Blog : country house

A House in Quang Yen: Massive Roof Design Celebrates Vietnam’s Climate and Culture

A House in Quang Yen: Massive Roof Design Celebrates Vietnam’s Climate and Culture

/ Quang Yen, Vietnam /

/ Story: Kor Lordkam / Photographs: Hoang Le, Duc Ngo /

The so-called ” House in Quang Yen ” is a two-story home designed for a large family in Quan Yen, a town in Quang Ninh Province in Vietnam’s Northeast. The province borders Ha Long to the east and Haiphong to the south. The port city of Haiphong itself is an important economic corridor with harbors for seagoing ships and modern industrial zones that attract investors and manufacturers both at home and abroad. Quan Yen is a quintessentially Vietnamese small town that’s sparsely populated with beautiful natural and agricultural landscapes.

House in Quangyen
Photograph: Hoang Le

 

The 121-square-meter home project is a collaboration between two design studios, namely, ra.atelier (Gia Thang Pham) and ngo + pasierbinski (Piotr Pasierbinski and Duc Ngo). Their job was to undertake two tasks simultaneously — preserve the existing landscape with a water pond and tropical garden environment on it, and cater to the lifestyle needs of homeowners in post-retirement age and their family.

Precisely that translated into maintaining the outdoor space in the state that was in existence at the time as much as they possibly could. This included the outdoor room for planting trees and a flower garden plus spaces for vegetable gardening and a flexible piece of ground for entertaining several houseguests and relatives.

 

House in Quangyen
Photograph: Hoang Le

House in Quangyen
Photograph: Hoang Le

House in Quangyen
Photograph: Hoang Le

House in Quangyen
Photograph: Duc Ngo

 

The house is situated on 735 square meters of land (roughly 0.2 acres), shaped like an elongated rectangle with a narrow frontage to the street. The face of the building stands facing south, overlooking a small semicircle body of water. Nearby a miniature mountain garden décor separates the front yard filled with flowers and bonsai from the backyard that’s reserved for vegetable gardening.

According to the architect, the new house was built exactly where the old house once stood. It’s set slightly toward the back so as to create more room for a veranda projecting in front of the building.

 

Illustration: Courtesy of ra.atelier and ngo + pasierbinski
Illustration: Courtesy of ra.atelier and ngo + pasierbinski

Illustration: Courtesy of ra.atelier and ngo + pasierbinski

Illustration: Courtesy of ra.atelier and ngo + pasierbinski

 

The layout of the house is primarily related to its intended functions. In the big picture, the building has the approximate shape of a cube, the front part of which is reserved for general purposes such as giving lessons to kids in the neighborhood, a common activity for people in post-retirement age.

The back part of the house is quiet and a little more private, with room for a kitchen and bedrooms. Halfway in between lies an uncluttered center hallway made attractive by double-height ceiling design.

Climb a flight of stairs and you come to a more personal center hallway connecting to two bedrooms and an ancestral worship room. It’s a long-established custom in Vietnam to offer veneration to ancestors from whom the family is descended.

 

House in Quangyen
Photograph: Duc Ngo

House in Quangyen
Photograph: Hoang Le

House in Quangyen
Photograph: Hoang Le

 

All of the above parts work together to form a coherent house plan that’s perfectly oriented to maximize all aspects of the surroundings.

In terms of the aesthetic appeal, the water pond is the focal point of the front yard landscape. There’s a sense of physical and spiritual relationship among all things. Arranged in a straight line, the miniature mountain décor and the pond can be seen through the round, compelling window of the worship room at the center of the house plan. The water pond, as the architect puts it, represents the essential part of the original landscape that had long been there before the old house was torn down and replaced by a new one.

In a nutshell, the main idea is to keep everything where it belongs.

 

House in Quangyen
Photograph: Duc Ngo

House in Quangyen
Photograph: Hoang Le

House in Quangyen
Photograph: Duc Ngo

 

Apart from a set of traditional beliefs and sociocultural values, other important factors are also taken into account in creating a design that best fits the natural surroundings and climate of the region. This is manifested in visual continuity that extends from inside the worship room to the miniature mountain garden décor in the front yard. Plus, the open floor plan design allows natural daylight and fresh, clean air to enter and circulate inside the home.

In essence, it’s a trinity of complementing factors – the water pond, the building, and the surrounding landscape.

