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Distracted House: Unique Roof Style Merges Javanese Tradition with Urban Modern Living

By livingasean
July 24, 2023
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Jakarta, Indonesia /

/ Story: Kor Lordkam / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Andhy Prayitno, of Mario Wibowo Photography (www.mariowibowo.com) /

Nestled on the outskirts of Indonesia’s capital Jakarta, an urban modern home aptly named “Distracted House” looks completely different from everything else. The densely populated neighborhood shares a common characteristic. It’s chock-full of one- and two-story homes closely packed in a way that it feels uncomfortable. To deflect attention away from the humdrum existence of a crowded space, a team of talented engineers at Ismail Solehudin Architecture came up with a clever idea for a craftsman-style home unlike anything else.

The result is a work of outstanding artistry made clearly noticeable by irregular polygons with unequal sides and unequal angles. But what makes Distracted House even more interesting lies in its irresistible power of storytelling.

Beautifully done, it looks the epitome of Javanese culture designed to showcase the ways of life, religious beliefs and traditional vernacular style unique to the Indonesian archipelago.

That’s what gives this home its timeless appeal that blends perfectly with the surrounding landscape.

The two-story, 420-square-meter building is home to an extended family with seven resident members on a normal day. On special occasions and holidays the number can increase to more than 10. That’s precisely a challenge that the architects had to overcome by creating enough usable spaces and functions to satisfy demands.

To fit in with the existing built environment, the only way to go was up. The architects relied on two building methods to solve the problem.

First, the roof was raised slightly higher than normal to create enough room for a mezzanine on the second floor, thereby giving the house extra living spaces, plus well thought out details make the interior feel warm and welcoming. This was achieved in a way that’s compatible with the mostly two-story homes neighborhood.

The second method involved putting in a courtyard with swimming pool at the rear, plus adding plants and greenery inside the home.

The pool that’s the focal point of the courtyard can be seen in full view from inside the dining room and sitting room. To bring the outdoors into the home, small rock gardens with lovely low-maintenance plants are integrated in the design, while skylights set into the roofline keep the interior well-lit during daytime hours.

Overall, the interior living spaces are invitingly comfortable thanks to a well-designed stairwell that opens to admit fresh outdoor air into the room.

Despite the limitations, attention to detail makes the home a special place to be and prevents it from becoming a stuffy, overcrowded space.

Apart from a bright and airy atmosphere, it’s the house’s outer appearance that’s getting the most attention. Plus, family traditions, lifestyle and religious beliefs play a part in determining the location of, and interaction between functional spaces in the home.

This is manifested in building orientation, by which the new home design axis is aligned with Qibla, or the direction towards the Kaaba (the stone building at the center of Islam’s holiest site in Mecca). Hence the Musalla, or room set aside for prayer in Islam, is located at the farthest end in this direction.

A place to quietly reflect inward and connect with Allah, it’s also used for religious ceremonies in the family.

Conceptual Diagram Courtesy of Ismail Solehudin Architecture

House Orientation Concept Courtesy of Ismail Solehudin Architecture

First Floor Plan House Courtesy of Ismail Solehudin Architecture

Second Floor Plan House Courtesy of Ismail Solehudin Architecture

Rooftop Plan House Courtesy of Ismail Solehudin Architecture

Like so, the main communal space of Distracted House is set oblique in relation to the rectangular yard landscape, an unusual layout that sets it apart from the rest. To synchronize modern living with traditional Javanese style and taste, the team of architects added Joglo house architecture to the design.

The term Joglo refers to a steep pitch roof at the center that was associated with Javanese aristocrats in olden times. The center of the floor plan is filled with smaller rooms and functional spaces, creating a conducive environment for a harmonious family life.

Meantime, areas on the periphery are roofed over to keep them in shade.

Overall, the building envelope is made of wood and concrete masonry construction painted white. Where appropriate, air bricks are used as part of the house’s ventilation system.

Except for its unusual shape, the entire roof is covered in terra cotta tiles in a dark shade of orange that’s consistent with other houses in the neighborhood.

