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ISAN Cubism: A Revival of Isan Folk Art through Exquisitely Beautiful Ceramic Buddha Images

By livingasean
March 19, 2024
ART,CULTURE

/ Khon Kaen, Thailand /

/ Story: Natthawat Klaysuban / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Courtesy of ISAN Cubism /

An exquisitely beautiful collection of Buddha figurines reminiscent of stone Buddha images in earlier times has restored Isan vernacular art to life. Let’s go and check out some of the extraordinary works of art that take pride of place in the hearts and minds of the people of the Northeast of Thailand, aka the Isan Region. There is a difference though, as to what kind of material they are made of. One thing is for sure, the result is the beauties of Isan folk art that inspires delight and great admiration. The tranquil figurines are skillfully handcrafted of ceramics glazed in smooth, shiny cool-toned green and blue hues. Truly in a class of itself, the stunning product line is already very well received among aficionados of fine art and sculpture countrywide.

The project is a collaboration between Dr. Kham Chaturongakul and Dr. Nuttapong Prompongsaton, associate professor — both of whom faculty members of the Department of Industrial Design at Khon Kaen University’s Faculty of Architecture.

Together they co-founded the brand “ISAN Cubism” by integrating the elements of vernacular art indigenous of the Isan Region in exciting new designs, plus using materials and techniques that best fit in with the present time.

Dr. Kham Chaturongakul (left) and Dr. Nuttapong Prompongsaton, associate professor. Both are faculty members at the Industrial Design Department, Khon Kaen University’s School of Architecture.

The ceramic statuettes with a polychromatic overlay are admired for their powerful storytelling about the richness of Isan culture and traditions. For this reason, the brand ISAN Cubism comes in handy as a vehicle of ideas to showcase an intriguing combination between the traditional and the modern.

Cubism, created by Pablo Picasso, is a style in art using simple geometric forms as a means of expression, as opposed to traditional modes of representation and concerns.

Precisely, ISAN Cubism is about the relationship between religion and humanity in the contemporary world. That being the case, the omnipresence of Siddhattha Gautama the Lord Buddha is constantly felt in society today, and hence the images of him are never far from our everyday lives.

Depending on our religiosity, the statuettes of the Buddha play multiple crucial roles in the current environment. For the followers of Buddhism, they are objects worshipped and treated with deep respects. For others, they can be anything from materials used in the furnishing and decoration of homes, to symbols of pleasure and calm rather than being treated with due seriousness. The list goes on.

That being said, the traditional lines, shapes and forms characteristic of Buddha images in former times are reduced in favor of a more streamlined design plain and obvious in this collection of modern-day statuettes. It’s a rethink that enables them to perfectly merge into the circumstances that form the setting of today’s events and ideas.

As the two professors see it, Isan vernacular is chosen as the vehicle of artistic expression in this collection because of its richness in folk elements of design, a genre of visual art and sculpture developed at the time the region was regarded as a remote frontier ungoverned by bigger, more powerful city states.

In exact terms, it’s this quality that makes Isan folk art original and unique in its own special way. Among others, there’s a sincere direct rawness to it that differs from the more refined profile typical of those of Lanna and Ayutthaya kingdoms in former times.

In a nutshell, Isan art is the works of traditional craftsmanship, made by villagers using materials and technique available within the locality, wood and clay included.

Their version of Buddha statuettes may be a far cry from awe-inspiring masterpieces intricately carved by royal court artisans highly skilled in a trade. But, unlike the elegance in appearance that we’ve all grown accustomed to, Isan folk art remains a medium of expression that’s easy to understand, one that’s created using simple clean lines and four-sided plain figures.

The two professors see a similarity of characteristics between Isan art and cubism ideas that originated in Europe. To them, the beauty of simplicity of Isan vernacular art is key to unlocking the door to endless possibilities.

Imagine what would happen if Isan folk art could transform into lifestyle products made easily accessible to today’s generation. Keep the vibrant colors that the villagers have long cherished, plus the rawness feel unique to each and every one of them. That’s what adds charm and character to folk art products.

The brand ISAN Cubism started out with the manufacture of vases for displaying cut flowers. Gradually Nattapong developed an interest in Buddha statuettes, having been surrounded by religious populations. He soon came up with his first collection of Buddha figurines based on wooden models that people made and then donated to temples as the expression of reverence.

