Blog : Jun Sekino A+D

Rupu House: White Geometric Design Bespeaks a Close Family Bond and Privacy at Home

Rupu House: White Geometric Design Bespeaks a Close Family Bond and Privacy at Home

/ Bangkok, Thailand /

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

/ Photographs: Nantiya Busabong /

It all began with a thoughtful son’s wish to build a new home and be close to his aging father. And Jun Sekino of the atelier JUNSEKINO Architect and Design was on hand to do precisely that.

Jun Sekino, the architect who designed it, said that originally the plan was to put in an add-on to the existing family home. Later there was a change of plan.

The owner preferred to build a new home on the opposite side of the street from his dad instead, so the design was revised in order to fit an entirely different context.

The result was a white geometric home of outstanding beauty – one that’s simple yet attractive and fully functional. It’s the product of a 360-degree turn.

And after making all necessary adjustments, the architect aptly named it “RUPU HOUSE,” a made-up term coined from the Japanese word for the action of rotating around an axis.

Built on 200 square wah of land (roughly 0.20 acre), the new two-story home offers 680 square meters in total.

It stands surrounded by greenery that’s kept further away at appropriate distances to create a well-lit, well-ventilated living space. The first floor contains functional areas including an open contemporary kitchen with dining space at the center.

There’s a sitting room tucked away in a quiet corner for relaxation. Nearby a semi-outdoor space is reserved for entertaining guests. It lies enclosed by the glass walls of the dining room and sitting room. Glass walls enhance visual continuity and the aesthetic appeal of the home.

By design, the semi-outdoor space on the ground floor is the heart of family life, said the architect. It’s easy to get why this cool and airy area has become the homeowner’s favorite niche.

The second-floor deck keeps it in shade for much of the day. It offers ample space perfect for entertaining.

Despite the house’s modern appearance, the semi-outdoor room evokes pleasant memories of comfort provided by the wooden house on stilts of former times. It’s an ideal place for receiving visitors without disturbing the peace in other parts of the house.

Climb a flight of stairs, and you come to the quiet and secluded second floor that contains three bedrooms. The master bedroom belongs to the homeowner, while two slightly smaller ones are reserved for kids. That’s what the future looks like.

To create a light and airy feel, the spacious master bedroom boasts high standards of comfort with a big bed at the center, a walk-in closet and en-suite bath. But what makes it exceptionally good is the double height ceiling, which gives enough room for a private office on the mezzanine floor.

It’s a layout option inspired by duplex design, a peaceful place in which to work undisrupted. According to Jun Sekino, it’s like having a beautiful office apartment hidden inside the home.

The overall effect is impressive. White geometric design adds interest and a sense of excitement to the house’s external appearance. As Jun Sekino puts it, there is an unadorned beauty plus clean simple lines that fit an easy lifestyle, and that’s exactly the way the homeowner likes it.

Technically, it’s meant to be a simple one-mass unit of construction with a high-pitch shed-style roof, a geometric shape without terra cotta tiles and minimal detailing. And the same treatment applies evenly from top to bottom.

To create a soothing ambience, the concrete exterior home is painted white, a single-color trend toward simplicity in design.

Its shed style roof and external envelope are characterized by regular lines and shapes. This is summed up in the vertical awnings that overhang the walls of the building on all sides.

Together they go to work keeping the sun and rain off the façade, windows and doorway on the ground floor. They also double as a design strategy to break the fall of vertical lines that run from the rooftop to the ground floor.

To improve visual and spatial continuity, the windows, doorway and most of the walls at ground level are glazed using clear glass panels.

The second floor is treated differently. Where appropriate, windows are installed only in the direction that’s not exposed to strong sunlight. Meanwhile, the external walls that face the sun have no wall openings at all.

These solid walls, in turn, make the white geometric home even more noticeable from a distance. As for the interior living spaces, a mix of wood and stone masonry is preferred for its ability to reduce the stiffness of strong geometric shapes.

Looking back over the years, Jun Sekino could still recall that concrete roof construction was the hardest part of the entire project. Steel-reinforced concrete roof building required special skills to ensure the remarkable smoothness of the outer surface and prevent leakage.

Apart from that, other challenges included window fittings, which also needed specialized skills and craftsmanship to make sure they don’t leak when it rains.

All things considered, it’s a home project that brings deep pleasure derived from Jun Sekino’s abilities to accomplish a mission. The concrete exterior is smooth and with no apparent gaps or cracks of any kind. It’s a home carefully thought out to age gracefully.

Like so, the homeowner will be able to repaint the house when necessary without worrying about too many practical details. The new home offers a calm and cozy atmosphere with plenty of room for entertaining and the opportunity to be close to his aging father.

It’s a heartwarming moral story of unbreakable bonds.


