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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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A Modern Home Where Traditions Make Comfortable

By livingasean
November 7, 2019
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Bangkok, Thailand /

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

/ Photographs: Anupong Chaisukkasem /

This contemporary Thai house is hemmed in by factories, but its clever design leaves one feeling unconfined, almost as if outdoors, with landscaping inserted right into the house interior and its sporty swimming pool. Mitigation of unpleasant outside sounds and scents is an even higher priority than the outward appearance of the house.

Advanced ideas and innovations from the West work best in Asian countries when adapted to localities and geographic conditions, so those innovations take on unique personalities of their own.

Vernacular architecture usually speaks directly to comfort and realities of local ways of life. In a traditional Thai house, for instance, one central concept is to have an open interior space, often with a high-ceilinged open thai thun area below the house that blocks the sun and catches the seasonal breeze.

Speaking to architect Surat Pongsupan of Greenbox Design, Ms. Aim, the owner of this house said:

“I want comfortable living Thai-style, with an open tai thun and such good ventilation that air conditioning is hardly needed.”

The owner’s close connection to the factory business and her desire for a short commute resulted in this closed-in location, where the architect’s ingenuity resulted in a truly striking design.

To counter the closed-in feeling, the house has entryways on two sides, one the drive into the front from the factory buildings, the second a walkway across the canal in back.

Just strolling through the house is pleasant. The architect explained:

“I designed a semi-open space where the landscaping actually reaches into the pool and the house itself. Bedrooms, closets, and service areas, generally not use in the middle of the day, are positioned to block the house’s common areas from the factory environment.

“This was a first priority, and the appearance of the house followed from that.”

House orientation takes into consideration the directions and force of sun and wind in the humid tropical climate.

Walls to the west and south are opaque; There are two levels of roofing with a gap between facilitating heat insulation and ventilation. The four-sided, gable-free roof is lighter, slighter, and more open than usual, and skylights are used to bring morning light into bedrooms, a nod to the early-rise lifestyle of the owner.

“The general house plan puts the living room in front, with a high ceiling. I placed the living room next to the garden and pool, with a full sliding glass wall opening up a horizontal view and drawing fresh air in,” the architect continued.

“Ceilings in the kitchen and dining room are high and open, giving the feeling of the traditional tai thun, as these rooms are used for every meal and common family activities. These rooms also open out onto the garden and swimming pool.”

Upstairs, a clear glass wall offers a view all around the house. The corridor connecting bedrooms shades the pool below, making for comfortable midday swimming.

There is an overall impression of harmony. Primary colors are gray-white and a soft, warm natural wood color. Indoors get a lot of sunlight, but trees give it a fresh green tint, especially the brush cherry tree planted in the middle of the house.

The owner concluded, “We like being contemporary, but also being Thai. The openness of kitchen and pool is great. The soft sound of running water is sweet.

“My husband likes to listen to songs, and has speakers all over the house, making for a relaxing atmosphere. It’s good for the kids to become accustomed to living with nature, which is why we emphasize the value of these common areas so much .”

We call our home “Viva House,” with the hope that all living here will have long and happy lives.

Architect: Surat Pongsupan of Greenbox Design (www.facebook.com/greenboxdesignbkk)

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Modern Thai House Adapts to the New Era

In Nature’s Peaceful Embrace

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

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 Light and Airy Home Goes Big with Lush Tropical Gardens

By livingasean
December 26, 2016
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Bangkok, Thailand /

/ Story: ATH / English version: Peter Montalbano /

/ Photographs: Sitthisak Namkham / Styling: Pakhawadee Pahulo /

Set among lush greenery and a relaxing atmosphere, this light and airy house with gardens brings the whole family closer to nature.

After living in an old house on this same plot for 30 years, the Srijakarin family bought additional parcels of land and rebuilt a comfortable home with gardens for three generations of family members.

The newly rebuilt house is divided into three parts. The first is the old house, which was set aside for the owner’s parents. It was remodeled with the comfort of older people in mind.

The second building is a two-story house where the owner lives with his family, and the third a modern Tropical-style structure with a relaxing, resort-like atmosphere. The couple keep their belongings and stay here during weekends and holidays. In the fewest possible words, it’s about reconnecting with nature at home.

The front yard is in the English style characterized by neat, clean lines. There are park benches set in corners and trees in zones, while bright flowers thrive in large weathered stone urns.

The inner zone is a Tropical rainforest garden. There’s a good-sized waterfall and the gentle sound of a small brook. The garden is filled with verdant green mosses under the shade of trees carefully selected with the help of the landscape architect.

It’s not easy to put together a landscaping combination like this, but in the end a skillful and artistic integration of components, textures, patterns, and colors brought about a lasting and unified harmony of two garden styles – English in the courtyard, and Tropical forest upfront.

The living room showcases the beauty of open-concept design, while a double-height ceiling gives the feeling of openness and relaxation, all with a view of the garden.

[Left] The multipurpose room has a big natural wood table ready for all sorts of activities, from casual work to comfortable pleasure reading. / [Right] The pantry is in white, designed for increased light and a feeling of space and comfort.

