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Pleasant Box-shaped Concrete Houses in Vietnam
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Pleasant Box-shaped Concrete Houses in Vietnam

/ Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam /

/ Story: Skiixy / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Hiroyuki Oki /

Since its opening, an unusual cluster of five box-shaped concrete houses of different heights conceived by the Vietnamese firm Vo Trong Nghia Architects has been a wondrous sight for lovers of architecture.

box-shaped concrete houses

box-shaped concrete houses

These buildings are actually tree planter boxes set up to make a house for a small family. Besides catching the attention of passersby with trees popping up from rooftops, this clever design also won numerous awards in 2014, including the Ashui Award and a world-class award from Architectural Review.

The land was once used for a factory. Though the factory was demolished, it remains close to the hearts of the owners/family members, which is why they wanted to build the house here.

Due to environmental limitations such as a small alleyway for an entrance, an asymmetrical plot, and a lack of greenery, the owners decided to create a courtyard surrounded by gigantic plant containers. The result is a number of box-shaped concrete houses that resided amid a lush atmosphere.

In this way family members, and even nearby neighbors, can live close to nature.

box-shaped concrete houses

Another impetus for the unique design involves the owner’s 50-year-old father. To provide some relief for his depressive disorder, the design team divided the house interior into five sections.

To move from one room to another, the father and other family members have to walk outside. Lush trees, gentle breeze, birdsong, and friendly neighbors can be good mental therapy.

box-shaped concrete houses

“The five buildings are inspired by plant containers, making this place like a compact oasis in a residential area. In various alignments with neighboring walls, each building acts as a house divider,” explained the architect.

“Post-construction, the owners now get to view interesting effects created by the various angles. Each building reflects sunlight to create varying tones and shades all day long.”

Walls are the primary features of each building. An interesting exterior surface is created by bamboo pressed on concrete walls with a technique relying on the skills of bamboo artisans.

Not only bearing the entire weight of each box-shaped building, the walls also support heavily water-absorbent rooftop soil.

Normal topsoil is only 30 centimeters deep, but this extra-thick earth is 1 meter deep, more suitable for a large standing tree. The design was developed in consideration of Ho Chi Minh City’s typical flooding.

box-shaped concrete houses

box-shaped concrete houses

As expected, the box-shaped concrete houses has been successful in cheering up the depressive father, and even more, this architectural design uses nature to the benefit of both people and nature itself, helping them to live together in harmony.

box-shaped concrete houses

Architect: Vo Trong Nghia Architects (vtnarchitects.net)

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Fresh Air, Sunshine and a House Built around a Tree
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Fresh Air, Sunshine and a House Built around a Tree

/ Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand /

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

/ Photographs: Soopakorn Srisakul /

Nestled in the countryside at Baan Rai Thawsi just outside of Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima, this light, bright and airy home is bursting with joy. Away from city lights, it’s built around a tree to reap the health benefits of fresh air, sunshine and cool trees providing shade in the environment. Here, the towering mountains of Khao Yai National Park to the south can be seen from miles around.

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Seen from a distance, the transparent house façade is designed to take in an expansive panorama of countryside landscapes. The upper floor under a mansard roof holds calm and peaceful bedrooms.

Homeowner Piyaporn Taepaisitphongse was first introduced to Baan Rai Thawsi while her mother was attending a meditation retreat at nearby Baan Boon village, taught by the revered Buddhist monk Ajaan Jayasaro.

It’s easy to get why she came away impressed. Out in the foothills, it’s calm and peaceful. In her words: “Mom brought me here and I liked it. She wanted a country house, so here we are!”

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A healthy tree thrives in the middle of the house plan, a focal point for people going from one part of the house to another.

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Piyaporn’s mother added: “We built it here for a lot of reasons. As Bangkok people, we feel safe living in a housing development. Here neighbors watch out for each other, plus it’s a peaceful and comfortable atmosphere.”

This was certainly clear to our team. Most households are also practicing meditation, adding to the pleasant ambience.

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In a creative way, the tree at the center of the house plan connects the home with nature. Nearby, concrete walkways around the building fuse into a single path reminiscent of classic Japanese design.
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The walkway around the building connects people of different generations. For Grandmother, it’s a place for walking meditation. For the little ones, it’s a semi-outdoor area to run and play in.