Architect: JUNSEKINO Architect and Design

Interior designer: JUNSEKINO Interior Design

Contractor: M.W.K. Construction


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A Renovation Project Adds Sunny Personality to “Nobita House”

A Renovation Project Adds Sunny Personality to “Nobita House”

/ Bangkok, Thailand /

/ Story: Samutcha Viraporn / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Soopakorn Srisakul / Styling: Suanpuk Stylist /

Cherishing fond memories of the good old days, Chatchawan and Punjama Lertbutsayanukul recently had their grandma and grandpa’s house restored to its former glory. They sought advice from Jun Sekino of Jun Sekino A+D, who turned it into a beautifully crafted home with added personality and character known as “Nobita House.”

Jun Sekino, sharing his renovation ideas, said: “After having talked with the homeowners, we were determined to keep the front-gable house plan very much intact. Several inspection visits in the ensuing days also gave me some ideas to do it right. It was like a journey back in time to preserve all its 1940’s splendor.”

Here’s the story of a home renovation done right. Cherishing memories of the good old days, Chatchawan and Punjama Lertbutsayanukul recently had grandma and grandpa’s house restored to its former glory. They sought advice from Jun Sekino of Jun Sekino A+D, who turned it into a beautifully crafted home with added personality and character.Here’s the story of a home renovation done right. Cherishing memories of the good old days, Chatchawan and Punjama Lertbutsayanukul recently had grandma and grandpa’s house restored to its former glory. They sought advice from Jun Sekino of Jun Sekino A+D, who turned it into a beautifully crafted home with added personality and character.
Flashback: The picture of the old house before renovation. / Courtesy Jun Sekino A+D

The 80-year-old house soon transformed into a new home that’s more warm and inviting. It’s aptly named “Nobita House” after the much-loved, fictional boy character in the 1970’s cartoon series “Doraemon”. In the fewest possible words, it’s about rebuilding for a better future.

Restoring the old house to a good state of repair, the architect made sure the original framework was not damaged or impaired in any way. Thanks to collaboration with a team of structural engineers, the carport was reinforced to make it capable of accommodating two vehicles side by side.

The front façade was built of reclaimed timber from the old house installed vertically with protective finishes over the top to protect it from the elements.

The gable roof was improved using new material and sloping at an angle that’s proper under the weather conditions prevailing in this region. To make room for a higher ceiling, the second floor was built 1.50 meters taller than the original plan.

On the ground floor, suspended panels were removed to reveal awesome ceilings with exposed wood beams. At the same time, wood windows and extra units of construction were added on to increase the floor space from 100 to 300 square meters.

Where appropriate a system of micro-piles, aka root piles, was installed to carry an additional load. The covered shelter in front of the entrance was enlarged, while the side of the house reserved for shoe storage now connected conveniently to the carport.

Meantime, fully open layouts translated into better natural light and ample space for social cohesiveness. On one side, the exterior glass wall looks out over a backyard garden. On another lies a corridor leading to a small courtyard at the rear.

Here’s the story of a home renovation done right. Cherishing memories of the good old days, Chatchawan and Punjama Lertbutsayanukul recently had grandma and grandpa’s house restored to its former glory. They sought advice from Jun Sekino of Jun Sekino A+D, who turned it into a beautifully crafted home with added personality and character. Here’s the story of a home renovation done right. Cherishing memories of the good old days, Chatchawan and Punjama Lertbutsayanukul recently had grandma and grandpa’s house restored to its former glory. They sought advice from Jun Sekino of Jun Sekino A+D, who turned it into a beautifully crafted home with added personality and character. Here’s the story of a home renovation done right. Cherishing memories of the good old days, Chatchawan and Punjama Lertbutsayanukul recently had grandma and grandpa’s house restored to its former glory. They sought advice from Jun Sekino of Jun Sekino A+D, who turned it into a beautifully crafted home with added personality and character.

Thanks to open floor plans, the interior living spaces are easy on the eye. White walls with stained wood trim paired with natural light streaming in through the overhead transom create the illusion of a larger space.

Nearby, white screens and Terrazzo floors combine to add vintage touches to home décor. At the same time, structural components made of steel, if any, are painted white to blend harmoniously with light backgrounds.

Here’s the story of a home renovation done right. Cherishing memories of the good old days, Chatchawan and Punjama Lertbutsayanukul recently had grandma and grandpa’s house restored to its former glory. They sought advice from Jun Sekino of Jun Sekino A+D, who turned it into a beautifully crafted home with added personality and character. Here’s the story of a home renovation done right. Cherishing memories of the good old days, Chatchawan and Punjama Lertbutsayanukul recently had grandma and grandpa’s house restored to its former glory. They sought advice from Jun Sekino of Jun Sekino A+D, who turned it into a beautifully crafted home with added personality and character.

Climb a flight of stairs, and you come to the second floor containing workspace with wood windows that evoke pleasant memories of years past. Wall paneling is flush with adjoining post and beam construction.