 

The architect wraps it up nicely. “It’s a design based on the relationship between common spaces, worship room, and the landscape.” There is apparent continuity starting with the entryway that boasts the spaciousness of double height ceiling design all the way to the second floor of the house. This allows all usable spaces and functions to conveniently link up with one another.

Meanwhile, doors and windows are in the right proportion in relation to the size, shape and position resulting in well-ventilated interior living spaces that are not too bright, not too warm, not too dark or not too cold.

 

House in Quangyen
Photograph: Hoang Le

Photograph: Hoang Le

 

On the outside, the house overlooks the front yard with a water pond that lies to the south. It’s perfectly oriented to coincide with seasonal winds that carry atmospheric moisture into the home, thereby keeping it cool all year round.

At the same time, the extremely large roof covered in orange tiles shelters the home from severe weather and blends harmoniously with like-color roofs in the surroundings.

Overall, it’s a design well suited to the warm and humid climate of Vietnam. Although the roof is enormous by any standard, the interior is well-lit by natural daylight thanks to large perimeter windows and doors. The result is a breezy, visually stimulating environment for house occupants.


House in Quangyen
Photograph: Hoang Le

House in Quangyen
Photograph: Hoang Le

House in Quangyen
Photograph: Hoang Le

Finally, the interior living spaces are plain and uncluttered by design. In all parts of the house, white walls prove a perfect complement to the floors covered in gray color tiles. What makes the interior pleasing to the senses is the furniture, as well as windows and doorframes made of wood. More importantly, it’s the ordinary interior that speaks volumes for the simple lifestyle characteristic of this area. That’s precisely the quality that gives this house a feeling of warmth, comfort and relaxation.

Nothing describes the relationship and the atmosphere here better than the architect’s saying, “The house is an extension of the garden, and the garden is an extension of the house.”

 


Architect: : ra.atelier (Gia Thang Pham) and ngo + pasierbinski (Duc Ngo, Piotr Pasierbinski)


 

Country Villa Breathes in the Energy of Nature

Country Villa Breathes in the Energy of Nature

EN / MM

/ Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand /

/ Story: Samutcha Viraporn / Photograph: Soopakorn Srisakul /

An intimate country hideaway affords a view of sugarcane fields and the lush forests of Khaoyai National Park. A country villa sits ensconced in the misty morning mountain landscape that “Pod” Thanachai Ujjin, lead singer/song writer of the Moderndog band, calls home. His favorite hangout is a platform on the outside of the house, where he likes to sit under moonlight at 2 in the morning. Precisely, nature is on his doorstep.

Characteristic of modern tropical architecture, the house is spacious, light and breezy. The homeowner likens it to the calm and peaceful Thai temple pavilion. The brainchild of Nattapak Phatanapromchai of Erix Design Concepts, the minimalist home is aptly named “Villa Sati”, literally “House of Consciousness”, to communicate the state of being awake and aware of one’s surroundings.

Pod Moderndog Thanachai Ujjin country hideaway Khaoyai National Park Country Villa

Touched by moonlight and the starry sky, it has a roofed platform along the outside of the house that’s perfect for walking meditation, which the artist and his Mom often do together as family.

Sharing his little piece of paradise, Pod said: “After moving out here, I feel as if there were more hours in the day. I rise early to go jogging, read, listen to music, and write songs.”

Pod Moderndog Thanachai Ujjin country hideaway Khaoyai National Park Country Villa

Their country retreat is made for a simple and peaceful life. Here, the artist and his Mom have plenty of time for their favorite pastimes – art making. The house plan is well thought out.

Gable roof design proves a perfect complement to the platforms along the outside, while gorgeous open floorplans increase natural light and bring the outdoors into the home.

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Come in through the front door, and you find the stand-alone Butterfly Stool, a 1954 icon of Japanese industrial design by Sori Yanagi.

The bedroom that looks out over the field is on the right. Straight ahead is the kitchenette that connects to a living area that doubles as multipurpose room. Nearby, a set of stairs with dark clapboard siding leads to the attic that the artist has turned into a bedroom.

The farthest end of the house is open to let southeasterly winds enter, a great way to ventilate the entire home. From here, the rolling sugarcane fields and mountains beyond can be seen in full view.

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Floating furniture is an easy hack to establish zones in open spaces and create traffic flow in the room. Modular storage cabinets from USM have the most prominent position alongside wall-mounted abstract art by Tae Pavit and a few painted pictures by Pod’s Mom.