In summary, it’s a well-thought-out design that speaks volumes for lifestyle, a strict adherence to religion, and cultural heritage passed down through generations of a family.

A new home made with skill, creativity and imagination, it’s a look that conveys a great deal about the residents through interior and exterior design.

Who would have thought that a home with absolutely unique physical features would ease into beautiful suburban vibes? Interesting, to say the least.

Architects: Ismail Solehudin Architecture (ismailsolehudin.com)
Lead Architect: Ismail Solehudin
Design team: Radhian Dwiadhyasa
Building contractor: Wani Build
Structural Engineer: Pt. Desain putra persada (new building) Andi Dzikril (building structure)

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Kampong House: the Allure of Indonesia’s Urban Village Life

Never Too Small: Renovation Gives a Townhouse the Atmosphere of Home

By livingasean
June 7, 2023
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Bangkok, Thailand /

/ Story: Wuthikorn Sut / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Nattakit Jeerapatmitee /

An old townhouse in the heart of Bangkok’s downtown has been lovingly restored in ways that adapt to changing lifestyle needs. No longer is it a stuffy, overcrowded space lacking fresh air and ventilation. A redesigned open floor plan has given it the feeling of home, a sense of belonging and purpose. Incredibly light and airy, it feels like anything but a townhouse, so to speak.

Inheriting the townhouse from his parents, the new owner has made a firm decision to renovate it to a good state of repair.

It’s the place where he lives when traveling to the city for business. Or it can be available to be rented if need be.

The task of refurbishment was given to a team of architects from the design firm OAAS. Central to their work was the creation of an open concept home plan that’s flexible for multiple uses.

Accordingly, the old second-floor balcony was knocked down and replaced by steel framing for a light and spacious façade.

Upstairs, the entire floor plan was revised, while the ground floor platform was raised slightly to keep it above the edge of the water during a flood.

Never too small to make a difference, the newly refurbished townhouse stands out from the rest in that its building shell is made of air bricks that are great for natural ventilation.

The perforated bricks double as a decorative privacy screen that protects the home from prying eyes. It’s a surefire way to improve air circulation and get rid of stuffy smells, a common problem of townhouse living.

The wooden door opens into a surprisingly peaceful semi-outdoor room aptly named “Sala”, which is Thai for garden pavilion. Albeit situated at the front of the house, it’s a private living space that conveniently connects to the sitting room and dining area lying further inside.

Beautifully designed, it calls to mind an image of a garden sitting area with a side passage for walking along.

The overall effect is impressive. The side passage sets this townhouse apart from the others.

Since it’s often impossible to build a walkway around a townhouse, it makes perfect sense to build one on the inside that connects the garden pavilion at the front with the living room and other functions at the rear.

There is a challenge to overcome. Because the side passage takes away a large chunk of the square footage of the house, the designers have to make a choice from a range of possibilities.

Among them, an open concept floor plan is useful in making the home feel more spacious. There’s no need for room dividers for a home theater or TV lounge since it’s never a desirable lifestyle here.

Plus, by floating furniture, the owner is free to create a more intimate atmosphere and a layout that’s capable of multiple uses.

Owner: Jiramate Chanaturakarnnon

Architect: OAAS

Design team: Sineenart Suptanon, Sirakit Charoenkitpisut, Nattakit Jeerapatmitee, Jiramate Chanaturakarnnon

The article is an excerpt from “Shophouse & Townhome”, a proudly presented publication from the “Best Home Series” under “room Books Publishing.”
Available in paperback (Thai Edition) at: https://www.naiin.com/product/detail/532110
Here’s how to order online. https://www.naiin.com/how-to-buy/read/1125

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MP House: Striking the Right Balance between Jobs and Home

By livingasean
May 30, 2023
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Tangerang, Indonesia /

/ Story: Phattaraphon / English Version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Arti Pictures /

A house plan that combines living spaces and a home office could be just what you’re looking for. Here’s the home of a designer couple in Tangerang, a city half-an-hour’s drive from central Jakarta, that illustrates this. Known as MP House, it marries work-from-home essentials with well-planned living spaces that come loaded with personality.

