A Carpenter’s Home Embraces the Perfect Mix of Wood and Concrete

A Carpenter’s Home Embraces the Perfect Mix of Wood and Concrete
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A Carpenter’s Home Embraces the Perfect Mix of Wood and Concrete

/ Rayong, Thailand /

/ Story: Tawan / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Soopakorn Srisakul /

In the midst of a verdant oasis stands a contemporary home with bare concrete walls and wood decoration. It blends perfectly well with a peaceful country setting in Rayong, a province on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand.

wood and concrete home
The home consists of two buildings rising in perfect harmony with nature, thanks to the raw look of bare concrete finishes.

“I used to live in the house next door. One day this home was up for sale, so I bought it because I liked the design and the decoration,” homeowner Prom Duangkai said with a smile.

“I gave it a complete makeover, turning it into the kind of dream home that I have had for a long time. Old house poles and full-grown trees on the property were left pretty much intact. Upon completion, I sold the old house and then moved over here.”

wood and concrete home
The one-story wing of the house is used as work room and space for entertaining houseguests. The main entryway has folding shutters that open up the entire front façade to connect with the great outdoors.
The hobby lobby: The owner’s favorite hangout is the front porch, where time goes by slowly and is spent working on creative projects. It has all desirable qualities - ease of care, plenty of natural light, and good ventilation.
The hobby lobby: The homeowner’s favorite hangout is the front porch, where time goes by slowly and is spent working on creative projects. It has all desirable qualities – ease of care, plenty of natural light, and good ventilation.
wood and concrete home
Furniture items in dark earth-tone browns blend nicely with the atmosphere inside the welcome area. The homeowner’s woodwork and décor items are on display here.

There are two buildings on the property. The smaller, one-story wing abutting on the street in front serves as work room and space for receiving houseguests. It has a spacious front porch that is being used for hobbies and carpentry work.

Good ventilation paired with plenty of natural light turns the area into ideal workspace. Walk in the door, and you find simple living room ideas and decorative pieces crafted mostly of wood. Every piece fits in well with the raw appeal of naked concrete finishes in the room.

Upfront, bi-fold doors open all the way from one side to the other, making the room feel light, airy and comfortable all day.

wood and concrete home

wood and concrete home
Generous wall openings increase the amount of fresh air circulating indoors, while lush vegetation permeates the landscape to reduce the harsh effects of solid concrete walls.

“I designed everything myself, from the basic structures, to furniture, to décor. I like bike riding and making road trips to reconnect with all that nature has to offer. It is about a longing for good times and going back to the beauty of our natural home,” Prom said.

“I’ve always wanted to incorporate the raw feel of wood and bare concrete finishes in the design. It’s a way to create a living space that syncs with the rhythms of nature. That’s the reason for choosing naked materials. Then, I put in large windows and doors so that the garden can be seen in full view from inside.”

[Left] Awning windows provide better protection form the elements and create a natural ventilation effect. [Right] Big rocks placed one on top of the other make a set of steps that connects the porch to the side yard.
[Left] Awning windows provide better protection from the elements and create a natural ventilation effect. / [Right] Big rocks placed one on top of the other make a set of steps that connects the porch to the side yard.
Prom added that he was a big fan of DIY furniture and handcrafted decorating items. Besides saving a lot of money, they can be custom-made to meet specific everyday needs. Every now and then he created one-of-a kind furniture and décor items in this way. They might look unfinished and far from ideal. But that’s exactly what gives them the power of giving delight.

A twig anchored to a home office desk serves as rack for hanging hats and tchotchkes from a lifetime of carpentry. House and garden publications that are his pastime are kept here.
A twig anchored to a home office desk serves as rack for hanging hats and tchotchkes from a lifetime of carpentry. House and garden publications that are his pastime are kept here.

Move on to the second building. It’s a two-story place of residence that shares the same characteristics as the first building.

The exterior walls are of naked concrete finishes mixed with wood. There’s an element of surprise though. An opening in the second-floor balcony allows a Pride of India tree (scientific name: Lagerstroemia speciose) to rise from the ground up and shoot right through reaching for the sky.

Here, nature has priority. It’s the homeowner’s favorite shady garden nook, where time goes by slowly. It’s a place to sit down sipping coffee taking a break from pruning trees in the yard.

wood and concrete home
The homeowner’s creative space is a patio complete with a set of workbench and stool made out of materials left over from other projects. The coarse bark texture of the house pole in the background harmonizes with the rustic country ambience.
The front porch offers plenty of space for potted houseplants, including miniature succulents and bonsai trees.
The front porch offers plenty of space for potted houseplants, including miniature succulents and bonsai trees.
wood and concrete home
A thriving Pride-of-India tree shoots right through an opening in the second floor balcony. It is the intention of the homeowner to let nature permeate the living spaces where possible.

In retrospect, it’s amazing to think about all the benefits that trees are giving us humans. Particularly at this house, they provide a refreshing change and the inspiration the homeowner needs to satisfy his passion for wood. Needless to say, it’s an enchanting place to live and work.

There is nothing like spending the afternoon riding around on his bicycle looking for new ideas. Oftentimes he runs into something worthwhile to take home. Twigs and other found objects sometimes make great décor materials.
For the homeowner, nothing beats a bike ride around the neighborhood in the afternoon. Oftentimes he runs into something worthwhile to take home. Even twigs and tiny found objects sometimes make great décor items.

Owner: Prom Duangkai

Visit the original Thai article…

บ้านปูนเปลือยชั้นเดียวของช่างไม้ ที่ปลูกแทรกไปกับพืชพรรณรอบบ้านอย่างลงตัว

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