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Commenting on design details, architect Nattapak said the platforms along the outside of the house afford beautiful panoramic views of the lush mountain landscape.

Large openings in the walls allow fresh air to enter, creating air flow and bringing down ambient temperature to the point there’s no need for air conditioning.

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Meantime, the gable roof with long overhangs protects the platforms along the outside from the elements.

The architect did away with the fascia, wooden boards covering the ends of rafters, to highlight the framework supporting the roof as was the case with the Thai style of residential architecture.

Roof shingles are reminiscent of ancient tiles made beautiful by special paint for a real custom effect, while cement board deck or sheathing is installed underneath to protect against leaks.

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House framing for the most part consists of wood, while framed glass wall systems stand tall from the threshold to the tie beam supporting the roof. The secret to a neat and tidy house plan lies in the side posts of every doorway and glass wall frame aligning with gable-end studs both when the door is open and shut.

The result is a beautiful country house with clean design in the midst of scenic surroundings.

Pod Moderndog Thanachai Ujjin country hideaway Khaoyai National Park Country VillaPod Moderndog Thanachai Ujjin country hideaway Khaoyai National Park Country Villa

The house superstructure is built of Ta-khian timber, scientific name: Hopea odorata, a species of large trees native to Southeast Asia. Elevated 1.80 meters above ground level, the floorboard rests on steel reinforced concrete framing that’s a load-bearing foundation.

The stilt house design that’s ubiquitous in tropical climates provides ventilation under the floor, a brilliant way to keep the home cool all year round.

By and large, it’s a perfect example of traditional Thai house design, one that’s easy to look at and comfortable to live in.

Pod Moderndog Thanachai Ujjin country hideaway Khaoyai National Park Country Villa

The homeowner wrapped it up nicely. “I like the relative smallness of the house and surrounding open spaces. They’ve had a significant impact on human minds. For me, it gives vitality and enthusiasm.

“It fills my life with laughter and inspires exciting new ideas. It just so happens. Once I have an idea that I think has real potential, the rest is easy.

“Lyrics for a number of songs were written right here in this humble abode.

“The wide open spaces of the countryside are hugely rewarding for me as an artist.”


Architect: Nattapak Phatanapromchai of Erix Design Concepts


A Bamboo House Embraced by Nature in Pak Chong

A Bamboo House Embraced by Nature in Pak Chong

/ Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand /

/ Story: Napasorn Srithong / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs:  Nathawut Pengkamphoo, Anupong Chaisukkasem / Styling: Suanpuk Stylist /

A bamboo house with contemporary appeal sits immersed in its natural surroundings. The home that’s also a medical clinic belongs to Nopharat Pitchanthuk MD, and his wife Kanyapak Silawatanawongse. Without question, his interest in the natural therapeutic concept is expressed in the warm, inviting atmosphere of the home office. The orthopedic doctor provides specialized care for the musculoskeletal system in the comfort of a peaceful country setting.

Dr. Nopharat and his better half Kanyapak are all smiles in front of their bamboo house.

Asked how all this was accomplished, the physician said: “Upon graduation from medical school, I taught medicine and operated a clinic in Bangkok for several years before coming out to Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima. At first, we opened a branch office in the city area just to get an idea about patient demands in the provinces. 

The attractive two-story bamboo house is evidence of streamlined design that fits into the natural surroundings.

Bamboo is the material of choice for the design encapsulating the good qualities of Thai-style residential architecture. Gable roof is pitched at an angle that drains storm water fast, thus preventing against leaking.

The attractive two-story home is evidence of streamlined design that fits into the natural surroundings.

“I was fortunate enough to receive help from a kindhearted person senior to me. He wanted to help patients in the rural area to have access to medical care. So, he let us use a facility free of charge for the purpose of opening a clinic.

“After having done it for a while, we felt like we were overstaying the welcome. At the same time, we needed a facility that would be more relaxed and convenient for the patients –  preferably a greenery space that was comfortable, well lighted, open and airy. Just didn’t want them to feel tense and unable to relax as was the case with a hospital visit in general. 

He said: “For a while, we went searching for a location that would suit our specific needs.

“We eventually came to a parcel of land that Kanyapak’s mother had bought some 20 years back. It was woodland filled with dense shrubbery and other plants.

