Blog : country home

TB House: A One-Story Brick Home and Green Leaves of Summer at Every Turn

TB House: A One-Story Brick Home and Green Leaves of Summer at Every Turn

/ Son La, Vietnam /

/ Story: muanpraes / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Trieu Chien /

People change locations at some point in time, and reasons to move are aplenty. Among others, the desire for better living is pretty common. The same applies here, as this young family has discovered. Their new address is a one-story brick home made attractive by the earthy reddish brown of perforated brick facades set amid lush greenery.

One-Story Brick Home Vietnam
Perforated brick facades regulate fresh air and natural daylight streaming into the home and double as outdoor privacy screens.

Named “TB House”, it’s nestled in a peaceful residential neighborhood of Son La, a city in Vietnam’s Northwest.

For the young married couple who lives here, everything about it brings back childhood memories, those carefree days of summer and a home snug by the warmth of beautiful landscapes. Bestowed with mountains, forests and rivers, Son La comes in useful as the right location for their new home.

One-Story Brick Home Vietnam

One-Story Brick Home

The husband, who knew the geographical area very well, came across this piece of land during a weekend house hunting trip. It lies on the crest of a wooded hillside with dark green forests in the background.

Small rock formations stick out of the ground where large trees stand as if nature has left a lasting imprint. Almost instantly he got to thinking about building a humble abode here. The question was how to leave everything where it’s always been.

One-Story Brick Home Vietnam
A vaulted ceiling extends upward to the ridge beam at the apex of the roof, creating a volume of overhead space in the family living room. Underneath it, perforated brick facades admit fresh air and natural light into the interior.

One-Story Brick Home Vietnam

And that was where the design team at Trung Trần Studio was brought into play. They were tasked with creating a home that would best fit the owners’ needs, at the same time conserving all the existing natural elements in the landscape – the hillside, the trees, the rock formations and, most important of all, its friendly, welcoming atmosphere.

A diagrammatic representation shows the positioning of living spaces and functional areas disposed around greenery-filled courtyards designed to create indoor thermal comfort. / Courtesy of Trung Trần Studio

The result is a one-story, split-level brick home with breathing brick facades thoughtfully devised to regulate fresh outdoor air and natural daylight streaming into the interior. And it’s achieved without cutting down existing trees on the property.

The floor plan simply has abrupt alternate left and right turns to avoid cutting down the trees, ascending a small mound to stop at a bank of stone that makes the retaining wall protecting the backyard garden.

An open-concept floor plan improves foot traffic flow between rooms, turning a modest amount of space into clean, well-lighted interiors.

One-Story Brick Home Vietnam

A curious mix of graphic tiles on the kitchen backsplash adds intrigue and interest to interior design.

On the whole, it’s a simple house plan starting with a paved platform up front that serves as a car park.  A set of concrete steps leads to the front door that opens to the entrance hall, while the dining room and kitchen lies furthest to the rear.

There’s a playroom by the small inner courtyard that ensures the little children can be seen in full view from anywhere inside the home.

One-Story Brick Home Vietnam

One-Story Brick Home Vietnam
A set of rustic log table and bench seats lines the corridor connecting the front of the house to the secluded residential area tucked away at the farthest end.

The family living room with wood wall paneling is invitingly comfortable by any standards. At the farthest end lie three bedrooms, tucked in a calm secluded area away from noise and distractions. For privacy, all the bedrooms have windows that open to charming backyard garden views.

From an architectural point of view, the breathing wall concept offers many advantages. Among others, it creates a sense of connection between indoor and outdoor living spaces.

High above, the uppermost branches of the trees provide shade keeping the home cool during summer months. They blend with retaining rock walls that add usable land for planting and relaxation. At the same time, the roofs made of fired clay tiles are covered in slow-growing lichens reminiscent of homes in times past.

A retaining rock wall creates usable space for planting, while a roof made of clear polycarbonate sheeting protects a utility/wash room at the rear from the elements.

One-Story Brick Home Vietnam
A bird’s eye view illustrates the house plan with greenery-filled courtyards in relation to neighboring homes and lush woodlands in the background.