Dr. Kham and Dr. Nuttapong said that other countries have their own versions of human figurines, too. The most famous among them are Daruma Dolls of Japan, and Matryoshka, aka Nesting Dolls, of Russia.

They opined that Isan folk art had the potential to develop into something in the future, which can be anything including materials for the furnishing and decoration of a room, or any place on earth.

And you don’t have to be Buddhist to do that, either. Buddhist art is a visual art. It’s the way of seeing things around us and interpreting them through an artistic perspective. And this exquisitely beautiful collection of ceramic figurines is designed to do exactly that.

Artist: ISAN Cubism (www.facebook.com/Isancubism)

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Extended Family’s Big Wooden House in Bangkok

By livingasean
April 5, 2017
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Bangkok, Thailand /

/ Story: Jeadwonder / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Sitthisak Namkham, Piyawuth /

Young married people these days tend to move away to have children and live separately, but Chang (Somprasong Sawat) and Bua (Buachomphu Ford) have brought their families back home. Everyone living together in a warm communal atmosphere makes this big wooden house a true family home.

koh11 — Mother and her younger sister live in the left wing. Behind is the parking area. Spaces are separated with drapes that can be rolled up and put away to create a common space for big family dinners.

koh22 — Teak wall and outdoor connection of mother and younger sister’s house.

“We’re all one big family, Mom, my sister, and my family, which right now is me, Bua, and our three young sons. It’s comforting to have relatives nearby. Grandma and Auntie help with the grandchildren,” Chang says with a smile.

Kanika Rattanapreedakul of Spacetime Architects Co.,Ltd. designed the house: Chang had learned about her work from a magazine article about house design in New York’s Soho district, where Kanika was the single Thai woman featured among a number of Westerners.

Her design resulted in this unique 1,000 square meters big wooden house, divided into three main sections. The first part, in the center, holds the swimming pool and central area of the house: living room, dining area, and Western-style kitchen. This is everyone’s common area.

koh100903-02444 — Dining area and light-use kitchen.

tt100903-00333 — Chang and Bua’s parlor, used for a meeting room or just to socialize.

tt100903-0599 — Fresh red tones enliven Chang and Bua’s living room.

koh333 — Left: Chang’s sister’s private kingdom. Right: A glass corridor on the second floor connects Chang’s house to the central area.

A section of the lower floor is designed for parking. The mother’s bedroom on the second floor has a classic décor. A vertical garden adds a feeling of warmth. The third floor is Chang’s sister’s domain. The right wing is surfaced with aluminum paneling, for a modern, fashionable “industrial” look: the family calls it the “tin house.”

“I collect paintings, so we have a room for them; in fact the room is designed around them. I favor surrealism and expressionism. You don’t have to understand everything to appreciate the art: it’s enough for it just to have an emotional impact.”

tt100903-06111 — Chang and Bua’s art-gallery bedroom connects to a spacious white bath.

The ground floor next to the pool has a reception area for guests, decorated with Chang’s art collection and next to a glass room where Bua practices yoga or sons play with friends, neighbors, and relatives their age.

The second floor is a mezzanine, with young Matt’s bedroom and a small pantry. Finally, on the third floor is Chang and Bua’s bedroom and two more small rooms for the children as they get bigger.

The design takes everyone’s needs into account in creating not only a beautifully designed and fully functional living space, but more than that, a place that brings together the love and warmth in the family, something that can’t be found anywhere else but here, their “home sweet home.”

Owner: Somprasong Sawat and Buachomphu Ford

Architect: Spacetime Architects Co.,Ltd.

A Compact Home Studio Where the Old Tells a New Story

By livingasean
March 29, 2017
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Chiang Mai, Thailand /

/ Story: Polaroid / English version: Peter Montalbano /

/ Photographs: Sitthisak Namkham / Styling: Prapaiwadee Phoksawad /

Let’s look inside a compact home studio that’s truly in a class of its own. Glass panels everywhere give it a bright and sunny personality. Interior décor features charming antiques, many redesigned with new forms and functions.

koh161206-010+ compact house — Double height room design reduces heat radiation through the glass.

Torlarp Larpjaroensook, a young and upcoming artist, founded “Gallery Seescape” in Chiang Mai, where his well-known works “Grandma’s Spaceship” and the light switch manikin “Bestto Boy” are on display.