The dining room is ringed by glass to let in natural light during the day. The dark furniture color reinforces a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

All things considered, it’s a house with beautifully landscaped gardens that’s the perfect fit for an extended family, an expression of pleasure and the combined happiness of the three generations that live here.

[Left] The master bedroom is furnished in a chic, fashionable way that invites relaxation. / [Right] The downstairs bathroom has a classic décor, with natural stone floor, walls, and washbasin counter. To one side, mirrors give a sense of spaciousness.

For an elegant and practical look, pantry décor is primarily in natural materials and colors.

Architecture/Interior Designer: Architecture and Interior Office Co., Ltd. (AIO) by Kowit Suriyporn (www.aiodesigns.com)

Garden Design: Worawut Kaewsuk

Visit the original Thai version…

ความหมายของ…ที่อยู่ ณ บ้านโมเดิร์นบรรยากาศคลาสสิก แห่งนี้

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Beautiful Contemporary House Design for a Good Life

By livingasean
December 23, 2016
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Bangkok, Thailand /

/ Story: Ajchara Jeenkram / English version: Peter Montalbano /

/ Photographs: Soopakorn Srisakul / Styling: Pakhawadee Phahulo /

A good life begins at home. This beautiful contemporary house is, no doubt, a reflection of that, plus it provides a fine example of how limitations or site issues can be overcome. Because the land has a narrow frontage to the street, the house is built right up close to a neighboring home. So every square meter counts and has to be used wisely.

On the whole, it’s a visually stunning design. The modern-style home boasts a distinctive atmosphere that gives it a European flavor. Especially worthy of attention is an intriguing combination of materials such as stone masonry and craftsmanship in the metalwork.

From the outside the house doesn’t appear large, but inside, it’s actually quite spacious. The building has three floors; the first of which holds a common area consisting of a living room, dining room and pantry. The second and third floors are for rest and relaxation.

contemporary house design — Gorgeous privacy fence ideas boast the beauty of stone masonry, wood and metalwork gracing the main entryway.

To build the home on a long and narrow lot, the design team at Workspace Architecture Studio comes up with a stretched house plan that puts as much usable floor space as possible in the front and back, yet still leaves enough room for a courtyard filled with fresh greenery for year-round decorating.

To overcome construction site limitations, classic design concepts are brought into practical use. Among others, beams and pillars are built in a way that blends with interior décor, while other support structures provide decorative continuity and spots to conveniently hide electric wiring.

A black steel-frame staircase offset with vertical lines gives the interior a light and airy feel.

Dimmed light in the room builds a warm mood for soft and airy interiors. Décor is mainly of granite and wood while an opening is provided for ventilation and natural light.

Bathroom décor of natural wood blends well with white and gray.

The overall effect is impressive. Authentic material surfaces, including stone masonry, metalwork, wood and brass, are left exposed for aesthetic and functional reasons. The stone surface, especially, has its own unique pattern. It’s also durable, lasting for decades, and capable of adding to the variety of textures in the house.

A high-ceilinged bedroom comes in soft-colored décor. Recessed ceiling lights add dimension, creating an illusion of an even taller space.

As for furnishings, the decorative accessories and furniture, both floating and built-in, are very much a part of the custom design. They are thoughtfully devised to create a harmonious look and, at the same time, perform a dual role in overcoming site limitations and fulfilling the house owners’ needs.

At the end of the day, it’s about making this contemporary home a happy place for everyone in the family.

Architect and Interior Designer: Workspace Architecture Studio, by Worapoj Linkanokrat and Wirawut Nonthawet

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ReGEN House: Modern Home, Thai Concept, Great for Family Members of All Ages

Urban Courtyard House for an Extended Family

An Amazing Transformation from the Traditional to the Modern

By livingasean
December 22, 2016
HOUSE,LIVING

/ 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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S11 House: An Impressive Energy Efficient Home in KL

By livingasean
September 27, 2016
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Kuala Lumper, Malaysia /

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

/ Photographs: Rithirong Chanthongsuk, Soopakorn Srisakul /

Don’t judge a book by its cover. This modern Tropical home in Kuala Lumpur is more than meets the eye. Precisely, all passive design strategies imaginable are integrated in the house plan, clever hacks to save big time on utility costs. The house is nestled among the trees on a piece of land where an old family home had stood for 60 years. It’s gone now, demolished to make room for a new residence.

Some things are better left unchanged. The relaxed ambience of the land is maintained, thanks to the homeowner and the architect together sparing no effort to preserve all matured trees on the property.

To ensure nothing goes to waste, Tan Loke Mun of ArchiCenter, an architectural practice based in Selangor, managed to incorporate building materials from the old house in the project codenamed, “S11 House” in Kuala Lumpur. Its environmental conscious design has earned the house a platinum award from the Green Building Index (GBI), Malaysia’s industry recognized rating tool for building sustainability.

There is attention to detail every step of the way. Among other things, pieces of concrete from the old house were recycled and adapted for a new use as walkway pavers along the exterior walls. Old bricks were also given a new lease on life, while steel window grids were reused for their strength and durability. At the same time, recycled timber also found a new purpose as scaffolding during construction due to limitations on steel rods.