Taken as a whole, it’s a vintage-inspired humble abode that exudes a timeless appeal as evidenced by the use of simple building supplies sourced from within the community. Needless to say, the lush landscape makes it feel cozy and warm, while architectural details enhance the easy lifestyle and advocate for sustainability.

One-Story Brick Home Vietnam


Architects: Trung Trần Studio (www.facebook.com/ArchitectsAndAssociates)


Phu Yen House VietnamPhu Yen House: A Single-Story Home Snug in the Warmth of Rural Vietnam

Long An House: A Charming Brick House in Vietnam

Phu Yen House: A Single-Story Home Snug in the Warmth of Rural Vietnam

Phu Yen House: A Single-Story Home Snug in the Warmth of Rural Vietnam

/ Phu Yen, Viet Nam /

/ Story: Phattaraphon / English version: Bob Pitawkong /

/ Photographs: Minq Bui /

Can’t wait to escape all the noise and pollution? Here’s Phu Yen House a one-story home amid lush landscapes way out in the country. It’s made comfortable by light and breezy inner courtyards with a plunge pool. Plus, ultraclean white walls give peace of mind knowing family privacy is protected.

Phu Yen House Vietnam
Immaculate white exteriors protect the single-story home from high winds, providing a safe and cozy family getaway in Vietnam’s countryside.

The house is in Phu Yen, a south-central province at the midpoint between Ho Chi Minh City and the Da Nang/Hue Region on the South China Sea. It’s the holiday getaway of a family who has lived and worked a long time in the city. Inspired by simple living, they discover the countryside has never lost its allure. And Phu Yen comes in as a handy location to reconnect with the great outdoors.

Phu Yen House Vietnam
Walk in the door, and you find a spacious courtyard under skylights, adorned with lush foliage on one side and exotics thriving in containers on the other.
The ground floor plan illustrates the feel and functionality of different areas in relation to landscapes in the front yard and at the rear. / Courtesy of Story Architecture

Named “Phu Yen House”, it’s a secluded family retreat during summer and public holidays in Vietnam. For the little children, the single-story home is a pleasant and fun place in which to grow, learn and play, away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Curved symmetrical openings in the wall give access to a communal room without glass partition doors designed for good ventilation.
Phu Yen House Vietnam
Curved symmetrical openings in the walls give a sense of connectedness of all things in the house plan.
Phu Yen House Vietnam
The quiet, secluded wing holding bedrooms (left) is separated from the communal space (right) by a sheltered patio connected to the courtyard and, beyond, the front door at the farthest end.

The white house among the trees is the brainchild of Story Architecture, a design atelier based in Ho Chi Minh City. Its immaculate white walls are built high for a good reason – provide safety and protection from prying eyes. From a distance, accents of green on the front door prove an interesting complement to the perfectly neat and clean walls.

Phu Yen House Vietnam
An altar at the center of the communal space provides a means to spiritually connect with family ancestors.

Phu Yen House Vietnam

Phu Yen House Vietnam
A small sitting nook at the far end creates a relaxing atmosphere by the plunge pool.
Phu Yen House Vietnam
Everything the children need for a fun day at the pool.

Step inside. It’s a wow! The inner courtyard enclosed by the walls is spacious. There are no glass partition doors or solid structures dividing the interiors into smaller rooms.

Lush houseplants develop vigorously on one side, while exotics thrive in containers on the other. In the in-between space, a sheltered communal area with distinctive green accents lies, separating the courtyard from a nearby plunge pool made for kids.

Flanked by the patio and the plunge pool, an area behind the altar offers plenty of ample space for a dining room and kitchen.

Phu Yen House Vietnam

Phu Yen House Vietnam

For peace and quiet, the bedrooms, living room, kitchen and dining room are situated at the farthest ends. Everywhere, curved symmetrical structures span openings in the walls. They form readily distinguishable areas characterized by a plain and uncluttered appearance, making the home safe for children.

A sheltered patio provides access to the quiet, private wing containing bedrooms.