“We had the area cleared to make room for a grassy lawn, and had new trees planted. Eventually it was ready for a wedding ceremony to take place. Needless to say we have grown emotionally attached to it from day one. Hence, the new house and the medical clinic that has been relocated from the city.

A hanging fixture directs light to specific points in the main hallway. Ample glass windows and transoms allow plenty of natural light during daytime hours.

A hanging fixture directs light to specific points in the main hallway. Ample glass windows and transoms allow plenty of natural light during daytime hours.

Exposed brickwork alternating with timber in shades of warm earth tones adorns the dining area adjoining the kitchen.

High ceilings, big windows, and open floor plans combine to make the interior space look large and airy. On one side, a mezzanine is easily accessible from the living room.

A sofa set in shades of indigo paired with earth tones on the walls and floor reduces a monotonous regularity in the interior living space. Nearby, a large awning window opens up to connect with the outdoors.

Why bamboo? The homeowner couple wanted their house in modern style to fuse into the pristine rural environment. Naturally, bamboo was the material of choice for it was easy to find at a reasonable price.

Bamboo is also strong and can be used proportionally to the weights for which it’s intended. It’s fast growing, easy to find, and reasonable as a building material. While it’s prone to be affected by moisture and insects, it can last a long time if well maintained.

Different kinds of bamboo were chosen to meet different construction needs. Pai Tong (Dendrocalamus), and Pai Sang Mon (Dendrocalamus Sericeus) two tropical kinds of giant clumping bamboos common to Southeast Asia, were used for house posts and other load bearing structures.

Other parts, such as roofing, walls, and ceilings were made using smaller farmed bamboos. They were adapted to fit in with modern building materials for durability and the conveniences of modern living. 

Where bamboo in brownish hues prove too much, white comes in handy to make the interior space look lightweight, spacious and airy. // Meantime, furniture placed against the walls make areas in the middle appear large and uncluttered.

A semi-outdoor room on the second floor is adorned with Thai-style chaise longues.

[left] The roof comes in two layers to better protect the house from the elements. To blend with the environment, the top sheeting is made of asphalt shingles, while the underlayment is adorned with bamboo paneling. [right] Giant bamboos, or Pai Tong (Dendrocalamus), are chosen to give rafters and roof battens their strength and ability to shore up the weight.

Selected to meet specific needs, bamboos are not painted or dyed. They undergo treatment procedures to increase durability, which include a thin coat of protective oils. Light color oils enhance the appearance that blends well with the natural environment.

 

The clinic’s interior features an open floor plan with large windows designed to connect to the outdoors. Large transoms and the roof opens up to allow plenty of natural daylight, which translates into big savings on electricity.

Designed to take in panoramic views of the landscape, Dr. Nopharat’s office takes stress and anxiety out of everyday work life.

A parlor provides relaxed seating and waiting areas for families accompanying the patients. Overhead, the roof opens up to allow natural light into the room and shuts when not needed.

Bamboo isn’t the only thing that contributes to the house’s country appeal. It’s the feel and functionality that go into making it unique

House-on-stilts design not only protects it from humidity, but also makes it suitable to build on uneven ground common to the rolling hill landscape. The raised floorboard of the bamboo house serves as an engine that drives natural air circulation, which results in thermal comfort on the inside.

Meantime, the gable roof with long overhangs unique to Thai-style residential architecture protects the home from the elements. Inside, vertical bamboo paneling alternating with horizontal sheets gives it a sense of perspective. Plenty of windows and transoms allow natural light into the room.

After all, this bamboo house not only harmonizes with the environment, but also stands for the country’s wisdom based on a sufficiency economy.

In the end, life is about balance.


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An Enchanting Rural Lodge in Prachin Buri

An Enchanting Rural Lodge in Prachin Buri

This rural lodge , nestled in a verdant oasis, is more like a weekend home. Its nature-inspired design is so charming, it’s hard not to fall in love with it.

/ Prachin Buri, Thailand /
/ Story: Panalee / Photograph: Sitthisak Namkham /

The Khanti house was crafted of recycled timber from an old home in the vicinity. The first floor features a common room that doubles as lobby seating area and reading corner. The owner’s residential units are on the second floor.

Ten years back “Art” (M.L. Apichit Vudhijaya) said that he wanted a modest, relaxed home with a seaside atmosphere.