His new pad, a very cool three-story home studio just a few steps away from an old house, stands where Torlarp and his construction team tore down what used to be a 4-by-8-meter art materials storage shed.

restroom — A tree in the bathroom! The skylight above provides natural light. Take a shower, and the drainage waters tree roots below.

The new compact house faces west to greet the old place of residence, with the two connected by a flyover walkway. It’s thoughtfully devised to give new form and function to favorite materials he’s collected. Torlarp’s idea: the narrative in things which have lasted over time will take people’s memories on trips without end.

“My first vision was a bridge between buildings which would give the feeling of being in a tree: look up, see the sky. So from the start the building had to be tall, but the most important element really was the proper use of the antiques I’d collected,” Torlarp explained.

As the artist puts it, more than 30 percent of the new house and fittings come from the redesign of old things. “Teak, old metal: it’s all about what could be used for what, and how? Take for example an old teak door that has been repurposed as a dining table. It’s edged round with copper and refitted with rusty antique iron legs.”

From the start, Torlarp wanted the house to be both art showroom and workshop, which is why it’s so open: installed rectangular steel frames are fit with glass to build entire walls, with a “double space” interior height, creating lines of sight giving a good view of the art work from every spot.

koh161206-0688 compact house — Attic bedroom: The east wall at the head of the bed is a clear glass window designed for waking with the morning light.

The lower level interior is divided into a painting studio, dining area/kitchen, and a sitting parlor. The second floor holds the living room and home office, while the third floor is an attic bedroom with a round skylight to allow sleeping beneath the stars and waking with the sun.

“I’m interested in architectural openings: doors, windows, etc., connecting the indoor and outdoor worlds. They’re points of change for wind, sunshine, and even people. That’s how the project started,” Torlarp explained.

The convex curvature of the kitchen countertop is a space-saver.

Under extreme space limitations, free and comfortable living can only come from well-thought-out planning. In this particular case, the stairs were a challenge.

“The staircase is actually a showy part of the house I’m really interested in, since it’s involved with both building height and space used. It had to take up the least possible space and, at the same time, function as a piece of art right in the center of the house,” added the artist/homeowner.

“Managing materials is hard, especially using leftovers. I needed ten steel segments to make the stairs, but could only get four, so I had to scramble and rethink the whole process,” said Torlarp, smiling with pride at the end result.

Owner/Designer: Torlarp Larpjaroensook (www.torlarphern.com)

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Box-Shaped House with the Texture of Memory

By livingasean
March 17, 2017
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Petaling Jaya, Malaysia /

/ Story: Wuthikorn Sut / English version: Peter Montalbano /

/ Photographs: Sitthisak Namkham /

This box-shaped house uses architecture and coordinated interior design to tell stories of the present and the past.

The house is located in the Petaling Jaya district of Selangor, Malaysia. This is a district of single homes, but with little space to put up a large house.

Still, architect Dr Tan Loke Mun rose to the challenge of house owner Kenneth Koh and tore down the former structure here to build a new 3-storey box-shaped house in its place.

“Ground space was limited, so we built upward,” the architect told us. Building vertically involved careful division of space. The lower floors hold common areas: parlor/living room, dining area, kitchen, and conference/chat room. The 3rd floor is an attic, holding hidden utility systems next to a small living room.

The designers brought an “outdoors” mood to each part of this box-shaped house: there’s a “double volume” high, open space on the first floor; glass windows open to the garden atmosphere, and potted shade-loving plants bring it inside.

Gentle sunlight shining into the living space combined with a light breeze from a ceiling fan gives the feeling of sitting in a garden.

An effective play of space combines with the interior décor to bring out a timeless feeling that reflects its Malaccan legacy. The Chinese-style furniture, both traditional and contemporary, was made by Malaccan artisans. Paintings tell of a land that lives on in the memory of the owner.

For architectural reasons, the stairway is in the middle of the house. The folded steel balusters look light, and the red banister is at once tremendously chic and reminiscent of the row houses of yesteryear.

Significantly, the prominent terra-cotta tile facade is remarkable.

“In tearing down the old house, we discovered that the roof tiles were handcrafted, imported from Calcutta, India, so we set them aside to use this way for privacy and heat insulation,” added the architect.