Phu Yen House Vietnam
Completely shut out from the outside world, the bedroom with an oversized bed opens to a small personal courtyard.
A young tree provides shade to the small courtyard covered in stone pavers.

More than anything else, it’s a home built on a budget, which is evidenced by the use of simple building supplies sourced directly from within the community. Plus, the house plan is uncomplicated, easy to keep clean and tidy. It’s without doubt a dream home safe and snug in the warmth of Vietnam’s countryside.

Phu Yen House Vietnam


Architects: Story Architecture (www.facebook.com/storyarchitecture.vn)

Lead Architects: Nguyễn Kava

Designer Team: Huỳnh Cẩm Tú, Vũ Thu Trang, Trịnh Quang Huy, Trần Nguyễn and Thúy Trinh


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Winding Villa: A Mountain Retreat Where Curve Design Syncs with the Rhythm of the Wild

Winding Villa: A Mountain Retreat Where Curve Design Syncs with the Rhythm of the Wild

/ Nakhon Nayok, Thailand /

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

/ Photographs: Rungkit Charoenwat /

Here’s a gorgeous modern home nestled in the wooded hills of Nakhon Nayok Province, roughly an hour’s drive from the capital. It’s a good-sized home built on 12 Rai of valleylands (just shy of 5 acres). The surroundings are naturally beautiful no doubt, and the design team at Stu/D/O, a Bangkok-based architectural practice, is determined to leave everything in its pristine condition. It involves detailed environmental assessment to reduce human impacts on ecosystems and, at the same time, create a wholesome atmosphere for relaxation.

Winding Villa

The vast expanse of the forests is vital headwaters to many tributaries and rich in ecological corridors that are key to the survival of the region’s native fauna. And that takes priority over any other matter concerning the siting of the home.

Like so, the building is made less visible to avoid disrupting the ways of nature. It’s a house without fences by design that accepts things as they are. So wildlife can wander leisurely by, plus existing trees on the property remain where they have always been to minimize the impact on the environment.

Winding Villa

Mimicking the contours of the landscape, a semi-outdoor pathway connects the carport to the villa.

Winding Villa

Winding Villa
The center courtyard is hemmed in by the circular concrete wall with curved concrete roofing.

That explains why the elements of the landscape are integrated into the home plan. It’s a design that considers human needs in connection with other things in the environment. And the house’s appearance reflects this line of thought.

Like poetry in motion, graceful curves wind around a stand of trees, six of them in all, creating good design flow that’s in sync with the rhythm of the wild. Curved concrete barriers prevent an encounter with wandering wildlife and provide safe outdoor room for the home with a center courtyard.

Winding Villa

Ample semi-outdoor room for relaxation by the poolside.

Within the confines of the place, a beautiful two-story house plan is created. Freeform curves fill the ground floor where a sitting room and kitchen space flow together as one. There’s a workshop cum hobby room nearby. Together they take up one side of the floor.

At the center court, a swimming pool connects to the semi-outdoor sitting room along the outside of the home. There are housekeeper living quarters and service areas at the opposite end.

Winding Villa
Curved lines adorning the sitting room give off good vibes.

The freeform concrete structure on the ground floor differs strikingly from the rectangular-shaped second floor that sits on top of it. It’s the perfect stark contrast where geometric rigidity meets graceful fluidity.

There is the beauty of humble materials such as timber cladding that adorns the exterior walls on all sides. The second floor contains bedrooms with personality that varies from room to room.

Winding Villa

Winding Villa
The façade covered in timber cladding visually reduces the size allowing the villa to blend into the wooded hillside.

Taken as a whole, it’s a salubrious place made for relaxation, a country villa thoughtfully devised to incorporate environmental considerations into the design process. And it’s done with respect for nature.