He kept searching until he came across this piece of land on the bank of the Bangpakong in Prachin Buri Province. Needless to say, the location was as peaceful as it was pristine.

Soon he started building the dream rural lodge largely of reclaimed timber, because the material wasn’t too difficult to find. The weathered look of old wood combined with other imperfections to give the building gorgeous curb appeal.

“I wanted to try living the local way and experience life the way locals see it. No air conditioning, no glass windows. The first building on the property was made of materials recycled from what used to be a schoolhouse.

“Windows came from recycling warehouses on Canals 2, 4 and 16. A local master builder named “Oy” undertook to build it from scratch,” he said.

He moved in after the first building was completed, and loved every minute of it. Impressed by the peaceful environment and unhurried, bucolic lifestyle, he decided to put in a second building two years later.

The Jakha house offers seven rooms for guest lodging on the first floor by the swimming pool. On the second floor is a spacious suite.

“Dad got rid of a Jacuzzi tub from our Bangkok home. The antique-style tub was bought new from Italy. There was no place for it after a home remodeling project, so I had it shipped here and set it up in the center of the yard.

“Wanting to keep it, I put in a canopy to protect it from dead and dried leaves. After a while, it became a familiar sight, and the weather was nice. So I had the second house put in where the tub was.

“The children came and stayed there, and the rest is history. Friends dropping in on us said it turned out to be a very romantic place,” he recalled.

Soon the two little lodges became ill prepared to meet increasing demands. Art decided it was time he put in a third building. The new rural lodge would have two stories with a rooftop deck to take in panoramic views of the Khao Yai Mountains.

One day he came across an old home on the riverbank that was up for sale. He bought it and, had it taken apart and shipped out. The 70-year-old wooden home was given a new lease on life at a new address, this time with new roofing. Old-fashioned corrugated sheets made way for new terra cotta roof tiles.

Where appropriate, new wooden wall panels were added.

                              

The three houses of this rural lodge represented a turning point in Art’s perspective towards property development. He sought advice from a close friend, “GobApasiri Devahastin Na Ayudhya. The two friends shared a background in the hospitality industry.

“Now I wanted four houses on the property and they would be given Buddhist names. Creative designers came up with the term “Kharawasa dharma 4”, a set of living principles based on four disciplines, namely Sajja (truth), Thamma (freedom from greed), Khanti (patience) and Jakha (generosity).

“Hence the four buildings would be named in that order. At the time, the fourth house hadn’t been built yet, as I was contemplating putting in a swimming pool. I designed the fourth building with the knowledge that I had, or lack there of. It was a terraced house design with 8 residential units,” Art said.

On completion, the latest addition named Jakha, became the first building visible from the street next to a swimming pool.

The lure of a laid-back home in the countryside can be irresistible. Nature-inspired design is so charming, it’s hard not to fall in love with it. No wonder many come away impressed by the hospitality they have experienced for during their visit. The property contributes to the local economy, as workforce is hired from within the community and local products are used.

But it’s the warmth and homey feelings of this rural lodge  that have kept many coming back.

 

 


Owner: M.L. Apichit Vudhijaya


 

Good Old Days: A Lovely Wooden House with Panoramic Views

Good Old Days: A Lovely Wooden House with Panoramic Views

/ Chiang Mai, Thailand /

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

/ Photographs: Sitthisak Namkham /

Turning left into a side street opposite Chiang Mai’s Mae Rim district bureau, rice fields on both sides of the road have matured and only just begun to bear fruit. In the middle of it, all emerged a two-storey wooden house with vintage Thai-style appeal. It stood hemmed in by tall trees and lush green lawns. This two-storey wooden house showcases a mix of concrete and timber, its wide façade looking out on a fabulous panorama of mountains and paddy fields.

 

wooden house
Open-back bookshelves contribute to an airy interior made for lounging, reading, and viewing pictures in the gallery.

wooden house

 

Anchan, the housedog, gave a welcome bark, followed by greetings from the mustached host, “TomApichai Wangtragul. He introduced us to his better half, “SaaNarawan Rajchasee Wangtragul, AKA the heart of the house. The Retro look of her Thai-style sarong matched the atmosphere of the home named “Good Old Days.

“Back in Lampang we had a small coffee shop offering snacks and selling guitars. It was very warm there, so we started looking for a new home in good weather. We found one on Google, not far from where we wanted to build our first home in Chiang Mai. One day that piece of land was up for sale, and we were lucky to have bought it,” Saa said.

