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A Designer Couple’s Eco-friendly Dream Home in Vietnam
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A Designer Couple’s Eco-friendly Dream Home in Vietnam

/ Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam /

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

/ Photographs: Nantiya Busabong, Damrong Leewairoj /

A designer couple’s dream house stands amidst the idyllic farmlands of Vietnam countryside. Interior designer My An Pham Thi and her husband Michael Charrualt, who is also a 3D graphic designer, built their new home office using natural materials and creative building techniques. Basically, it’s a design that embraces the green building concept aimed at minimizing negative impacts on the environment. By mixing locally sourced materials with imagination and modern methods of construction, they were able to create an eclectic living space with a look that’s uniquely their own.

dream home
The designer couple’s home is built using a mix of real wood, concrete masonry, brickwork and palm-leaf roofing. The vertical pattern of bricklaying makes the fence wall look taller than it really is.

It’s a design choice that came at the right time as sustainable building was catching on in different parts of the country. Green construction provides many benefits, among them reduced waste, reduced cost and better air quality, and the list goes on.

This designer couple’s home out in the country conveys a great deal about that line of thought and the need to go green. They mixed local materials with imagination to create an environment-friendly home that’s cozy and warm without burning a hole in the pocket.

A large table with Windsor chairs and a vintage Chinoiserie daybed adorn the spacious, semi-outdoor dining room. Overhead, cement surfaces in the ceiling are brushed smooth for ease of maintenance and precautions against humidity damage.
A large table with Windsor chairs and a vintage Chinoiserie daybed adorn the spacious, semi-outdoor dining room. Overhead, cement surfaces in the ceiling are brushed smooth for ease of maintenance and precautions against humidity damage.

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Connecting with nature. A part of the house is left unroofed to bring the big blue sky and the sound of leaves rustling in the trees into the room.
Connecting with nature. A part of the house is left unroofed to bring the big blue sky and the sound of leaves rustling in the trees into the room.

The fence wall in front of the house boasts the simplicity of raw concrete finishes with beautiful bamboo detailing. There are two gates made of wood in dark reddish browns that blend with the rural environment, at the same time, protecting the home from the outside.

As a feature that’s a source of pride, the house’s external envelope is crafted of bare brickwork that adds visual interest to the overall design. Where appropriate, perforate brick walls are installed to allow fresh air and natural light into the home, making the interior feel nice and dry.

All of this is achieved by using simple materials readily available in the locality, such as wood, cement, bricks and palm-leaf roofing. Together they give the house in the fields a beautiful indigenous flair.

dream home
Benefits of a perforate shell: Bricks are laid with openings in between for increased light and better ventilation in the interior.
dream home
The absence of solid room dividers makes the interior feel light, airy and spacious. The same applies to the bookshelf without a back panel that’s easy to use and easy to keep clean.

In essence, it’s the love of the outdoors that inspires My An Pham Thi and Michael Charrualt to build their home out in Vietnam countryside. It boils down to the healthy lifestyle they cherish in their heart, a yearning desire to seek reconnections with nature. And this rustic country house in the fields is made for that.

Take a look inside. The ground floor boasts a specious living room with Chinoiserie furniture that connects to the dining room with a large table and Windsor chairs. It has the view of a side yard garden.

Tall windows under vaulted ceilings fill the third-floor master bedroom with natural light.
Tall windows under vaulted ceilings fill the third-floor master bedroom with natural light.

The second floor works as a home office with a snug bedroom tucked away in a quiet, more secluded area.

The master bedroom lies on the third floor that’s characterized by simplicity and a handful of essential elements unique to Minimalist style.

dream home
A small patch of greenery adds life and refreshing change to the relaxed bathroom ambience.

Here, time goes by so slowly, and the designer couple isn’t in a hurry to go anywhere. Their dream home is, in fact, a live-in experiment, in which different materials and various building strategies are being evaluated to determine how they perform in real life.

Should any issue arise, it will be dealt with one by one to arrive at the best solution. But one thing for sure, it’s a home with love and care.

dream home
Multicolor floor tiles and an area rug in complementary shades adorn the spacious living room made comfortable by a white upholstered sofa.

Owner/Architect: My An Pham Thi and Michael Charruault of MM++ Architects (www.mmarchitects.net)

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A Home with Unique Rooftop Design in Singapore
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A Home with Unique Rooftop Design in Singapore

/ Singapore /

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

/ Photographs: Sitthisak Namkham /

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

rooftop design
The rooftop deck is a vista point to capture amazing panoramic views.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Left] A nook beside the wall offers seclusion in the son’s bedroom. Louvered windows with wood slats alternating with glass panels are used to aid air circulation. [Right] The front facade bedecked with a vertical garden provides natural sunscreens protecting the master bedroom.
[Left] A nook beside the wall offers seclusion in the son’s bedroom. Louvered windows with wood slats alternating with glass panels are used to aid air circulation. / [Right] The front facade bedecked with a vertical garden provides natural sunscreens protecting the master bedroom.
The stairwell connecting to the lower floor is illuminated by a rooftop skylight.
The stairwell connecting to the lower floor is illuminated by a rooftop skylight.
[Left] A bright and airy bathroom at the far end is visible from the stairway leading to the top deck. [Right] The bathroom in white comes with a wall-mounted countertop. The mirror with a rounded corner paired with soft pink recessed lighting creates a sense of spaciousness.
[Left] A bright and airy bathroom at the far end is visible from the stairway leading to the top deck. / [Right] The bathroom in white comes with a wall-mounted countertop. The mirror with a rounded corner paired with soft pink recessed lighting creates a sense of spaciousness.
rooftop design
A ramp and a staircase provides access to the rooftop deck.

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

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

rooftop design
A skylight beside the rooftop deck allows plenty of sunshine to reach all the way to the lower floor.
The house’s four levels lie hidden from view, while its front facade fits right in with two-story homes in the neighborhood.
The house’s four levels lie hidden from view, while its front facade fits right in with two-story homes in the neighborhood.

Owner: Dr Kelvin Lee

Architect: Formwerkz Architects (formwerkz.com)

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An Energy Efficient White Home in Bangkok
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An Energy Efficient White Home in Bangkok

/ Bangkok, Thailand /

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

/ Photographs: Sungwan Phratep /

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

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

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

A short driveway covered in concrete pavers leads to the car park beneath the house.
A short driveway covered in concrete pavers leads to the car park beneath the house.
Well-thought-out design leaves plenty of room for air circulation, a nice way to create a comfortable home.
Well-thought-out design leaves plenty of room for air circulation, a nice way to create a comfortable home.

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

The staircase leading to the second floor has simple looking handrails that match the style of the house.
The staircase leading to the second floor has simple looking handrails that match the style of the house.
Semi-outdoor passageways increase exposure to the sun and the wind.
Semi-outdoor passageways increase exposure to the sun and the wind.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Louvered windows are ideal for increased air circulation. Clear glass alternates with translucent panels add curb appeal.
Louvered windows are ideal for increased air circulation. Clear glass alternates with translucent panels add curb appeal.
[Left] An array of tall windows maximizes natural light, makes the home seem more inviting and accentuates the vertical design. / [Right] An all-white bathroom next to the bedroom is handy for everyday use and easy to keep clean.
[Left] An array of tall windows maximizes natural light, makes the home seem more inviting and accentuates the vertical design. / [Right] An all-white bathroom next to the bedroom is handy for everyday use and easy to keep clean.

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

Visit the original Thai article…

บ้านโมเดิร์นวิถีไทย ออกแบบเพื่อรับการเปลี่ยนแปลง

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