Drawing of ground floor plan. / Courtesy of Stu/D/O

 

 

Drawing of second floor plan. / Courtesy of Stu/D/O

Winding Villa


Owner: Daniel Easson

Architects: Stu/D/O Architects (www.stu-d-o.com)

Design team: Apichart Srirojanapinyo, Chanasit Cholasuek, Thanut Sakdanaraseth, Pitchaya Kointarangkul

Prime Contractor: Double Click Construction


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Taking a Look inside an Artist’s Studio Home in Chiang Mai

Taking a Look inside an Artist’s Studio Home in Chiang Mai

/ Chiang Mai, Thailand /

/ Story: Warapsorn / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs:  Sungwan Phratep /

An artist’s house is never just a place to live. It’s a collection of creative spaces. Let us now turn to the studio home of Chamnian Thongma, one of the country’s most famous artists and sculptors. Many prefer to call him just “Thongma.” The artist is widely known for having produced many life-size figurative sculptures. His works are soft and sweet with a little bit of rawness to them, the likes of which aplenty right here at this chic studio home.

Chamnian Thongma Studio Home
His art studio is constructed based on a simple design. The exterior walls are crafted of exposed brickwork. The most charming feature is the door shutter that has a classic antique feel to it.

Not affected by the passage of time, the studio home boasts the simplicity of exposed brickwork on the exteriors. Among other things, the most attractive feature is the door shutter with a classic antique feel.

The place is nestled at the heart of an old housing development just off of a major thoroughfare in Chiang Mai. Thongma came across it while working on a decorating project at the home of a friend of his, which happened to be right next door.

Chamnian Thongma Studio Home
The living space inside the studio is wide open. The interior is calm with a beautiful set of table and chairs. Some of Thongma’s sculptures are on display here.
A human head bust on display inside the studio home has a raw, rugged look to it.
A human head bust on display inside the studio home has a raw, rugged look to it.

When he first bought the place, the one-Rai (1,600 sq.m) land was teeming with long tall grasses. After all the clutter was hacked out, it was a beauty just like it had been when the project was completed many years back. It took him just four months to build this new home from start to finish.

Chamnian Thongma Studio Home
The artist’s residence is a simple one-story home. For the most part the structure is built of reclaimed wood and steel framing.

Thongma started out with simple design with the work studio occupying the front section facing the highway. The residential wing is at the rear looking out over a small stream where the soothing sounds of water flowing in the background can be heard night and day.

The home plan consists of three one-story buildings looking very much alike but serving entirely different functions. They all have simple gable roofs.

Chamnian Thongma Studio Home
The studio exterior wall has a large steel window casing glazed using clear glass. Multiple window panes open to promote natural ventilation.

The studio’s main entryway sports a different kind of appeal with the door shutters showcasing classic antique design. Next to it stands the residential section, which consists two white buildings.

The fasciae covering the ends of roof rafters are made of reclaimed wood boards. Together they add a country rustic charm to the home. The two residential buildings connect to each other via an unpaved courtyard at the center of an L-shaped floor plan.

The living room in one of the residential buildings boasts the simplicity of sloped ceilings crafted of reclaimed timber. Along the wall, potted Cordyline plants thrive beside other interior décor, also in bold shades of red.
The living room in one of the residential buildings boasts the simplicity of sloped ceilings crafted of reclaimed timber. Along the wall, potted Cordyline plants thrive beside other interior décor, also in bold shades of red.

The first residential building houses Thongma’s bedroom, while the second is reserved for guest accommodations. Both of them possess a full array of wall openings to let natural light shine through in all directions.

They double as engine that drives natural ventilation keeping the interior living spaces cool and comfortable all day. Plus, they reduce the harsh appearance and irregular surfaces of the exterior walls.

Chamnian Thongma Studio Home
For an open and airy interior, the living room is not divided into smaller rooms. Décor materials are mostly of European origins. They are placed at random by design.

The house interior is bedecked with décor items from Thongma’s collections. They consist of old furniture from France arranged and utilized in ways that embrace the natural appeal of a European country home.

The L-shaped house plan keeps the bedroom separate from the sitting room without using any kind of solid room divider. The bed itself is an antique item combining intricate woodwork with woven rattan crafts.
The L-shaped house plan keeps the bedroom separate from the sitting room without using any kind of solid room divider. The bed itself is an antique item combining intricate woodwork with woven rattan crafts.