Piyaporn said: “We wanted a place to live after retirement, when we get old. And Mother is making plans now. We like the design by Rujnumporn Keskasemsook, of Sook Architects. He’s the one who created this open and airy house.”

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The tree at the center of the house plan blocks the sun’s harmful rays from penetrating the walls, keeping the living room cool and comfortable during daytime hours.
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The kitchen conveniently connects to the dining room and living area, thanks to an open concept floor plan that promotes interactions and socialization processes in the family.

Architect Rujnumporn’s design also includes lodging accommodations for houseguests staying overnight and pathways to get out there and experience the natural surroundings firsthand. From the front, we get a wide view of the duplex style home that blends right in with the environment.

The downstairs external envelope is glazed using clear glass standing tall from floor to ceiling, surrounded by covered walkway systems that also double as a porch.

The upstairs is quiet and secluded, sheltered by a mansard style roof that makes the house feel roomy and light. The mansard boasts the beauty of subdued color combinations of whites and grays, adding to the home’s proper, orderly look. At the same time, the tree in the middle stands out from the surfaces, easily noticeable from afar.

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The little children’s bedroom boasts bright furniture colors silhouetted against the walls in cool-toned white. As might be expected, the bed has drawers for storing toys.

Overall, interior décor is simple, partly because it’s a vacation home. Plus, the homeowner prefers it that way. Furniture for the most part is movable, except for the kitchen that contains built-ins for ease of maintenance.

Flooring and ceiling materials are made of dark-colored artificial wood, creating a visual contrast with the building’s glass enclosures. It’s a design that seeks reconnections with the natural world outside while creating a warm and peaceful ambience inside. In the evening, sunlight shining softly through the tree creates breezy patterns like poetry in motion on the white walls.

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Easygoing décor in the bedroom with a slanted ceiling that matches the mansard roof. There’s quiet reading nook by the wall.

From the outside, the two wings stand separated by a tree in the middle of the home plan. One wing serves as small hostel with eight beds for guests; the other wing holds the family residence with a bedroom downstairs for Mother, and the other bedrooms upstairs for the homeowner couple and their little children.

The “house built around a tree” in Pak Chong seems like the perfect example of a co-living arrangement, one that gives special importance to family togetherness and the joy of staying in close touch with nature.

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Little children enjoy tending plants thriving in the backyard garden; among them, sunflowers, okra, and other green vegetation. It provides a conducive learning environment for kids. Out here, nature is the best classroom.

Architect: Rujnumporn Keskasemsook of Sook Architects

Visit the original Thai article…

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A Retro Loft with Distinctive Colonial Flair in Selangor, Malaysia
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A Retro Loft with Distinctive Colonial Flair in Selangor, Malaysia

/ Petaling Jaya, Malaysia /

/ Story: Supachart Boontag / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Rithirong Chanthongsuk /

Once an affordable choice among artists, lofts have grown to become one of the most popular house styles. The design that makes use of high ceilings to create an airy, cozy and comfortable place of residence appeals to a much wider demographic now than any time in the past.

Retro Loft House
High beam ceilings and sliding glass doors brighten and enlarge the appearance of the living room.

This three-story retro loft house in the Malaysian state of Selangor is the brainchild of Ramesh Seshan, who has experience in loft design. Judging from the way things are going, it’s an architectural style that represents endless possibilities.

It all began with Lee Kok Choong wanting to renovate his old house as a retro loft style residence. Responding to his heart’s desire, architect Seshan explored and rethought all the materials and building strategies to create solutions that meet his preferences.

The result is a cozy and warm loft home showcasing the simplicity of unornamented concrete finishes. Uncovered brick walls become the center of attention, whereas rough textures are accentuated alongside of retro Chinese style detailing.

The center courtyard house plan features a serene carp fish pond. The mellifluous sound of water fits in well with the loft atmosphere.
The center courtyard house plan features a serene carp fish pond. The mellifluous sound of water fits in well with the loft atmosphere.
Retro Loft House
A semi-outdoor staircase leading to upstairs living rooms boasts the simplicity of bare concrete finishes.
For a lightweight look, concrete flooring on the footbridge is replaced by thick tempered glass panels.
For a lightweight look, concrete flooring on the footbridge is replaced by thick tempered glass panels.

As one would imagine, the newly renovated home is rich in the appeal and qualities that connect with history.

