yai, and 3) finally, one of his favorite works, Bann Huay San Yaw – Post Disaster School. This was one of 9 “por dee por dee (perfectly adequate)” classrooms in the Design for Disaster (D4D) relief project for schools damaged in the May 5, 2014 6.3 magnitude Chiang Rai earthquake.

“The day after it happened, the Thai disaster relief network D4D sent me pictures on my phone and asked me to participate in designing and building new schools for children in northern Thailand. You’d never want to have kids have to study in those miserable conditions, so I said I’d be very happy to join the program and do everything I could to help,” explained M.L. Varudh, while showing pictures of students studying in emergency classrooms that were simply unacceptable places to study, and where he’d followed up by building a new school building to replace the ones that had collapsed. This became a demonstration structure whose design other victims of the Chiang Rai disaster could adapt for use in building earthquake-resistant houses.

After the lectures, many seminar participants came up to Living ASEAN booth to chat and ask questions and in the hopes of talking and getting better acquainted with M.L. Varudh and the Living ASEAN website work team, as the first “ROOM x LIVING ASEAN DESIGN TALK” event in Myanmar created quite a positive buzz. We are looking forward to next year, and thinking about which architects we’ll invite to speak then.

Vin Varavarn Architects / Adapting Ordinary Materials to Achieve Architectural Excellence

By livingasean
September 13, 2017
CULTURE,DESIGN,HAPPENING,PEOPLE,SPECIAL SCOOP

This September the second Room x Living ASEAN Design Talk will be held under the title “ASEAN Architecture Design,” featuring a Thai architect and recipient of world-class awards from many institutions, M.L. Varudh Varavarn, founder of the firm Vin Varavarn Architects (VVA).

/// Myanmar ///
Story: Nawapat D. /// Photography: Spaceshift Studio, Courtesy of Vin Varavarn Architects

M.L. Varudh will take the stage to share his knowledge and inspirational design concepts under the heading “ASEAN Architecture Design.” Also featured will be Jeremiah Pitakwong, managing editor of the Baan Lae Suan magazine group, come to give his insights and impressions from many years of architectural photojournalism around the ASEAN region, with the topic “10 ASEAN Houses.”

VVA is a small firm, but its design works are widely recognized both in Thailand and abroad. M.L. Varudh’s philosophy is the company’s driving force, and stresses functional utility for building occupants and careful selection of construction materials with a view to their potential. Another point is that a designer should avoid making his ego central to the work simply to create a personal signature that people will remember. All this allows VVA’s design work to be versatile and adaptable to various challenges and environmental contexts while at the same time creating works of outstanding function and beauty.

Vin Varavarn Architects — Bann Huay San Yaw- Post Disaster School, Chiang Rai, Thailand (Photographs: Spaceshift Studio)

One project helping both to build a name for the architect himself and add to Thailand’s prominence in the architectural world is Bann Huay San Yaw Witthaya School, one of 9 “por dee por dee (appropriate)” classroom structures built through the Design for Disasters (D4D) relief program for schools damaged in the 6.3 Chiang Rai earthquake of May 5, 2014.

This gabled school building’s primary design requirement was to keep it safe from future earthquake damage. Additionally, the architects focused on using easily obtainable and local materials and facilitating full use of space both inside and outside the building, which holds three classrooms arranged lengthwise at the same level. To save structural costs and also to fit the slope on which it’s built, the building has a multipurpose tai thun open area below.

Walls and roof of the primary structure are constructed of single pieces of steel, which helps protect against sun and rain. Its outstanding adaptation of ordinary materials resulted in this design winning Italy’s International Biennial Barbara Cappochin Architecture 2017 Grand Prize and a High Commendation at Berlin’s 2016 World Architecture Festival Awards, while in the United Kingdom it was shortlisted for the 2016 Architectural Review School Awards.

VVA’s outstanding architectural design work is not by any means limited to Bann Huay San Yaw Witthaya School. Interested in getting a deep look at architectural design? Come listen to M.L. Varudh discuss his design concepts at “Room x Living ASEAN Design Talk vol.2 (Myanmar): ASEAN Architecture Design,” at Myanmar Build & Decor in Myanmar Event Park (MEP), Yangon, Myanmar on September 29, 2017, from 09.45 until 10.30 AM, with no admission charge. You’ll soon be able to get more details at livingasean.com and www.baanlaesuan.com/designtalk.