“Their texture connects nicely with the other materials used here. This original house tile is long-lasting, looks great, has a timeless quality, and is a good choice in combination with the other main structural components of brick, concrete, and steel.”

The decorative outer house wall uses a suspended steel framework to hold the terracotta roof tiles and red brick.

The outer surface of this box-shaped house structure shows a wall of terracotta roof tiles that open and close to catch the light. The metal support structures reach out from the main building to form a pleasing pattern of connections between the inside and outside.

The look and ambience here remind us of a Malaccan row house, but in a modern context.

Effective combination of old materials and new in textures that suit its owner’s heritage gives this house a sense of being outside of time, and its memories will be passed on to the next generations who live here.

Ultimately, we don’t often find a big-city house that feels so bright, natural, and full of narrative.

Owner: Kenneth Koh

Architect: Dr Tan Loke Mun

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A Concrete House with Bamboo Interior Decoration

By livingasean
February 3, 2017
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Chiang Rai, Thailand /

/ Story: Otto Otto / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Sungwan Phratep /

Introducing a plain and simple concrete home that captures the essence of the cultures of Southeast Asia. Like an unforgettable journey back in time, it uses bamboo design for interior decoration. Step inside and be enthralled by a bewildering array of items made of bamboo and craftworks showcasing a passion and individuality.

The homeowner is a nationally renowned painter. When his old house was receiving more visitors and friends than it could handle, he decided to build a new one right next to it. The result is a living space handcrafted with grace and sustainable elegance.

The first floor holds a trendy open-concept living room with dining space done in the loft style. It houses a collection of paintings that dominate bare concrete walls.

If visitors should feel like spending the night here, guest accommodation is only a flight of cantilever stairs away.

There is a touch of the exotic in the bedroom designed by award-winning designer/carpenter Yutthana Bumrungkit. He thinks this modern building needs a bit of craftworks to create a delightful local ambiance.

Ceiling treatments are fashioned from cleaved bamboo paneling, while the walls are covered in flattened bamboo poles arranged horizontally to highlight a naturally split pattern and nodes in rustic amber color.

Even the doorknob is crafted of a bamboo gnarl.

Light switches are hidden in plain sight behind knotted bamboo sticks put together in a miniature lattice.

Rustic handrail is crafted of a giant bamboo pole, part of the designer’s rare collectibles. — The rustic handrail is crafted of a giant bamboo pole, part of the designer’s rare collectibles.

Ceiling treatments combine strand woven paneling with braid design, ideal bathroom décor of bamboo aficionados.

An ultramodern chandelier fashioned from sheets of mulberry paper fills the interior with an orchestra of electric lights.

The raw look of lofts and warmth that comes with bamboo design combine to give this house modern rustic appeal while showcasing the owner’s passion and individuality.

In a nutshell, the giant woody grass of Southeast Asia still has plenty of room to grow in the world of modern design.

Designer: Chan Sippasattra, Yutthana Bumrungkit

Visit the house on YouTube…

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Sirimongkol: A Spiritual Art Exhibition By Pomme Chan

By livingasean
December 18, 2016
ART,CULTURE,HAPPENING,SPECIAL SCOOP

Bid farewell to 2016 and ring in the New Year with Sirimongkol, an exhibition of works by celebrated illustrator Pomme Chan. The artist got her inspirations from the twelve signs of the Zodiac, which in the Chinese belief system are thought to have profound influences on us humans. The event is on from now until February 12, 2107 at the Jam Factory.

/// Thailand ///

The spiritual art exhibition is appropriately named “Sirimongkol,” which is Thai for good omens or positive energies believed to foretell the future. Pomme Chan’s masterpieces depict the twelve signs representing the constellations that form the imaginary belt of the heavens. To make it easy to appreciate, the exhibition comes in four parts.

The first part consists of illustrated works on canvas depicting the 12 animal signs of the Chinese Zodiac. Each sign comes accompanied by floral and botanical ornaments that speak to basic character, preferences, strengths, and weaknesses of individuals.

The second part is quite a striking collection. Using hand-drawn techniques on paper, the artist lets red and gold play a prominent role in her contemporary interpretation of the Zodiac signs. Sharp geometric shapes blends well with curves and brush strokes from Chinese calligraphy and other symbols of wealth, success, luck, and power.