The secret to a productive daily routine, the house plan combines residential and home office functions into a uniform whole. The workspace occupies the first floor that also includes a split-level lower floor, while the quiet and peaceful residential area is placed on the level above it.

The ample living area in itself is divided into two parts. Semi‐private spaces such as the living room and dining room take up the front part of the house, whereas more secluded places and bedrooms are located at the rear designed for rest and relaxation.

The first floor has a dry courtyard garden that separates the home office area from guest and kids’ rooms tucked away at the rear of the house plan. Healthy green foliage in the yard doubles as engine that drives natural ventilation and provides a light and heat barrier. And the result of MP House is a calm and peaceful indoor environment that’s the key to a happy family life in Tangerang.

In a sensitive and practical way, an indoor ramp with handrail is put in as an alternative to a set of stairs to provide access between different levels. The inclined plane is particularly useful for the homeowner’s aging parents. Plus, it’s the split-level house plan that makes the most effective use of available space.

There is a real sense of achievement in the way the living room and dining room combine into one large lounge with comforting earth tones and double-height ceilings. It’s a place to eat home-cooked meals and enjoy family conversations that help keep everyone together. Semi-private by design, the ample social interaction space is well-lit and well-ventilated.

The house boasts a modern envelope and perforated brick façade overlooking a dry garden located just above the carport. The decorative breeze blocks are chosen for their ability to provide sun protection and maintain openness and airflow.

In the meantime, flat masonry textures that are repetitive and earthy in color provide a variety of light refraction that adds aesthetic pleasure to the interior living space.

Taking everything into account, the house under a gable roof provides plenty of ample spaces to serve functional and aesthetic purposes. MP House in Tangerang strikes the right balance between office work and home life, creating a perfect combination that feels cozy, comfortable and roomy.

Architect: TIES (www.ties-db.com)

Lead Architects: Sansan & Tritya

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A Stunning Breeze Block House for Avid Dog Lovers

By livingasean
May 11, 2020
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Bangkok, Thailand /

/ Story: Patsiri Chotpongsun / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Sitthisak Namkham /

This beautiful place with contemporary curb appeal is home to a married couple and their seven dogs. House-on-stilt design paired with a breeze block façade allows plenty of air and natural light into the room. Pleasant and healthy, it’s a paradise for avid dog lovers and their fluffy companions.

The side facing west gets double layer protection. While a rose apple tree keeps the house in shade during the day, a continuous vertical breeze block structure allows fresh air into the interior. — The exterior wall facing west gets two layers of protection from the sun’s harmful rays. A full-grown rose apple tree provides the first line of defense keeping the house in shade for much of the day, while the façade filled with breeze blocks increases natural lighting and allows fresh outdoor air into the home.

The sheer loveliness of man’s best friends was reason enough for the married couple, Roung “Jobby” Wuttinawin and Whan Paktranon, to build a home ideally suited for their needs. The problem was Whan had allergies. So, to avoid going about it in the wrong way, they left house planning in the good hands of architect Unnop Wongwaipananij of REUN Home Design.

The result was a modern house on stilts with a shed style roof that’s well ventilated, easy to keep clean and easy to update. The open under-floor space holds a carport and laundry area with plenty of room for doggie nooks. On the whole, it’s a contemporary living space with all the comforts and functionality for humans and their dogs.

Jobby’s favorite spot in the house has a big table that changes function from work to recreation to dining in a flash. Here, time well spent is time spent with best friends. In a quiet and calm environment, who needs a coffee shop? — Jobby’s favorite spot in the house has a big table that can change function from work to recreation to dining in a flash. Here, time well spent is time spent with his best friends. In a quiet and calm environment, who needs a coffee shop?