Tom was teaching draftsmanship courses in Lampang, when they met, and the rest is history.

In Chiangmai, he designed the new wooden house after first setting up a model to determine effects of different building orientations at various times of day. He kept track of amounts of sun and natural air circulation and used the information to aid in the design.

The result was a home that fit in well with its natural surroundings and weather conditions.

As he puts it, “The home facing west gets a full dose of afternoon sun. The glare can be felt, no doubt, but the trade-off is worth it.

Panoramic sunsets can be seen every day.” To solve the problem, he has put in moveable latticework, which reduces the sun’s harsh glare.

wooden house
The kitchen counter boasts naked concrete finishes similar to those found in coffee shops.

wooden house
A draftsman’s desk sits by the window that opens to take in cool breezes and views of the surrounding landscape.

“I grew up in a wooden house on the water’s edge. I told him I wanted one with a shed roof made of corrugated sheets just like old times,” Saa recalled.

“Tom said that could not be done. So we built our new home using metal sheet roofing instead. I wanted doors with plantation shutters and places to showcase collectibles that we have cherished for a long time.”

Tom made sure his loved one got what she wanted. He searched and found reclaimed timber in Sanpatong and paired them with old wood imported from Lampang.

The timber supplies included Burma padauk wood, ironwood, and teak. The couple sought blessings for peace and prosperity before every piece was put to good use.

Apart from carpentry details, Tom is passionate about modern style with an emphasis on naked concrete finishes. Together they make the building feel light.

The interior living spaces are light and naturally ventilated, thanks to plenty of openings on all sides. Each function area is clearly defined with floating furniture for easy updates.

This design concept applies to the sofa in the living room and the dining table by the rear windows. The kitchen comes fully equipped, as their house becomes a home-stay destination.

The couple does everything in-house from selecting natural ingredients to preparing indigenous meals. It is attention to details and good health practice that keep customers coming back.

wooden house

wooden house

Tom’s hobby projects have been the source of many décor items.

Triple-shutter design : In the Northern region, the window with three shutters in a row is generally preferred for cost effectiveness. The ingenious design needs only one latch to lock all three windows.

Tom keeps a collection of vinyl records for sentimental reasons. He likes listening to relaxing music on the old-fashioned phonograph while Saa cooks. Some of it is rare on this day and age. Here time goes by so slowly that it seems stuck in history.

The floor plan features a flight of stairs made of concrete and wooden steps. Located in the center, it keeps the two bedrooms on the first floor a good distance apart for added privacy. There are cabinets where old books and other collectibles are neatly kept. Nearby stands a gallery made for lounging, reading, and viewing pictures on the wall.

The second floor offers two good-sized bedrooms : one for guest accommodations, and the other for the couple’s exclusive use. There are antique beds in all of the bedrooms. Saa said she felt good about them knowing they came from good homes. She bought them direct from their previous owners. Between the two rooms stands an office space, where Tom spends time working at his draftsman desk. The workspace is bedecked with collectibles including old cameras and vinyl records.

As Saa puts it, “This is the wooden house that strikes the right balance for the two of us. It effectively chronicles our love story and journey through time. I am just happy being here.

“Chiangmai is such a delightful place, with canals, plenty of water, trees, and beautiful culture. During the period from November to February, our house becomes a home-stay destination.

Known as “Good Old Days,” the house has become a wholesome getaway for like-minded people. The service is not available during summer months, because we don’t use air conditioning. Time is well spent in the great outdoors.


Owner/Designer: Apichai Wangtragul


 

A Lovely Ready-Made Wood Cabin

A Lovely Ready-Made Wood Cabin

Skillfully handcrafted of Siberian cedar, this ready-made wood cabin is designed to suit a variety of lifestyle needs, from a refocused life in the city to a perfect getaway on the forest fringe. Check it out.

/// Thailand ///
Story: Supachart Boontang /// Photography: Soopakorn Srisakul /// Style: Pakawadee Pahulo

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A series of small serendipities came together in a happy way. The owner already had a piece of land on the forest fringe at Khao Yai. And the wood cabin design came in handy to turn her dream into a picture worth a thousand words.

“I wanted a small home and was glad to get one built on a limited budget,” said the owner. “I came across a ready-made cabin design by Me Home, and I knew right away it was the right kind for me. The home is built strong with adequate interior spaces at a bargain price.”