The third part is three-dimensional showcasing a futuristic spirit house. The 3D shrine is crafted of clear acrylic sheets illuminated by LED lighting, a collaborative effort between Pomme Chan and interior designer Pruitsatorn Sakulthai. Finally, the fourth part comprises illustrated works printed on 10 porcelain plates and mounted on frames to focus on the meaning of “Sirimongkol” as we know it. May 2017 bring happiness and prosperity to you all.

Exhibition period: Now – February 12, 2017.
Location: The Jam Factory

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/thejamfactorybangkok

About the artist

Pomme Chan is a Thai illustrator based in London. Her feminine style and detailed illustrated works are recognized worldwide. She has been working with various leading brands and magazines, including Marc Jacobs, Nike, Adidas, Volkswagens, and The New York Times. She is moving back in Thailand, where she has a studio of her own.

Thailand BIG+BIH 2016 / Bangkok International Gift Fair and Bangkok International Houseware

By livingasean
October 22, 2016
HAPPENING,SPECIAL SCOOP

Thailand BIG+BIH 2016 / Bangkok International Gift Fair and Bangkok International Houseware

/// Thailand ///

Story: Bundaree Deewong /// Photo: Bundaree Deewong, Sungwan Phratem

ASEAN’s International trade fair for trendy gift and lifestyle products took place from April 19^th to 23^rd, 2016 (trade Days the 19^th to 21^st, public days the 22^nd and 23^rd) at Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC), Bangna, Bangkok, Thailand.

This was the 41^st edition of BIG+BIH, and it was organized under the concept “ASEAN Life+Style.” In the attractive “Fresh Taiwan,” “design lifestyle” products from Taiwanese designers were shown; “DEmark Award showcase” put on display well-designed Thai products now on the international market that had won Design Excellence prizes, and “SACICT Art & Craft” exhibited Thai folk arts and crafts products representing “Thainess” from local design traditions. The fair also featured product exhibits that provided an excellent platform for Thai designers and new entrepreneurs to show their latest collections.

Dhanabadee, the famous ceramic shop from Lampang, Thailand

*Fresh Taiwan exhibition : design lifestyle products from Taiwanese designers*

Isan Collection : the project of the northeast design in Thailand

Oggi, wooden furniture brand in Scandinavian accent

Showcases at the fair were set out in 3 zones: BIG, BIG Design, and BIH. The most popular products of the fair were gifts and handicraft decorative items, household products, pet products and services.

About home, modern wooden furniture and lamp in sophisticated style

*Unique design lamp made of veneer wood*

Idealize shop, furniture that made of natural materials such as scrap wood and old tree stumps.

Tin Home Toy, lifestyle products which made of galvanize sheets

L-Living, decoration items for holiday homes

link: http://oct2016.bigandbih.com/

Desa House: The Renovated Artist House in Kuala Lumpur

By livingasean
September 22, 2016
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia /

/ Story: Panchat Changchan / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Rithirong Chanthongsuk /

The place called “Desa House” belongs to 49-year-old artist Leon Leong. Located in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur, the artist house clearly stands out from the rest in a neighborhood characterized by ubiquitous townhomes.

*Newly added is the sky garden that extends outward from the second-floor façade.*

The most eye-catching feature is the lush sky garden that extends outward from the second floor. The structure also doubles as a carport roof. Green foliage adorns the front façade and functions as a privacy curtain.

The striking features remind us that we have reached our destination.

*The sky garden platform, which doubles as a carport roof, is accessible from the second floor.*

The bedroom and the studio are lit by natural light through a sliding glass that slides open to access the greenery. The same applies to the rear portion of the house, which opens to a backyard.

In the front and back, green foliage forms privacy curtains that effectively set the interior spaces apart from the hustle and bustle of city life.

artist house — *Roof beams are clearly visible after ceilings are removed to make way for the new add-on.*

The artist house’s aesthetic is achieved by putting in an add-on and other details to the existing structure.

Like other townhomes in the neighborhood, there is a central court that the occupants use for relaxation. But architect Wen Hsia of the WHBC Architects group has a better idea.

She transforms this centerpiece into something different. What used to be a seating area now becomes a lush landscape, where tall trees cast shadows on surrounding walls and much of the first floor.