On open-concept interior design, Thongma humbly said he felt more content with a simple way of living. “It’s good enough as a shelter protecting him from the elements. It’s warm, inviting and enjoyable here, thanks to plenty of chic décor ideas.”

The unpaved center court covered in pea gravel provides easy access to all parts of the property. Houseplants, including cactus, thrive on the edge next to the exterior walls.
The unpaved center court covered in pea gravel provides easy access to all parts of the property. Houseplants, including cactus, thrive on the edge next to the exterior walls.

It came as no surprise that Thongma preferred spending time in the open air to being indoors. The natural beauty of the environment was just irresistible. It has all the features to take him straight to nature – the stream, the mellifluous sounds of leaves rustling in the trees, and the lacy canopy of fully grown trees.

[Left] The guest bedroom boasts the beauty of antique French furniture. / [Right] A sundeck with rattan furniture is designed for relaxation at the water’s edge. It is set on a pea gravel patio with retaining walls crafted of brickwork.
[Left] The guest bedroom boasts the beauty of antique French furniture. / [Right] A sundeck with rattan furniture is designed for relaxation at the water’s edge. It is set on a pea gravel patio with retaining walls crafted of brickwork.
The building set aside for guest accommodation has a huge window that lets natural light shine into the interior. It’s made of steel and glass panes. Thongma’s very own residential unit can be seen in full view from here.
The building set aside for guest accommodation has a huge window that lets natural light shine into the interior. It’s made of steel and glass panes. Thongma’s very own residential unit can be seen in full view from here.

Thongma wrapped it up nicely. “Nature and our lives are inextricably linked. It is cool to be able to live in a nature-inspired environment in order to create works of art.”

And that’s exactly what he’s been doing from the start. The studio home best describes who he is and what he is about.

Chamnian Thongma Studio Home


Owner/Designer: Chamnian Thongma


Visit the original Thai version…

บ้านทรงสี่เหลี่ยมหลังคาจั่ว จุดเริ่มต้นของความพอดี


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A Thai-Isan Style Home Showcases the Richness of Vernacular Design

A Thai-Isan Style Home Showcases the Richness of Vernacular Design

/ Udon Thani, Thailand /

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

/ Photographs: Soopakorn Srisakul /

“We want a Thai-Isan style home, the kind that not only embraces vernacular design typical of the Northeast but also fits in well with the social and cultural environment,” said homeowner Pierre Vermeir when asked about his traditional-style country home in Udon Thani’s Baan Dung District. Having lived in Thailand for a long time now, Pierre is quite at home with the Thai way of life. He is also passionate about the warmth and hospitality indigenous to the region. 

Country Home in Udon Thani

The new house that’s warm and full of character sits on land that has been the family home of Nittaya Pansamdang, Pierre’s better half. When the home they’ve lived in needed repairs, the couple thought it wise to go for a complete teardown to make room for a new one. And that’s where Kanika Ratanapridakul, of Spacetime Architects, came into play and turned ideas into a reality.

Country Home in Udon Thani
A proper plinth height protects the house floor from direct contact with moisture, while the front porch offers plenty of room for family hanging out together. Plus, there’s the quality of being positive in attitude. Friendly neighbors shout out greetings as they pass by in the late afternoon.

“Pierre wanted a Thai-style house, a wooden one that’s comfortable to live in and not too big. He made that clear from the get-go,” Kanika said.

“As I got around to working on it in earnest, it became clear that the country home was for me as well. It was more suited to my character than other types of design. So it made communication easy because we ended up pursuing the same line of thought.”

A low-profile platform bed is in keeping with the culture in which sitting on the floor is the norm, a polite way that has had pride of place in society since ancient times.
A low-profile platform bed is in keeping with the culture in which sitting on the floor is the norm, a polite way that has had pride of place in society since ancient times.

The first floor raised at plinth height boasts an airy hallway reminiscent of the unique ground-level living space of a house perched high on sturdy poles. The exterior walls are crafted of timber in clapboard patterns alternating with glass louvre windows and fiber cement boards. The three types of building supplies were the materials of choice for their simple, clean appearance.