Take for example the second floor entryway that’s inspired by colonial architecture in old Hong Kong. The floor is covered in custom-made ceramic tiles in geometric shapes. Nearby, a footbridge is paved with thick tempered glass that blends well with wrought iron detailing on safety handrails.

From a distance, the rustic façade in brown conjures up memories of the Jawa spaceship Sandcrawler in sci-fi movies Star Wars. Step inside, and you find a spiral staircase made of bare concrete with its distinctive rough textures and the expanded metal infill balustrade that’s the hallmark of industrial loft style.

The kitchen is located near living spaces for convenience. The floor is covered in smooth marble, while exposed brick walls add visual interest to loft ideas.
The kitchen is located near living spaces for convenience. The floor is covered in smooth marble, while exposed brick walls add visual interest to loft ideas.

Interestingly, each floor has its own character. The first floor is paved with green marble imported from India, while red marble, aka Rosa Levanto, adds a bold personality to the living room on the second floor. The third floor is an entirely different story as it unexpectedly switches to a combination of various concrete finishes.

Interior design showcases a fun twist, incorporating unique and unexpected elements. Take for instance a leisure area that uses a pair of vintage barber chairs for sitting on, instead of the regular bar stools at standard height. Behind the bar counter, an antique storage cabinet in subdued chili red and collectible décor items take pride of place on the wall.

Retro Loft House
A concrete spiral staircase leads to living spaces on the second and third floors.

The U-shaped house plan features a central courtyard that opens to natural light. The bright and airy atmosphere is further enhanced by large glass doors.

Even though the design is influenced by many styles and built using a variety of different materials, the architect has finally managed to keep all the retro loft qualities in perfect harmony.

More so than anything else, the overall effect is impressive; a home that’s stylishly fashionable, cozy and pleasant in its own special way. An experience like this is worth its weight in gold!

Rust-colored panels form the outer shell of double-wall construction that shelters the interior living spaces from too much sun and rain.
Rust-colored panels form the outer shell of double-wall construction that shelters the interior living spaces from too much sun and rain.
Different color marble floors mark the boundaries between the bedroom and the adjoining bath.
Different color marble floors mark the boundaries between the bedroom and the adjoining bath.
Retro Loft House
A leisure area on the second floor is inspired by traditional ways of life in old Hong Kong. Black and white stripe bamboo blinds are influenced by a popular design in old Malaya, now Malaysia, during colonial times.
Retro Loft House
Modern facades in brown brings out cool personality of the Retro-Loft house style inspired by the ways of life in old Hong Kong and cultural heritage in old Malaya, now Malaysia.

Owner: Lee Kok Choong

Architect: Seshan Design by Ramesh Seshan

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Baan Gongsi: A Perfect Fusion of Chinese and Thai Cultural Heritage
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Baan Gongsi: A Perfect Fusion of Chinese and Thai Cultural Heritage

/ Bangkok, Thailand /

/ Story: Supachart Boontang / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Soopakorn Srisakul and Arsom Arch Community and Environment Co., Ltd. A division of the Arsom Silp Institute of the Arts /

This urban home named “Baan Gongsi” is beautifully crafted in keeping with Chinese heritage in architecture mixed with defining features that are characteristic of the traditional Thai-style home. The perfect visual blend is the brainchild of Pongsakorn Tumprueksa and Nattanan Pokinpitak of the Arsom Silp Institute of the Arts.

Baan Gongsi
The two-story home that’s the main villa on the property features large double doors providing a grand entrance and promoting natural air circulation. In every part of the house, passive design strategies create a comfortable and energy-efficient indoor environment, and hence there’s no need for mechanical air conditioning. The bottom line is heat doesn’t build up inside it.

Architecturally, it’s a well-thought-out design that seeks reconnections with nature at home and, at the same time, keeps family heritage alive. Homeowners Thianchai and Noree Niyom, both of them of Chinese descent, want to live simply and traditionally, embracing a lifestyle that values a culture of sharing and caring.

Thianchai’s sister also lives nearby in the same compound, which explains the concept of Baan Gongsi, a colloquialism for extended family living arrangements.