By floating a couch in the middle of the sitting room, the designer creates the illusion of having more space. It’s a great way to optimize the room to cultivate a bond between man’s best friends and their owners, plus it’s easy to update and keep clean. — Floating furniture ideas make the sitting room feel bigger and more comfortable. It’s a great way to optimize the living space to cultivate a bond between man’s best friends and their owners, plus it’s easy to update and keep clean.

The modern shed roof dwelling is raised high above the ground on piles reminiscent of traditional Thai houses. The under-floor space has a carport, laundry area, and room for dogs to lounge about, play and get some exercise. — The modern shed roof dwelling is raised on stilts reminiscent of traditional Thai houses in former times. The under-floor space has a carport, laundry area, and room for dogs to lounge about, play and get some exercise.

A dog’s dream breeze block house

“This house is built for the dogs. We just share a living space like a big family,” said Jobby with a laugh.

Sharing his thoughts with us, Jobby said: “Originally I lived with Mom to the rear of the property. Other siblings also resided in the neighborhood. After I got married, I received this plot of land, about one rai, from Mom.

“We wanted a home that could accommodate all seven dogs we had at the time. Later, after three of them died, we adopted three new dogs that had been injured. Who knows, we may have more in future.”

To build a new home, the couple sought advice from Unnop Wongwaipananij, their architect friend who also took an avid interest in dogs. And the rest was history. The new house with a breeze block facade is a salubrious place to be, one that’s bright, happy and easy to keep clean.

A section of the laundry room is cordoned off to make room for a dog yard with temporary individual crates for some that don’t get along.

A lightweight sofa can move easily to make the small living room feel bigger. — A lightweight sofa can move easily, making the small living room feel bigger.

The bedroom is furnished with just the bare necessities consisting of a bed, sideboard, and desk. Open plan design makes perfect sense in a situation where dogs are allowed to sleep in the bedroom.

A happy state of mind in geometric design

The dog-friendly geometric home is attractively modern, thanks to its simple shed-style roof framing. In the meantime, stilt house design offers ample under-floor spaces that can fulfill multiple purposes. The ground level is a flat slab that’s formed of concrete making it easy for future updates. It lies surrounded by lush green lawns and stable pea gravel paths that are ideal for dog runs.

Whan said that she came across the benefits of breeze block construction while browsing through BaanLaeSuan magazine. Square concrete blocks with air vents are a perfect match for geometric house design.

“In fact, I want to do more home decorating, but ‘Photo’ (her golden retriever) is only 9 months old and very active. So the open floor plan is the best solution at least for now. Like so, living room furniture understandably comes down to the bare essentials.

“There’s a couch that floats in the middle of the room surrounded by dogs, while a computer workstation for Jobby is placed against a wall. The dogs sleep in the same room at night.”

Design based on human needs and dog behavior

The blueprint of this breeze block house is not only about humans sharing a living space with their canine companions. It’s also about creating functions suitable for their physical and mental health.

Every little thing counts. The top half of the main gate is made of perforated metal sheets that allow the dogs to see outside. The deck bench seat and stairs have steel railing that protects against slip and fall accidents.

The floors are non-carpeted to reduce dust and allergens in the home. As a precaution, textured floor tiles are used instead. Curtains are made of washable material that’s easy to keep clean. Meantime, window sills are set lower with safety glazing to allow the dogs to see out.

Speaking of the design concept, the architect said: “Because the house faces due south, the front façade sees the most hours of sunlight during the day. So we put the building on the east side of the land with the bedroom at the rear to avoid heat buildup inside and for better privacy.

“To cool down the interior living spaces, the bathroom is placed along the side to provide a buffer against the harsh afternoon sun. This in turn keeps the bathroom dry and protects against humidity damage. For practical reasons, an air brick wall is chosen to allow southwesterly winds to enter and circulate inside. Nearby, an additional layer of protection is provided by a full-grown rose apple tree.”

There are many health benefits of owning dogs. They are reason enough to wake up feeling fresh, get out of bed, and step outside.

Even dogs need a vacation. Jobby, Whan and their four-legged friends are on a bird watching trip to Bang Pu, Samut Prakarn, which is only a short drive from where they live.