The wood cabin is beautifully handcrafted of Siberian cedar, the timber known for its pleasantly unique scent. Built fast, the handsome dwelling took only three months in the making, thanks to all the various parts that came custom-made to suit every application.

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The modest one-story design comes with a bedroom, a living room with kitchenette, and a bath. On the exterior, a relaxed front porch is hemmed in by green spaces with plenty of fresh air from the nearby wooded hillside. The tiny kitchenette belies her unfailing love for cooking. The interior reveals a lifetime of journeys manifested in the mix-and-match style featuring beautiful ornaments and tchotchkes from flea markets across the globe. Experience as a flight attendant no doubt culminates in such a lovely ambience.

Small house design leaves large outdoor space for gardening and recreation. For visual continuity, native plant species thrive blending seamlessly into the wooded hillside. Together they add charm and character to the beautiful wood cabin no one knows is a ready-made.

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Farm House Echoes the Allure of Provence

Farm House Echoes the Allure of Provence

Inspired by rustic charms of the Provencal style, this farm house is an artistic expression that serves utilitarian purposes. The best of both worlds, perhaps? Take a look.

/// Thailand ///
Story: Ajchara Jeenkram /// Photography: Soopakorn Srisakul /// Owner/Designer: Siriwat Mungkalarungsi

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“I recently googled places with mountain views and good weather, and it gave me this,” said Siriwat Mungkalarungsi sharing the story that led him to the stunning bucolic countryside. “I drove here to check it out for myself and ended up buying a plot from a local family.”

Siriwat designed the country home and oversaw construction himself. It gave him some reminding about past journeys. Beautiful mountain scenery conjured up images of Provence, a southern region of France. That explained the house’s full tilt towards rustic Provençal, a style widely admired for its an artistic expression. “I want a small house, one that’s easy to care for when I come here alone,” he added.

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The house has a living room and kitchen on the lower floor, while the bedroom is tucked away on the mezzanine. It has just enough furniture and ornaments, no more no less, since the owner wanted his home to look and feel simple like the typical houses on the countryside.

Siriwat said that his neighbors were very kind. They looked after his house while he was away. Trying to blend into the cultural tradition of the local population, he sometimes invited them over and dined together. He could still recall camping out here while the house was under construction. For him it was a chance to step out of his comfort zone and lived among generous people and nature — an enchanting experience no doubt.

Echoing the allure of the French countryside, the yard is filled with the aroma of lavender and herbs, like tarragon, thyme, sage, and dill.
Echoing the allure of the French countryside, the yard is filled with the aroma of lavender and herbs, like tarragon, thyme, sage, and dill.

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Modern Houses Sync with Rhythms in Landscape

Modern Houses Sync with Rhythms in Landscape

Need a break? Fashionable homes that sync with the rhythms of mountains and valleys like this one are now up for grabs at Khao Yai. Check them out.

/// Thailand ///
Story: wanoi /// Rewrite: Patichat K. /// Photography: Soopakorn, Nantiya /// Style: Prapaiwadee /// Design: Archive Architect

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Many stylish development projects have emerged in the vicinity of Khao Yai, a little over an hour’s drive from Bangkok. But this one with very fashionable design has a name that will capture your imagination. It’s called 1.618 Khaoyai Residence. The project takes its name from the golden ratio commonly used in modern designs.

It’s built based on a green concept, one that seeks to integrate natural and built environments into one whole typically to the advantage of both. The principle is evident in the way it treats mountain scenery like paintings on canvas, into which modern pieces of architecture blend. It’s the perfect mix between the two that translates into what looks like beautiful works of nature.

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The Veranda is one of seven house types that are available. Its roofline emulates the gentle sloping down and mounding up of mountain contours. To make the roof appear lightweight, project engineers prefer wood shingles to ceramics not only for the top covering, but also for other building envelopes, particularly the front facades. The result is a pleasing uniformity of design.

House-on-stilts design combines form with function to create comfy and convenient living spaces for the Veranda model. To this effect, all the rooms are easily accessible from the 23-square-meter veranda. The spacious gallery is a good spot for the family to chill out together and soak up a beautiful hillside ambience. Not too far from Bangkok, the location is equally good either as a mountain escape, or a salubrious family home. Either way it looks to be a win-win.