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“The house is built strong using ordinary building supplies and methods no different from others in the community,” said Kanika. “It’s the coming together of the right materials, the skills, and well-planned design on a budget, resulting in the perfect form, color and texture that merge into countryside vernacular.”

Country Home in Udon Thani
A louver window with glass slats operated by a hand crank opens to let light and fresh outdoor air into the upstairs washroom.
The shower room is of wood and concrete in smooth finishes. Polished concrete surfaces protect against humidity and seepage, while louvre windows, aka jalousie windows, improve ventilation.
The shower room is made of wood and concrete with smooth finishes. Polished concrete surfaces protect against humidity and seepage, while louvre windows, aka jalousie windows, improve ventilation.

Pierre is obviously pleased with the result. The beautiful country home in Udon Thani stands in peaceful harmony with the rural landscape. To ensure there is no obstruction of view, the boundary fence formed by densely growing bushes and shrubs is kept at the right height.

Taking everything into account, the house plan is truly a breath of fresh air. Upstairs, balconies with deck bench seating in the front and back look out over the surrounding countryside. Downstairs, simple clean decks and patio ideas enhance the garden view and offer visual continuity connecting the home with others in the community.

The front façade, especially, overlooks an outdoor area where children from within the neighborhood run and play.

Country Home in Udon Thani
Upstairs floorboards extending outward keep the sun off downstairs living spaces and surrounding wood patio. Characteristic of vernacular design, a small washroom at the far end provides added convenience to semi-outdoor living.
Country Home in Udon Thani
Relaxing on the backyard patio while children are having fun exploring the neighborhood.

From a design perspective, the home represents a juncture where vernacular and contemporary styles are married. The house main frame is built of H-shaped steel beams for strength and durability, while the layout, build quality and visual elements are quintessentially Northeastern Thai, aka Thai-Isan.

On top of its pleasantness, the house is created for easy, comfortable living, physically and mentally.

Country Home in Udon Thani

Asked how he finds living out in the country, Pierre says: “It’s not the same. Imagine living in Bangkok and then making a trip to visit family in Udon. Life would have been different.

“Compare that with having a home in Udon and commuting to work in Bangkok from time to time. The latter makes sense. It is comforting to know there is a country home awaiting your return, one that is peaceful, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.”

Country Home in Udon Thani
Typical of Thai-style homes in earlier times, an open concept floor plan results in the living room, dining room and kitchen fusing together forming a united whole.

“I want a simple country lifestyle. After all, life isn’t about just me alone. It is about reaching out and interacting with others in the community. And that is what makes Thai-Isan culture unique and warm. There is a touch of country in the lifestyle, and I find that delightfully charming and attractive.”

The kitchen comes fully equipped to handle all kinds of cooking big or small. Louvre windows allow good ventilation making clouds of smoke and odors fast dissipate.
The kitchen comes fully equipped to handle all kinds of cooking big or small. Louvre windows allow good ventilation making clouds of smoke and odors fast dissipate.

Pierre now commutes a few times monthly between Bangkok and his new home. In future, he intends to live permanently in Udon Thani. Here, life just gets more fun hopping on a motorbike ride to a nearby market and back.

He enjoys cooking and inviting friends over for dinner. Occasionally he entertains visitors from overseas. Speaking of which, it seems a new trend is fast rising as more people are looking forward to living “life in the slow lane.” To Pierre, that’s life.

Country Home in Udon Thani
Light and airy interiors are the hallmarks of vernacular architecture of Isan, or Northeastern Thailand. Here, several key features work together as engine that drives natural ventilation keeping the house cool and comfortable. They include high ceilings, no risers between the treads of a stair, large wall openings, and unobstructed balcony spaces and railings.

Owner: Pierre Vermeir and Nittaya Pansamdang

Architect: Spacetime Architects


Visit the Original Thai version…

บ้านไม้ในโครงสร้างเหล็ก ที่เล่าเรื่องไทยอีสานสมัยใหม่ในบริบทเดิม


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