Asked what it’s like to live out here, the couple said: “Overjoyed! We’ve made the most effective use of indoor and outdoor spaces, especially the main living room. The late afternoon is usually spent with the dogs in the under-floor room where fresh air is plentiful.

“Sometimes we take them out for a walk, go swimming or make a bird watching trip to Bang Pu, which is only 10 kilometers away. The seven dogs make living here a pleasure. Each one of them has its special doggie nook. We know they are happy to be here, too.”

Owner: Roung Jobby Wuttinawin and Whan Paktranon

Architect: REUN Home Design

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The Beauty of Simplicity in a Single-Story Home

By livingasean
July 11, 2018
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Ang Thong, Thailand /

/ Story: Patsiri Chot / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Soopakorn Srisakul / Styling: Somboon Kringkrai /

Right in the middle of a field in Ang Thong Province stands a single-story house that has become a community point of interest.

Owner Chamnan Chatchawalyangkul says, “At my age, I really needed to make this happen while I was still strong enough to get around.

“I don’t want to be a burden on my kids when I’m not so capable anymore, living in a cramped room with them worrying about me all the time.

“I needed to plan in advance to have a house where I can take care of myself. And the house will eventually belong to the kids anyhow.”

Chamnan’s design is spare and open, with excellent ventilation. With everything on the same level, each room is accessible by wheelchair.

One special place is a karaoke room for him and his friends. Architect Jim (Teerachai) Leesuraplanon tells us:

“Chamnan said he’d always lived in a rowhouse, a limited, safe space. Some people might want a house in the middle of an open lot to be open all around, but I think about safety, too.

“This is why we put the brick wall in front, and the iron bars, barriers that still allow light and air to pass through. I’d summarize the design I had in mind with the three words ‘balance,’ ‘blend,’ and ‘believe,’ expressing a balanced life, cause and effect, and faith.”

Standing in a rural field with a road in front, the house opens out on a rubber tree orchard in the rear.

Simplicity is the foundation of the design: a balance between vertical and horizontal lines and surfaces, no nooks or ridges to collect dust, and elemental materials such as concrete, wood, metal, brick, and gravel.

A metal frame lifts the roof at an angle to break the force of the wind. The floor is raised above the ground, facilitating maintenance work on utility systems beneath.

The front wall is a striking display of BPK brick, a local Ang Thong material, laid in a unique arrangement to create beautiful patterns of light and shade, with an additional layer of sliding glass windows for safety.

Around the house is laid a path of river gravel, so someone in the house can easily hear a person walking outside.

The big central living room is a great place to relax, but the real heart of this single-story house is the big porch.

When the folding doors are opened, the room opens up, and it’s much like an old-time Thai house, with the added benefit of a great view of the gorgeous rubber forest, just as the original design envisioned.

Owner: Chamnan Chatchawalyangkul

Architect: Teerachai Leesuraplanon

Visit the original Thai version of the article…

บ้านชั้นเดียวบนพื้นฐานความเรียบง่าย

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A Modern Breeze Blocks Home in Ho Chi Minh City

By livingasean
July 11, 2017
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam /

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

/ Photographs: Tanakitt Khum-on /

The architecture of this Modern Breeze Blocks home in Ho Chi Minh City is perfectly suited to the hot, humid climate, with an imaginative counterpoint of plants, greenery, and airy openings keeping it shady and pleasant inside and out.

Shunri Nishizawa, architect and owner of this 5-story row house, designed the Nishizawa Architects office into the basement. Floors 1-3 are rented to a Vietnamese family with a bedroom and dining room on the first floor, living room on the second, and more bedrooms on the third. The Nishizawa family itself has its living room on the fourth floor and bedrooms on the fifth.

Levels from the basement up to the fifth floor alternate between open and closed design, according to their use. Catching sunshine and natural breezes, the second- and fourth-story balconies are edged with small gardens.

This makes the tall building less constricted while allowing for easy air circulation from the front through to the back. Alternating levels extend out from the building’s frame, with the floors above shading the ones below.