The door frame with overhead transom is glazed using patterned glass. Not far away lies the restful master bedroom that’s furnished in a simple style. The old living quarters for house workers accessible by a mosaic walkway remain intact. It’s separated from a nearby outdoor laundry room by steel railing along the edge.

Here’s the story of a home renovation done right. Cherishing memories of the good old days, Chatchawan and Punjama Lertbutsayanukul recently had grandma and grandpa’s house restored to its former glory. They sought advice from Jun Sekino of Jun Sekino A+D, who turned it into a beautifully crafted home with added personality and character.Here’s the story of a home renovation done right. Cherishing memories of the good old days, Chatchawan and Punjama Lertbutsayanukul recently had grandma and grandpa’s house restored to its former glory. They sought advice from Jun Sekino of Jun Sekino A+D, who turned it into a beautifully crafted home with added personality and character.Here’s the story of a home renovation done right. Cherishing memories of the good old days, Chatchawan and Punjama Lertbutsayanukul recently had grandma and grandpa’s house restored to its former glory. They sought advice from Jun Sekino of Jun Sekino A+D, who turned it into a beautifully crafted home with added personality and character.

There is a challenge to overcome though. Tall buildings rise nearby, while the house ground level is lower than the street. To effectively drain rainwater from the yard, decorative landscaping gravel is used. This is where garden designer Premrudee Cheewakoseth comes into play and turns the ground into beautiful Japanese rock gardens.

Here’s the story of a home renovation done right. Cherishing memories of the good old days, Chatchawan and Punjama Lertbutsayanukul recently had grandma and grandpa’s house restored to its former glory. They sought advice from Jun Sekino of Jun Sekino A+D, who turned it into a beautifully crafted home with added personality and character.

Trees that are planted for shade include Jackfruit and bamboo, while Mini Mondo Grass or Sneak Beard provides a lush ground covering. To avoid looking too Japanese, small terraces with a garden path are put in. Overall, the house boasts certain appeal similar to that of the house of “Nobita”, the much-loved, fictional boy character in the famous cartoon series “Doraemon”.

Here’s the story of a home renovation done right. Cherishing memories of the good old days, Chatchawan and Punjama Lertbutsayanukul recently had grandma and grandpa’s house restored to its former glory. They sought advice from Jun Sekino of Jun Sekino A+D, who turned it into a beautifully crafted home with added personality and character.


Owner: Chatchawan and Punjama Lertbutsayanukul

Architect: Jun Sekino A+D

Landscape Designer: D.garden design by Premrudee Cheewakoseth


Visit the original Thai version…

รีโนเวตบ้านเก่า 80 ปี มาเป็น บ้านโนบิตะ แสนอบอุ่น


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The Tinman House: A Curious, Dreamlike Steel Home with a Story to Tell

The Tinman House: A Curious, Dreamlike Steel Home with a Story to Tell

/ Bangkok, Thailand /

/ Story: Sara’ / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Damrong / Styling: Praphaiwadee /

This unusual home with intriguing ideas hidden inside belongs to Vazzan Tirangkura. With a big smile, he told us the story behind it. “It’s called The Tinman House because I was impressed with Tin Woodman, the fictional character who was looking for his heart in L. Frank Baum’s novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.”

The coming together of vertical and horizontal lines gives a sense of youthful exuberance to the box-shaped house perfectly fitted for a rectangular plot of land. Grayish-black checker plates act as a double skin that prevents heat and filter sunlight, keeping the interior cool and comfortable.
The coming together of vertical and horizontal lines gives a sense of youthful exuberance to the box-shaped house perfectly fitted for a rectangular plot of land. Grayish-black checker plates act as a double skin that prevents heat and filter sunlight, keeping the interior cool and comfortable.

Vazzan had looked for the right location for years before he came across this piece of land by accident. “I was driving one afternoon and got lost. As luck would have it, I made a turn into this side street and found a house listed for sale right there in front of me. The land was 53 square wah (212 sq. m.). I thought about it for a night and went back to settle the deal first thing the next day.”

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After a consult with Jun Sekino of Junsekino Architect and Design, the rest was history. Jun Sekino was his favorite architect, who continued to translate his ideas into reality.

“Vazzan wanted this house built for a small family with two kids.” He was single at the time. It sounded ridiculously dreamy to me. But once finished, the Tinman House reflected both the homeowner’s character and a living space that’s raw, something in its true state not pretending to be more palatable than it actually is,” said Jun Sekino.

A modern Buddhist altar is made from a laser-cut metal plate, giving a raw and sleek look, which goes well with the house's materials and linings.
A modern Buddhist altar is made from a laser-cut metal plate, giving a raw and sleek look, which goes well with the house’s materials and linings.