It brings in the outdoor, and the atmosphere comes alive every time leaves blow in the wind. All day the light and sound show gives the artist homeowner the inspirations that he needs.

*The perfect match for timeworn kitchen countertops and minimal raw wood furniture.*

Leon needs plenty of light to create works of art, and he gets it all in the home studio.

To bring in natural light, the architect has tiled roofing replaced by lattice skylight, creating beautiful special effects. Concrete lattice casts striking shadow patterns everywhere.

It is cheaper, longer lasting, and easier to maintain than that made of wood. As night falls, the studio is aglow by electric light.

Interestingly the studio light alone is enough to illuminate the entire home.

*Tall trees provide a crisp, cool canopy to the backyard. Beach pebbles, concrete slabs, and a patch of* manicured grass fill up the garden floor.

Owner: Leon Leong

Architect: WHBC Architects

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M11 House: A Calm and Restful Minimalist Design in Ho Chi Minh City

By livingasean
September 22, 2016
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam /

/ Story: Skiixy / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Soopakorn Srisakul /

Located in a suburb of Ho Chi Minh City, this minimalist-style house has plenty of ample space for a family. It’s the brainchild of A21 Studio, a homegrown architectural firm renowned for its creative designs in residential, public, hospitality and cultural categories.

Minimalist House — Double-height space design makes the interior feel open and airy, allowing plenty of natural daylight and fresh outdoor air into the home

From a design perspective, the suburban residence codenamed “M11 House” boasts the simplicity of clean lines typical of a modern home, with many natural elements beautifully integrated into the plan.

The uncluttered ground-floor interior appears light and airy, thanks to glass partition walls that make a small space feel big. Nearby, a center courtyard offering an oasis of calm can be seen in full view from anywhere in the home. A work of outstanding design is the innermost section of the house that’s spacious and cozy, thoughtfully devised to promote soothing relaxation.

The bedroom on the ground floor is located in the cozy innermost section of the house, separated from the rest by outdoors privacy screens.

Double-height space design offers many benefits. Among others, it creates a connected home by providing visual continuity between the first and the second floor, not to mention there is flexibility in design, too.

Here, the kid’s study room and sitting room on the second floor can be connected or separated as needed. The third floor is a different story. It contains a home gym with a bathtub, and room offering seclusion for a good rest after a long day at work.

Sunlight streams through the windows turning the stairwell into well-lit place.

The second-floor living room is plain and uncluttered. A tree in the center courtyard blocks the sun’s rays from penetrating into the home.

Worthy of attention is the clean-cut edges between indoors and outdoors. The interior in general is an interesting amalgam of the bright shiny concrete floor, glass room dividers, and solid walls painted a cool-toned white, while streamlined furniture makes for comfortable living in a Minimalist style.

The bathroom is enclosed in clear glass for visual continuity with the rest of the private room.

Overall, well-thought-out design ensures there’s the least disruption of airflow making it possible to do without air conditioning. That translates into big savings on electricity and other energy-related expenses.

The center courtyard is visible from every point of view in the home.

A slat wood panel effectively separates the kitchen from the corridor without disrupting air circulation in the interior.

In the fewest possible words, it’s a well-made home tailored to answer the homeowner’s specific needs, one that bespeaks his passion for minimalist design and environmental awareness. At the end of the day, a good life can only be built with good relationships between man and nature.

An extra parking area under a shade tree is ready for future use.

Architect: A21 Studio

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A Home-cum-Art Gallery amid the Bustle of Downtown Yangon

By livingasean
September 22, 2016
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Yangon, Myanmar /

/ Story: Samutcha Viraporn / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Rithirong Chanthongsuk /

Despite being located in a vibrant prime location, this home-cum-art gallery in Yangon is a fascinating place with a serene atmosphere and qualities that delight and please the senses. Architecturally speaking, it’s a nexus of ideas from different styles, places, and times.

The white mansion mixes and matches the visual elements of Contemporary and Colonial styles of architecture. Plus, it puts an innovative spin on traditions of years gone by, resulting in charm, good looks that tell the story of ongoing change in modern-day Yangon.

The calm and peaceful place is a short distance away from a busy market on Nawaday Road. Min Han, the homeowner, is on hand to give a warm welcome and show us around the premises.