Modern Breeze Blocks home in Ho Chi Minh City — Sun diversion screens: the design comes from the hollow brick concept, but uses larger units, so the breeze enters more deeply and freely while keeping intense sun and rain from indoor areas.

The small gardens not only make residents feel relaxed, but also filter out intense light and cool the breezes blowing through. The second and fourth floors feature concrete ceilings sculpted with curves rather than the harsh lines found inside most buildings. This makes the light more diffuse in the interior, creating the relaxing perception of being in a natural stone cave.

Shunri says, “This house shows a true combination of ‘tropical’ and ‘modern’ architectural design coming from understanding traditional living patterns in this hot, humid Vietnamese climate as well as how to set things up perfectly for contemporary life.

“It’s safe and secure living with modern comforts such as air conditioning, yet still answers our need to be close to nature, with sunlight, breezes, and open spaces connecting to garden and plants right here in the house.”

The overall design can be adapted to many different functions. Shunri draws on his experience growing up with multipurpose spaces common in Japanese homes. Areas such as the living room are strategically partitioned to block direct light and view, simultaneously giving privacy and an open feeling.

Hollow blocks, a popular Vietnamese building material, inspired the design. They provide shade, aid circulation and effectively protect against sun and rainstorm.

More than just comfortable living, this house offers a charming blend of nature and architecture ensconced in an oasis of calm right in the middle of Ho Chi Minh City.

This breeze blocks Tropical house is actually much better described as a “house and garden” than simply a “building.”

Architect: Nishizawa Architects

A TROPICAL WATERSIDE HOME MADE FOR THE THAI CLIMATE

By livingasean
April 7, 2017
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Bangkok, Thailand /

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

/ Photographs: Sitthisak Namkham /

This tropical waterside house brings back memories of Thai life as it was along Khlong Samsen (Samsen canal) in bygone times. From the outside, it looks straightforward and contemporary, but inside is a fascinating mix of antiques from the owners’ collections.

1122 — Outer stair, up from the pool to the second-floor balcony

koh170106-0911 — Perforated fence with wind baffles for good air circulation within the property

koh170106-0033 — Blocks with 1-inch spaces to control fresh air coming into the house

koh170106-0288 — Work room with a library design

To match the Thai climate, Associate Professor Dr Tonkao Panin designed this house in a tropical style.

Although it has a contemporary look, the tropical waterside house contains a mix of antiques and collectibles belonging to owners Kajorn Tanaphaet and Eugene Kroon. A major design challenge for Dr Tonkao was to make old and new fit well together.

koh170106-038 — Swimming pool, designed as to appear continuous with the khlong (canal) outside

“My requirements are simply stated: 1. I don’t want luxury. 2. I want high ceilings, and 3. Air conditioning should be minimal. Tonkhao’s proportional design successfully connects the entire property: balcony, reception parlor, reading room, down through the kitchen and out to the swimming pool and pier.

“There are a lot of reasons I’m pleased with this location: it’s at the end of the soi, quiet and peaceful, one side opens onto Khlong Samsen, and there’s space in front for a nice garden.

“I bought the place some time before I ran across a house designed by Tonkao in a book I was reading and managed to get him to come design this one.

“As you can see, the end result is a good-sized house with a great style,” says Kajorn.

The design of this tropical waterside house took 8 months, and construction an additional year.

“We did it little by little, along the way discovering things we liked in the detail suggested by the word ‘house.’ Here is a mixture of many things: some sections come from Eugene and me, some from Tonkao, and there are things the craftsmen suggested as we chatted during construction.”

Aside from the remarkable style and the great number of owner-collected antiques and collected artifacts, another point of interest is the unusual transverse placement of the house, set crosswise on the property.

“Kajorn wanted to have the house right on the water,” explains Professor Tonkhao, “and orienting the house this way lets it catch the constant breeze from the lawn out to the khlong.”