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A Country House with Breathtaking Mountain Views

A Country House with Breathtaking Mountain Views

Perched atop a wooded hillside, a country house of outstanding vernacular beauty is a metamorphosis of purpose. Check this out.

/// Thailand ///
Story: Atta Otto /// Photography: Sungwan Phratep, Sitthisak Namkham

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The twisting and spiral road between Hang Dong and Samoeng districts winds among some of the most beautiful mountains and valleys of Chiang Mai. Understandably, the owner need look no further than these bucolic settings to put in a dream home.

His is a rustic country house made from two old granaries that have undergone incredible transformations. It sits on a rolling hills landscape with breathtaking mountain views in the backdrop.

The wooden house is crafted based on L-shaped design, quite an aberration from the dwelling place typical of northern Thailand. It’s because the two grain storage buildings had been set that way, and a complete teardown was not an option. So the project focused on remodeling the existing structures instead. The result is a country home that celebrates the charm of vernacular architecture.

The old granaries were raised on piles to protect their precious cargo. There wasn’t enough headroom on the lower floor to begin with. So the buildings had to be elevated to a level suitable for good living conditions. This was achieved by lifting the granaries off their foundations and putting in granite block footings underneath timber piles. The expedient solution not only protects the timber from humidity over time, but also provides plenty of extra spaces for living, dining, and food preparation.

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Timber piles standing on granite blocks translate into higher ceilings and no humidity issues.
Timber piles standing on granite blocks translate into higher ceilings and no humidity issues.

The steeply-sloped landscape dictates that every step is neatly planned. A guest carport is nestled in the foothills, while the main garage lies halfway up the hilltop with a cozy terrace as its roof. Inside the house, the living space features teakwood paneling in dark hues that stand a welcome contrast to the lively colors of cushions on the couch and nearby chairs. The interior decor and accessories strike the right balance that gives this house on the hill a unique, bucolic charm.

Without a doubt, the panoramic mountain view is breathtaking. The country house in and of itself is a perfect secluded escape to appreciate the beautiful works of nature.

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Awesome Rural House on a Farm

Awesome Rural House on a Farm

If you like minimalist family homes amid paddy fields but you think they’re not cool enough, this hip house on a farm will make you think twice.

/// Thailand ///
Story: Atto Otto /// Photography: Sungwan Phratep /// Owner/Designer: Keatnapin Sobhinnon and Patsa Attanon

Awesome Rural House on a Farm

Awesome Rural House on a Farm

A warm half-concrete half-wood house stands right beside lush paddy fields on a rural road leading to Chiangmai, Thailand. Albeit a little plain, the two-story country home has some modern elements to it. That’s reason enough for Keatnapin Sobhinnon and Patsa Attanon to buy it for a retreat from hectic city life.

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Sloping ground calls for split level design, and stepped foundations are necessary. On the outside, utility spaces are assigned to different levels. For safety reason, an open air car park is made level and supported by concrete retaining walls. The house’s front entrance is easily accessible via a small wooden bridge, a feature that makes the front façade look cool.

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Keatnapin Sobhinnon and Patsa Attanon

The décor in the family living space is just awful. Do-it-yourself crafts and decorating ideas add fun touches to every part of the room. Chiang Mai being a handicrafts capital, the owners enjoy the freedom of creating their own design for every piece of furniture. Then they simply ask local artisans to make it to specifications. Needless to say their fun and vibrant personality is reflected in the interior decorations – warm, inviting and without pretense.

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To increase outdoor living spaces, the couple added more terrace spaces to the design. They in turn connect to the stand-alone “Reuan Long Khao,” a vernacular farmhouse-on-stilts common in northern Thailand. The building has since been converted into accommodations for visiting houseguests.

An expanded terrace space connects to “Reuan Long Khao,” a traditional farmhouse turned guest accommodations.
An expanded terrace space connects to “Reuan Long Khao,” a traditional farmhouse turned guest accommodations.

“It’s beautiful here all year round. I especially love it when it rains as rice paddies and the surrounding hills come alive with all shades of green,” said Patsa. “It is very different from our home in Bangkok. When we came here for the first time, it felt like being in another world. No doubt we were filled with joy. I think this house was made for us.”

With panoramic views of the hilly landscape and the modern comfort of their home, it’s easy to see how the couple have come to love this rural house so dearly.

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