An Amazing Transformation from the Traditional to the Modern

An Amazing Transformation from the Traditional to the Modern
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An Amazing Transformation from the Traditional to the Modern

/ Bangkok, Thailand /

/ Story: Supachart Boontang, Naruwat Plaimee / English version: Peter Montalbano /

/ Photographs: Sitthisak Namkham / Styling: Pakhawadee Pahulo /

Good ventilation, the core concept of traditional Thai houses, is adapted for the modern age in this contemporary house. From the outside it looks slick and belonging to the present, but this building has the heart and soul of conventional Thai residential architecture.

contemporary house bangkok

The owner has been living in this house with his father and mother since he was young. Now he has a wife and kids, and it’s become too cramped to hold all of them. But instead of moving elsewhere, the young couple built a new place where there used to be a garden right next to the old house.

The new design connects the two homes both inside and out, so family members can easily take part in common activities. This modern living concept is actually not a new one, but arose out of the structure and functionality of houses of earlier times.

contemporary house bangkok
[Left] To fit the unusual shape of the building and glass walls on two sides, furniture in this fashionable high-ceilinged reception parlor is positioned diagonally. / [Right] A colorful painting with chic graphic patterns adds panache to a light-colored room, brightening up the straightforward house design.
Reception parlor following the traditional Thai ‘Sala’ concept. A large glass wall opens wide to the natural world of plants and trees outside. /// The bathroom design has uniquely stylish lines.
[Left] Reception parlor design follows the traditional Thai “Sala” concept. The room is enclosed by glass walls that open wide to the natural world of plants and trees outside. / [Right] The bathroom has uniquely stylish lines.

contemporary house bangkok
There’s a pantry in the middle of the house plan, a nice place for family members to sit and talk.

The dining room and living room are similar to an open “Sala” in a traditional Thai house. All the rooms are connected through a large wooden balcony. Both buildings share a main entryway, carports and service areas.

contemporary house bangkok
A staircase runs along the wall of the entryway with high ceilings, creating a relaxing visual effect.
The continuing space from the first floor to the hallway on the second floor is bright and airy, clearly visible from a wide-angle perspective.
The continuing space from the first floor to the hallway on the second floor is bright and airy, clearly visible from a wide-angle perspective.
contemporary house bangkok
The living room on the second floor has a large window with a view of the old house.

Inside there are lots of windows for good ventilation. Beautiful large trees such as Black Afara (scientific name: Terminalia Ivorensis) are planted all about to provide shade. Excellent landscape architecture components such as ponds, a rock garden, and pathways paved with flagstones are added for a relaxing mood.

Trees and shrubs planted outside the bedroom give a nice view and enhance privacy.
Trees and shrubs planted outside the bedroom give a nice view and enhance privacy.

This contemporary house is an example of how a residence you love can be expanded and transformed beyond its limitations into a bigger home. As this family has discovered, you don’t always have to abandon the old ways to find happiness.

[Left] To make good use of daylight, a small skylight is cut in the upstairs bathroom. / [Right] The main staircase projects out from the wall. Light cream-colored genuine wood paneling and a clear glass railing make the stair look light, as if floating.
[Left] To make good use of daylight, a small skylight is cut in the upstairs bathroom. / [Right] The main staircase projects out from the wall. Light cream-colored genuine wood paneling and a clear glass railing make the stair look light, as if floating.
contemporary house bangkok
The house extends out above the outdoor family area while requiring only minimal support posts.

Architect and Interior Designer: Lynk Architect by Ekalak Sathaphonthanaphat (www.facebook.com/lynkarchitect)

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