Built along the north-south axis, the house stands to allow fresh outdoor air to enter on one side and exit on the other. Hence, large windows and other wall openings are installed to create cross ventilation that reduces heat buildup in the interior. In the meantime, west-facing exterior walls are made of lightweight anti-heat-absorbing materials. All of this translates into big savings in utility costs and improvements in the efficiency of air conditioning systems.

What’s more. In the backyard garden, lush vines and other trailing woody-stemmed plants thrive on trellises. They work in tandem with five full-grown trees to provide buffers against the sun on hot summer days.

To create thermal comfort in the interior, extra thick insulation is applied under metal sheet roofing. Where appropriate, the windows are glazed using low-emissivity glass to protect from the sun’s harsh glare.

To keep the heat out and the interior cool, the three-story home (including a basement) has an air duct system that lets hot air dissipate through rooftop vents. With this ingenious design, no air-conditioning machine is needed.

For the most part, building materials are used in their true forms. Painting and coating are minimized if ever needed. Otherwise, naked concrete, bare brick walls and timber in its neutral wood tones prevail. Where a layer of paint is needed, the designer chooses Low VOC paints (low volatile organic compounds) to minimize impacts on the environment.

In a nutshell, it’s a design that speaks volumes for architecture of the future – an environmentally conscious place of abode thoughtfully devised to perform in perfect harmony with nature.

The home’s double-swing gate is crafted of steel rods in a lighter shade of gray. Welded wire patterns ensure good visibility and uninterrupted air flow.

Architect: ArchiCentre by Tan Loke Mun

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A Home with Unique Rooftop Design in Singapore

By livingasean
September 22, 2016
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Singapore /

/ Story: Ronnapa Nit / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Sitthisak Namkham /

In Singapore, people look for creative ways to make the most of limited space, and that includes the rooftop design. A multiple-floor renovation by Formwerkz Architects clearly illustrates this. The Singapore-based architectural practice has succeeded in creating a unique living space on the rooftop tailored specifically to the homeowner’s lifestyle needs.

From a distance, the place looks similar to other two-story homes in the neighborhood, except for the rooftop deck. The platform-like structure is unlike anything else, yet it fits right in the modern context that forms the setting of the area.

[Left] An open kitchenette connects with the dining room making the area look neat and uncluttered, while a warm shade of brown and burgundy on the wall contrasts with modern furniture. / [Right] A U-shaped sectional sofa is set against the wall to maximize space.

The designing process started out with the living room, dining room and kitchen before moving on to the upper floors that hold a sitting room, multipurpose area, bedrooms and a rooftop deck. It represents a line of thought that ensures all areas are easily accessed and connected.

The overall effect is very light and airy, thanks to natural light shining through a rooftop skylight and fixed windows in the sidewall.

Fundamentally, it’s about harnessing the power of nature to create good living conditions. This is evident in well-thought-out design that ensures no electric light is ever needed during the daytime, translating into big savings plus excellent indoor thermal comfort.

Earth-tone color adds a touch of warmth to the living room on the second floor.

Strictly speaking, the interior living space is an interesting amalgam of modern architecture and graphic design innovations. This is especially true of the living room, where Art Deco style meets modern materials, such as mosaic tiles, terrazzo walls, glass panels on wood, and metal frames.

[Left] A nook beside the wall offers seclusion in the son’s bedroom. Louvered windows with wood slats alternating with glass panels are used to aid air circulation. [Right] The front facade bedecked with a vertical garden provides natural sunscreens protecting the master bedroom. — [Left] A nook beside the wall offers seclusion in the son’s bedroom. Louvered windows with wood slats alternating with glass panels are used to aid air circulation. / [Right] The front facade bedecked with a vertical garden provides natural sunscreens protecting the master bedroom.

The stairwell connecting to the lower floor is illuminated by a rooftop skylight.

[Left] A bright and airy bathroom at the far end is visible from the stairway leading to the top deck. [Right] The bathroom in white comes with a wall-mounted countertop. The mirror with a rounded corner paired with soft pink recessed lighting creates a sense of spaciousness. — [Left] A bright and airy bathroom at the far end is visible from the stairway leading to the top deck. / [Right] The bathroom in white comes with a wall-mounted countertop. The mirror with a rounded corner paired with soft pink recessed lighting creates a sense of spaciousness.

Among other things, the most eye-catching feature is the rooftop design that extends from the penthouse roof resembling a continuation of the indoor living space. The al fresco area is a perfect place to relax and unwind on a lazy afternoon, or to host an outdoor party.

From a distance, the newly remodeled house is thoughtfully devised to blend with the surroundings. It’s a way that forms a pleasing whole, where traditional and modern values peacefully coexist in this residential neighborhood of Singapore.

The house’s four levels lie hidden from view, while its front facade fits right in with two-story homes in the neighborhood.

Owner: Dr Kelvin Lee

Architect: Formwerkz Architects (formwerkz.com)

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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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