The three-story home has many interesting features that apparently blend well together creating a building that works as a cohesive whole. Take for example the Modern-style wing that stands in perfect harmony with the nearby Colonial-style mansion. It’s a new addition to the original structure that’s zealously preserved.

home art gallery Yangon — A vivid color painting and wood furniture in dark brown dominate the hallway on the first floor. Unique elements of design including large bay windows are preserved in every part of the Contemporary style wing.

Other than that, the floors have since been improved and refinished, while room dividers are remade to create a light and airy atmosphere on the inside. In front of the house stands a two-story family business building, where traditional Burmese snacks and light meals are sold, including Yuzana Pickled Tea Leaves.

Nearby, a fence beautifully crafted of stone masonry separates a parking space upfront from outside and protects the family home from the noise and hubbub of the big city.

“In fact, I am not much of an artist. But I like collecting works of art, especially those of U Maung Maung Hla Myint, who is nationally renowned for his bright color paintings. Vivid color paintings make the space feel more lively,” said Min Han.

To create a sense of spaciousness, the architects put in a steel staircase with glass railings at the center of the house plan, resulting in unobstructed views of the whole interior. In general, the room is comfortable, airy and well-lighted, thanks to skylights above the stairway leading to the third floor. Together, they make the furnishings and other decorative details more noticeable.

The bedroom’s white interior contrasts with dark brown colors of wood beams, posts, and ceiling joists.

For a neat appearance, the system of electrical wiring and lighting is arranged in a tidy way pretty much in the same fashion as that of a typical art gallery. There are spotlights on the installations, which makes the interior spaces look very well organized. As a private gallery, the hallway also doubles as a rendezvous point for friends and relatives coming by for a visit.

A spacious sound studio in the back confirms that a music lover lives here.

The shower room is plain and simple. Attention to detail is reflected in the use of different materials separating dry and wet areas.

The homeowner not only paid attention to detail but also actively participated in making design decisions every step of the way, resulting in perfect visual harmony from beginning to end. All told, it’s a delightfully warm home and an art gallery combined into one cohesive whole. And it conveys a great deal about the homeowner’s love of art and a taste for something different.

[Left] The upright structural support is crafted of wood posts. Where appropriate, all sharp edges are removed. / [Right] To create a light and airy feel in the interior, the stairway is built on a steel frame with glass railings. There are no risers between the treads for good ventilation.

Architect: Spine Architects Co, Ltd

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Blog : art

ISAN Cubism: A Revival of Isan Folk Art through Exquisitely Beautiful Ceramic Buddha Images

Extended Family’s Big Wooden House in Bangkok

Young married people these days tend to move away to have children and live separately, but Chang (Somprasong Sawat) and Bua (Buachomphu Ford) have brought their families back home. Everyone living together in a warm communal atmosphere makes this big wooden house a true family home.

A Compact Home Studio Where the Old Tells a New Story

Let’s look inside a compact home studio that’s truly in a class of its own. Glass panels everywhere give it a bright and sunny personality. Interior décor features charming antiques, many redesigned with new forms and functions.

Box-Shaped House with the Texture of Memory

This box-shaped house uses architecture and coordinated interior design to tell stories of the present and the past.

A Concrete House with Bamboo Interior Decoration

Sirimongkol: A Spiritual Art Exhibition By Pomme Chan

Thailand BIG+BIH 2016 / Bangkok International Gift Fair and Bangkok International Houseware

Thailand BIG+BIH 2016 / Bangkok International Gift Fair and Bangkok International Houseware

Desa House: The Renovated Artist House in Kuala Lumpur

The place called “Desa House” belongs to 49-year-old artist Leon Leong. Located in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur, the artist house clearly stands out from the rest in a neighborhood characterized by ubiquitous townhomes.

M11 House: A Calm and Restful Minimalist Design in Ho Chi Minh City

Located in a suburb of Ho Chi Minh City, this minimalist-style house has plenty of ample space for a family. It’s the brainchild of A21 Studio, a homegrown architectural firm renowned for its creative designs in residential, public, hospitality and cultural categories.

A Home-cum-Art Gallery amid the Bustle of Downtown Yangon

Despite being located in a vibrant prime location, this home-cum-art gallery in Yangon is a fascinating place with a serene atmosphere and qualities that delight and please the senses. Architecturally speaking, it’s a nexus of ideas from different styles, places, and times.

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