Baan Gongsi
A garden slate walkway leads to an elevated pool hemmed in by Applied Chinese architecture. The tiled roofs with slightly upturned eaves evoke memories of a style that first became standard during the Song Dynasty. It makes the main building and surrounding annexes feel lightweight and delightfully charming.
Baan Gongsi
The center court pool stretches across the entire length of the veranda. It provides plenty of room for exercise. Meantime, the interior spaces are kept cool by breezes blowing in over the pool.

At the same time, it’s a design that embraces elegance in architectural aesthetics. There’s a courtyard with swimming pool at the center of the house topped by tiled roofs with curved sides. A striking feature of Chinese style, the unroofed area enclosed by the buildings doubles as engine that drives natural air circulation keeping the home cool and comfortable round the clock.

The well-conceived design also ensures the building fits in well with the hot and humid climate prevailing in this region. Speaking of a fusion between two cultures, there’s a large open-air platform that provides easy access to all the rooms, a layout quintessential of Thai-style cluster homes in the past. The Thais call it a “chaan” meaning a gallery or semi-outdoor room overlooking the garden.

The main villa and nearby annexes are disposed around the center courtyard. The sprawling design allows a healthy dose of morning sun to pour into the interior living spaces. In the nighttime the courtyard is aglow under the moonlight.

Baan Gongsi
Overhangs of tiled roofs protect the buildings from harsh afternoon sun. Diamond-shaped tiles at the far end blend well with Chinese-style slightly curved roofing on either side of the pool.
Baan Gongsi
Tiled roofs with slightly upturned eaves are in keeping with the home’s Chinese character. The buildings make use of large structural timbers for primary support of the roof tiles.

The center courtyard has been the heart of family life and one of the most important elements of cluster home design since time immemorial. It brings joy to the family and supplies every part of the home with fresh air.

Here, everything exists for a good reason. Among others, a stone paver patio adjacent to the family’s ancestral home serves as a venue for morning tea. Nearby, the swimming pool brings the health benefits of good exercise. They’re there for the taking. Overall, it is a piece of architecture designed for the salubrious lifestyle of an extended family.

Baan Gongsi
The second-floor balcony looks out over the pool and garden landscapes to the further side. The wood deck in itself is reminiscent of Thai-style homes in earlier times.

Baan Gongsi is a well-crafted home, one made with attention to detail and quality to provide safety and protection against external disturbances. The floor plan offers smooth transition from one area to another. There’s a welcome room with patches of greenery connected to a stone paver patio leading to the Moon Door that’s the house’s main entrance.

From there, a stone paver garden pathway provides access to the main villa and nearby annexes. The center courtyard itself lies protected by a lacy canopy of mature trees making every day an enchanting experience. Because it’s situated amid the bustle of the city center, the home relies on plenty of lush vegetation to protect against noises and air pollution.

Baan Gongsi
The interior features open-concept living spaces that stretch from the dining area to sitting room to the library and, beyond, the veranda at the far end.
Baan Gongsi
The bathroom features common elements of a contemporary style with a minimalist feel to it. The shower section is semi-outdoor reminiscent of a traditional Thai-style home. Floor tiles with antique patterns complement cool-toned whites on the walls.
Baan Gongsi
Lush greenery adds a refreshing touch of nature to the center courtyard.

As for build quality, real wood is the material of choice and one of the most outstanding features of the house. What makes it aesthetically pleasing is the slightly curved eaves characteristic of Chinese architecture. Needless to say, it’s a wholesome place where nature and culture coexist in peaceful harmony, a home beaming with pride.

A stand-alone house of Buddha serves as a reminder of Thai architecture in earlier times.
The Moon Door, adapted to sport a more contemporary look, provides access to the cluster home environment that lies beyond.
Baan Gongsi
A street view of the home showcases the gracefully curved gable roof overhangs characteristic of traditional Chinese architecture.
A stand-alone house of Buddha serves as a reminder of Thai architecture in earlier times.
A stand-alone house of Buddha serves as a reminder of Thai architecture in earlier times.
Baan Gongsi
[Left] Concrete footing protects timber piles from humidity that could pose a threat to the home in the long term. / [Right] Primary roofing support is crafted the old-fashioned way utilizing of large structural timbers. The crescent-shaped cutout at the top of the pole allows the ridge beam to rest securely for extra durability.

Owner: Thianchai and Noree Niyom

Architect: Arsom Arch Community and Environment Co., Ltd. A division of the Arsom Silp Institute of the Arts

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