/ Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Thailand /
/ Story: Natthawat Klaysuban / English version: Bob Pitakwong /
/ Photographs: Nantiya June /
Located on the bank of the Noi River in Bang Sai, a district of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, “Pra San House” serves dual purposes as a retirement home and a restaurant featuring home-cooked meals. It keeps firmly to the concept of a calm, restorative space for physical and metal well-being away from the noise and stress of urban life.
The two-story wooden house on the Noi River with a gable roof get its inspiration from decorative fish pendants. The ground floor is mostly enclosed by interwoven strips of reclaimed wood that shield it from direct sunlight; meantime providing support for climbing plant.
The overall design is reminiscent of a house on stilts with a folding system well-positioned to take in views of orchard landscapes and an old river flowing by. Passive ventilation strategies move air through it, keeping the interior cool without relying heavily on air conditioning. In the meantime, the restaurant acts as a social hub, promoting well-being and avoiding loneliness after retirement.
Here’s a two-story, gable-front house cocooned in tropical greenery blending living spaces with nature. Stunning reclaimed wood walls seamlessly integrate architecture with the natural landscape. Combining comfort and the unblemished charm of rural life, it serves as an occasional holiday escape and a destination home for retirement.
“A dual-purpose design,” as the homeowner puts it. The building’s lower level contains a restaurant serving home cooked type meals, while the upper level is used for bedrooms and private living quarters. It’s the design concept that shapes the overall visual outcome, culminating in the serenity of a home nestled in lush agricultural fields.
The house named “Baan Pra San” is located on the bank of the Noi River in Bang Sai District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. It’s a tributary of the Chao Phraya that flows south through Thailand’s fertile Central Plains. Large boats generally avoid the Noi River due to some constraints. The absence of roaring engines naturally preserves the river’s peace and quiet. Only small watercraft can be seen from time to time. Here, a simple rural lifestyle, low population density and wide-open spaces combine to create a restorative atmosphere. It’s a place to escape the urban grind, reduce stress and soak in the fresh air.
Prior to this, an owner had run a business of her own in Bangkok for more than 30 years. In her leisure time, she planted trees. They were a source of personal joy and fulfillment. One day, she decided that she wanted a larger piece of land to plant more trees and build a home for life after retirement. The search for gardening spaces took her to Ayutthaya that was her family roots. And the rest is history. She spent the next four years adding trees to her property and preparing land for a new house.
Backyard Architect was entrusted with the task of designing a new home. The architect drew his inspiration from the richness of cultural heritage in the area, culminating in a riverside home that bears some resemblance to the handwoven palm leaf carp that exists as part of local traditions. Here, craft making has long been a side hustle, an income-generating activity for locals.
And that’s how the place got its name. “Baan Pra San” is Thai for the house of fish crafts. It’s framed by an expanse of weathered strips of wood crossed and fastened together resembling “Pla Ta Pien”, a deep-bodied freshwater fish. The structure encloses porches and patios while allowing light and air to pass through. It’s a façade design technique that adds dynamic visual effects on the house’s exterior as time passes. Aesthetically, the framework of wooden bars provides support for climbing plants to thrive, creating a fluid indoor-outdoor living space that fosters a direct connection with the environment.
The house sits on a rectangular plot with the shorter side abutting the street at the front. A river at the back of the property offers unparalleled natural views. Positioning the house closer to the street creates an ample backyard that slopes toward the river. By design, the building consists of two intersecting I-shaped layouts, a clever hack to create efficient cross-ventilation keeping the interior cool and comfortable year-round.
The lower level holds a restaurant with its elongated side overlooking the river. It’s bright and airy thanks to open floor plans that enhance natural light and bi-fold doors sliding and folding accordion-style connecting indoor and outdoor spaces. The upper level has private living quarters and, beyond, a bedroom with a river view.
The upstairs living quarters are well-proportioned, creating a space that’s easy to keep clean. It’s a typical one-bedroom, one-bathroom layout with an expansive wood deck for entertaining groups of friends. The elevated outdoor platform is perfectly positioned to enjoy a vibrant, thriving garden under a mature tree canopy. The overall effect is impressive. Real wood adds organic warmth to every corner of the home. Needless to say, it conveys a great deal about a lifestyle that’s intimately tied to nature.
In a word, it’s a home devised to foster physical and mental wellbeing by harnessing natural airflow and a wealth of surrounding green spaces. It’s a frugal way to cool and refresh the living space without mechanical air conditioning.
Speaking of mental well-being, it’s clear that exposure to natural landscape views offers profound psychological benefits, among them, relieving stress and reducing anxiety. It’s linked to improved attention and strong social connections. Here, a restaurant is integrated into the house plan for good reason.
As a community gathering space, it celebrates heritage by offering home cooked type meals and a place to soak up stunning garden and river views. The homeowner didn’t just want a destination home for retirement. She wanted a vibrant location that would foster community bonds and shape a distinct cultural identity.
Architects: Backyard Architect
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