So this tropical waterside house has permanent natural ventilation. “Even though the design is straightforward, we want it to create a feeling somewhere between being inside and outside, a tropical feeling.

“The house is designed so it can fully open up to the air from terrace and doorways, that all can be left open. At the same time, balconies and doors block the direct sun from entering the building, creating different levels of sunshine and shade inside and out.”

Even in the late afternoon, it’s still shady and cool. The patio has a long porch deck reminiscent of an “arcade,” the façade of a Sino-Portuguese-style house.

There’s a balcony door which can be opened vertically as a sunshade, a similar design to a Thai-style “baan krathung” pop-up window.

Features such as this help create an amazing sense of comfort for a Bangkok house.

Owner: Kajorn Tanaphaet and Eugene Kroon

Architect: Reserch Studio Panin by Associate Professor Dr Tonkao Panin & Thanakarn Mokkhasamit

An Energy Efficient White Home in Bangkok

By livingasean
September 22, 2016
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Bangkok, Thailand /

/ Story: Ekkarach Laksanasamrit / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Sungwan Phratep /

The hot and humid climate in Thailand is inevitable. But where there’s a will there’s always a way. This energy efficient home clearly illustrates that. The old house belonging to Assoc. Prof. Tonkao Panin Ph.D., of the Faculty of Architecture, Silpakorn University was lovingly restored to its former glory. The result is a place of residence that’s very pleasant, airy and well-lighted.

The house floor consists of prefab concrete slabs raised on a solid framework of steel. The lower floor right underneath it is covered with concrete in glossy finishes.

Located on the bank of a canal, the property faced a long-term problem. Flooding tended to happen often. This eventually necessitated a complete teardown to make room for a new home.

A short driveway covered in concrete pavers leads to the car park beneath the house.

Well-thought-out design leaves plenty of room for air circulation, a nice way to create a comfortable home.

“We had full-grown trees on the land, which we intended to keep. So, the architects designed the building around them. Due to some limitations, parts of the old home remained intact. The space where the trees are standing now has since transformed into an atrium,” Tonkao said.

The staircase leading to the second floor has simple looking handrails that match the style of the house.

Semi-outdoor passageways increase exposure to the sun and the wind.

“I want a home that’s open and airy – a house that breathes, so to speak. The new design calls for a system of wide corridors and ample spaces underneath it. The low land is now filled up to bring it to street level and create semi-outdoor multipurpose room.”

The energy-savvy double-wall corridor connects all interior spaces.

Tonkao chose steel for the main structure because it reduced construction time and enables a flexible construction schedule.

The two-story, L-shaped home splits into two wings located on either side of the warm and pleasant center courtyard. The canopy of tall trees keeps the entire living spaces cool and comfortable all day long.

For indoor thermal comfort, the exterior walls are made of hollow bricks to block the sun while allowing the wind to pass through. Plus, long eaves overhanging the outside walls protect the home from heat waves, while house-on-stilts design improves ventilation.

A sliding door separates the home office and sitting area on the second floor. The two rooms become one when the door is opened.

“We sleep soundly in a compact bedroom. A wide corridor helps when we walk pass each other. Semi-outdoor walkways enable us to keep abreast of current weather conditions and we don’t need air-conditioning,” said Tonkao apparently content with the design.

All things considered, it’s an energy efficient home, one that embraces natural light, increases airflow and makes daily living not only comfortable, but also enriching.

Louvered windows are ideal for increased air circulation. Clear glass alternates with translucent panels add curb appeal.

[Left] An array of tall windows maximizes natural light, makes the home seem more inviting and accentuates the vertical design. / [Right] An all-white bathroom next to the bedroom is handy for everyday use and easy to keep clean.

