The cottage is nestled amidst a thicket of lush tropical plants, including star gooseberry and orchard trees, also known as butterfly. Vibrant tones of green highlight the thriving foliage that has grown so thick it hides the second floor of the building.
/// Thailand ///
Story: Panchat Changchan /// Photographs: Rithirong Chanthongsuk, Sitthisak Namkham /// Owner / Decorator: Pithichinda Chidsin, Kittiwat Sitthi
![The house stands enveloped by a thicket of green tropical plants. Tall trees provide a canopy to the interior spaces. Its design takes full advantage of natural ventilation and eliminate the needs for mechanical cooling.](http://livingasean.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/001-8-1024x730.jpg)
![Crisp, cool shades abound thanks to plenty of full-grown trees on the property. Long roof overhangs are built of concrete in smooth finishes. They exist in harmony with textured brick walls that speak to the traditional lifestyle of the area.](http://livingasean.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/002-8.jpg)
Located in Chiangmai, “Junjun Shop & Café” is widely known among handicraft lovers. It is a home with a retail shop in it. The two-in-one business address belongs to Pithichinda Chidsin and Kittiwat Sitthi. Behind the shop windows lies a chic small café. There are retail spaces right next to it that boast a full array of craft items and local handmade goods.
![The owners sit by the glass windows enjoying their coffee on a sunny day. /// Kittiwat is not only a skilled craftsman, he also knows a lot about coffee making.](http://livingasean.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/003-8-1024x730.jpg)
Inside, brick walls with textured finishes add a raw feel to the ambience. They stand tall reaching all the way to the roofline. Craft tables and chairs that fill the display area come from many sources. They represent the skill sets, taste, and styles that the owners admire the most.
![Despite its relatively small size, tall ceilings design makes the ground floor business space look wide open and well ventilated. There is a staircase that connects it to the work studio upstairs.](http://livingasean.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/004-9.jpg)
According to Pithichinda, she and Kittiwat thought a home with business in it would serve their needs best. After their final decision to move here, they left the designing work in the good hands of their architect friends.
“I wanted an open space design. I would prefer bricks and wood rather than other materials in order to give it natural appeal and communicate Chiangmai local craft styles. I didn’t give much thought to the decoration. They were sentimental items that I have been collecting, mostly DIY handmade stuff. Kittiwat loved growing plants. So we put in lots of them,” Pithichinda said.
On the second floor, two cottages sit snugly apart from each other. The first is the couple’s residential unit with a bedroom/bathroom combo. The interior is minimalist in style with only a few pieces of furniture. Smooth concrete walls are painted white to give it a light and open atmosphere. There is a staircase that conveniently connects it to the business spaces.
![A coffee corner sits on the patio decorated with old pieces of furniture. Long roof overhangs and the crisp cool canopy of tall trees combine to make the area very comfy.](http://livingasean.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/006-8.jpg)
The second cottage features a stark contrast. Its walls are crafted of brickwork with textured finishes that blend well with the business spaces below. It serves multiple purposes as a work studio, living room, and reading room. The business area below can be seen in full view from upstairs. The living room boasts old-fashioned furniture and a rich array of collectibles that the couple has acquired over the years. Other functions, such as kitchen and laundry are performed back in the old house nearby.
![Exterior boundary walls separate the new and old buildings. Hollow bricks design promotes natural airflow and serves as a privacy curtain for areas that needs protection.](http://livingasean.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/007-7.jpg)
The two cottages are linked to each other via an open-air deck that has since become an ideal place of rest the two homeowners. It serves multiple purposes, ranging from furniture evaluations to dye testing to growing plants. More often than not it is used for just relaxing after a hard day’s work. “The two of us used to go camping out in the woods a lot. We hardly have time for that now. So, The second floor deck comes in handy. Sometimes, our friends come by and we enjoy the barbecue together up here.”
![On the second floor stand two cottages set apart from each other. The atrium that lies in between serves multiple purposes.](http://livingasean.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/008-7.jpg)
The bonfire, the smell of firewood and the cottage itself evoke fond memories of the good old days that the couple still cherish and care for lovingly. There is nothing like coming home to a company of good friends and camping out again, albeit on the deck.
![The bedroom is painted in white that look great with doors and windows. Personal belongs, mostly collectible items, are stored in suitcases. /// The craftsman’s work studio shows the owners’ workbench and desk. Box-shaped shelf is mounted on the wall where necessary tools and utensils are keep within easy reach.](http://livingasean.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/009-6-1024x730.jpg)
![Old theater seats made of wood are placed here temporarily as the homeowners try to find a perfect spot for it.](http://livingasean.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/010-5.jpg)
![The cottages boast a simple gable roof style that is typical of small-sized homes. Exterior decorating details are minimized. Clean geometric design underneath the sloping planes enhances its modern home character.](http://livingasean.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/011-5.jpg)