Link : https://web.facebook.com/VinVaravarnArchitectsLimited/

10 Products with Cool Designs From SACICT Craft Trend 2018

By livingasean
August 7, 2017
CULTURE,DESIGN,SACICT Craft Trend 2018,SPECIAL SCOOP,SPOTLIGHT

From the book SACICT Craft Trend 2018, published by Support Arts and Crafts International Center of Thailand, we take 10 pieces that combine some very hip design with contemporary materials and production and startlingly traditional folk elements. Let’s see what’s there . . .

/// Thailand ///

1. Ceramic plate inscribed with traditional local fabric patterns, by Wit’s Collection adapts the intricate details of a cloth-based pattern to create a chic ceramic work with an eclectic tribal style.

2. The “Raindrop Hanging Lamp” by PATAPiAN: an imaginative blend of old materials, traditionally woven bamboo and moulded brass, formed into raindrop shapes. Great to mix and match with any style.

3. “Takra” multipurpose tray by Thinkk Studio and a wicker-weaving group at Baan Chang in Ang Thong Province: material is woven into small frames. This adds a new dimension to wicker work, since the technique was previously used only for large pieces of furniture. The innovation comes from a new generation of designers working with old-time artisans in SACICT’s Thai Navatasilp Project, which has received wide acclaim.

4. Jackets of woven fabric by Trimode Studio and an U-Thong quilting group in Suphanburi Province use plain woven fabric patterned with new designs simplifying an elaborate tribal style. Here excessive detail is smoothed out to give a contemporary look while using a traditional hand-stitching technique, another bit of folk knowledge preserved by SACICT’s Thai Navatasilp Project.

5. The Landscape Pot Box by TRIMODE DESIGN and a mango woodworking group in Hang Dong, Chiang Mai Province: a multipurpose storage box inspired by natural landscapes. The lids of these mango wood boxes are made from colored resin with a texture resembling natural stone. Here the touch of nature is combined with a smooth, very minimalist design.

6. “Tribida,” by Trimode Studio and a twine-weaving group of Ban Laem Yang, Nakhon Sawan Province is a movable set of storage drawers with interesting shape, color, and materials. The lightweight drawers come in a number of patterns and are woven from baling twine, for yet another attractive product from Thai Navatasilp.

7. The “Needle Chair” by British designer Veega Tankun adapts and extends a traditional silk weaving technique to create a new type of easy chair cushion. This cushion softens the chair frame for a gentler, more modern look while adding a new, truly charming dimension to chair design.

8. “Khrae Tray,” by Thinkk Studio and a wicker-weaving group in Baan Chang, Ang Thong Province, is a multi-purpose tray that got its inspiration from dwarf bamboo, its small bamboo slats charmingly set in a black steel frame. It can be put to all sorts of uses, including as a support for food dishes, or as a tea set tray.

9. The Line Tote Bag by Thinkk Studio and a natural-cloth-dyeing community enterprise group at Nong Bua Dang in Chaiyaphum Province is a shoulder bag with an intriguing shape, made of stylishly dyed woven fabric and adorned with simple, attractive monochromatic graphics and patterns that add to its contemporary look. This, too, is a Thai Navatasilp product.

10. “Mon Mai,” by Thinkk Studio and a natural-dyeing community enterprise group in Nong Bua Daeng, Chaiyaphum Province: these beautiful woven mudmee silk patterns are warm and modern, with reduced pattern detail suggestive of fashionable graphic art. The natural dyes give a gentle feeling reminiscent of pastels. Another proud example of SACICT’s Thai Navatasilp Project.

These ten craft art pieces use traditional Thai handicraft techniques adapted by leading designers to create stylish products, many of which are either still on display or in the inventory at SACICT Concept in Bang Sai, Ayutthaya Province. For further information, visit www.sacict.or.th or keep current with the news at www.facebook.com/sacict.

Blog : SPECIAL SCOOP