Architect: Assoc.Prof.Tonkao Panin, Ph.D., and Tanakarn Mokkhasmita of Research Studio Panin (www.researchstudiopanin.com)

Visit the original Thai article…

บ้านโมเดิร์นวิถีไทย ออกแบบเพื่อรับการเปลี่ยนแปลง

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Tanah Teduh: A Beautiful Modern House Set amid Old Orchards

By livingasean
September 22, 2016
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Jakarta, Indonesia /

/ Story: Ajchara Jeenkram / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Soopakorn Srisakul /

This house among the trees is part of a suburban residential development nestled in a wooded area where calming fruit orchards once grew. It is comforting to know the developers have made every effort at preserving as many trees as they possibly could. Like so, the houses are built around mature trees that have long been there. Here’s one of them.

The cube-shaped façade looks out over the front yard. Large glass windows in wood casings stretch across the entire face of the building. To reconnect with nature, patches of greenery occupy every open space including the rooftop deck. Meanwhile, open concept floor plans allow abundant natural light. The positioning of windows and other features ensures minimum consumption of electricity, which translates into big savings. More than anything else, it’s about building a relationship with the natural world.

“Tanah Teduh” is the name of the housing development. It’s a reminder of the residential projects where a large number of houses of similar design are built closer together, creating a friendly neighborhood in which everybody knows everybody.

Here, all the residential units have access to common areas via both front and back doors. Well-thought out design ensures security is achievable without sacrificing privacy. Taken as a whole, the housing development is situated on 21 Rai of land (roughly 8.3 acres) that once upon a time was a thriving fruit orchard.

Inspired by the need for nature conservation, the project developer offers only 20 modern houses with a view of the lush garden landscape. The privacy of its residents takes priority over any other matter. But the beauty of the landscape is important, too. So, instead of building boundary walls that can be unpleasant to look at, the homes are kept separate from each other by green hedges and other smart architectural hacks.

It takes a team of top ten Indonesian designers to make this housing development exceptionally good. To avoid repetition, the front façade varies from one unit to the next, and each unit is a signature of an individual designer.

Oranat Pernquist is the owner of the house that we visited on this housing development. A Thai lady who has come to call Jakarta home, she welcomed our editorial team to take a look around. Overall, the home was beautiful, well-designed, and nicely decorated.

Andra Matin, the designer and project director, sure did a good job at it. He put in a small center courtyard to let nature pervade throughout the home. Natural light and correct building orientation were taken into account, resulting in well-connected, warm, and inviting interior living spaces.

Meanwhile, the external envelope showcased the charm of modern design, something akin to the works made famous by world-renowned architect Le Corbusier, but with an Asian outlook.

The house has two wings. The ground floor of the first building offers a good-sized sitting room, dining area and kitchen. Glass siding fills the entire exterior wall on one side, making the center court clearly visible from within. The second floor holds a home office, while the third is a sundeck converted into a sky garden.

The second building also has two levels with multi-use spaces on the first floor. The second floor contains a sitting room with access to the garden. It’s decorated with a sofa in soft hues and a set of table and chairs. There is a park bench made of concrete for relaxation in the outdoors.

The perimeter wall made of perforate cement blocks not only protect from the sun’s harsh glare but also allows air circulation. Breathe block design adds modern curb appeal to the home.

The designer is passionate about Thai-modern design that’s evident in the interior decorated with simple materials. They include real wood, bare concrete walls in lighter shades and a perforate shell. Every living space is designed for specific use. It looks uncluttered and opens to let nature permeate.

Oranat said that her other half, Anders Pernquist, traveled abroad for business often and brought home beautiful objects from Italy, Taiwan, and India. She wrapped it up nicely: “Anders is responsible for purchasing,” and she for installation. No wonder home interior design is so full of life.

“Anders likes Asian style handicrafts. Works produced in this region are beautifully crafted. We have glass-front armoires with superb wood carving imported from Thailand, area rugs from India, and other pieces that are made to order in Jakarta,” said Oranat.

“Our collections come from various parts of the world. They remind us of our long journey.”

The bedroom overlooking the courtyard has a wooden bed with area rugs and bed cover in complementing hues from India. A birch veneer IKEA chair adds Scandinavian vies to the room.

Wall openings keep the interior well-lit by natural daylight. The architect put this opening in the kitchen on purpose to take in the views.

Architect: Andra Matin

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