The rectangular house plan offers 415 square meters of space for practical and effective use. The stairway works as a core ventilation stack. The linear interior hallway distributes functions to all the rooms.

The first floor has a carport, a welcome area, living room, dining room and kitchen, while the second is divided into a library, workroom, dressing room and guest bedroom. The quiet and more secluded third floor holds a master bedroom and children’s bedroom. On the fourth floor lies a sky garden with a peaceful lounge offering privacy.

The open entranceway adopts traditional Asian-style flooring to suit the modern environment. The outcome is an airy area that feels comfortable without air conditioning.
The open entranceway adopts traditional Asian-style flooring to suit the modern environment. The outcome is an airy area that feels comfortable without air conditioning.

On the whole, it’s a creation based on form-follows-functions and ergonomic concepts. For best results, the homeowner participated in planning every step of the way. He questioned every detail so that all the building designs performed the function tailored to his needs.

Bright yellow epoxy flooring in the dining room; the color is chosen to encourage an appetite. A mirror panel connects the dining room to the living room. Louvers are installed from floor to ceiling. So the wind can flow through and the view outside can be seen.
Bright yellow epoxy flooring in the dining room; the color is chosen to encourage an appetite. A mirror panel connects the dining room to the living room. Louvers are installed from floor to ceiling. So the wind can flow through and the view outside can be seen.

Minimalist design appears not only in its look, but also in the house’s functionality. There are no door knobs. Instead, bolts are applied for every door in the house. Isn’t that exciting? It’s been a while since we last saw a bar that slid into a socket to fasten the door and window.

The kitchen combines a striking red color with a raw, industrial style. The counter boasts the beauty of simplicity in the form of polished concrete finishes. Supplies are stored inside built-in checker plate closets.
The kitchen combines a striking red color with a raw, industrial style. The counter boasts the beauty of simplicity in the form of polished concrete finishes. Supplies are stored inside built-in checker plate closets.

Overall, the decoration is done in a loft style that brings out the true nature of materials. Reclaimed timber recycled from the old demolished house find new purposes as a gigantic bookshelf (0.60 x 29 x 3 meters in size), a work desk, a bedside table and flooring materials, to name but a few.

There are plenty of ideas that take modern loft decor to the next level. Built-in furniture is all custom made, pushed up against the wall to create a roomy living space. The pieces are made from industrial supplies, for example, water pipes, metal plates, expanded metal grating, and checker plates.

More so than anything else, it’s the use of primary colors that adds a refreshing change to the home — red, yellow and Majorelle blue.

A loft-style guest bedroom is ready to welcome his “don’t drink and drive” friends. Shelf-like metal bunks with mattresses have enough room to sleep two people comfortably.
A loft-style guest bedroom is ready to welcome his “don’t drink and drive” friends. Shelf-like metal bunks with mattresses have enough room to sleep two people comfortably.
[Left] An expanded metal mesh door adds an airy feel to the dry part of a bathroom. Polished concrete finishes paired with a stainless steel bucket make a simple set of wash basin and counter. [Right] A red custom-made metal door breaks the rawness of unpainted concrete.
[Left] An expanded metal mesh door adds an airy feel to the dry part of a bathroom. Polished concrete finishes paired with a stainless steel bucket make a simple set of wash basin and counter. / [Right] A red custom-made metal door breaks the rawness of unpainted concrete.
A roomy workspace on the second floor can be seen in full view through a rope net hung in the middle of the third floor. The wall on the west side is filled with an array of bookshelves, which as a whole provides a buffer against heat.
A roomy workspace on the second floor can be seen in full view through a rope net hung in the middle of the third floor. The wall on the west side is filled with an array of bookshelves, which as a whole provides a buffer against heat.

Taking everything into account, the building external envelope is clear and simple, while interior design is lively and fun. All the spaces and functions are interconnected to serve everyday needs. No doubt it’s a perfect home for a small modern family.

Sharing his slice of paradise, Vazzan said: “Because I travel a lot, I’m very happy when I have a chance to stay home. I love every corner in this house. Each of them is designed having me as its center. It’s thoughtfully devised to be simple, practical and timeless. Even in the next 20 to 30 years, it will always be a contemporary home.”

The stairway is painted Majorelle blue, an indelible visual impression Vazzan experienced during a recent trip to Morocco.
The stairway is painted Majorelle blue, an indelible visual impression Vazzan experienced during a recent trip to Morocco.
Simple master bedroom décor affords a warm, relaxed atmosphere. The headboard is adorned with a laser-cut metal plate featuring dragon and swan design. The metal bed frame is designed by Vazzan himself.
Simple master bedroom décor affords a warm, relaxed atmosphere. The headboard is adorned with a laser-cut metal plate featuring dragon and swan design. The metal bed frame is designed by Vazzan himself.

Before we say goodbye, Vazzan has a piece of advice for those planning to build a home of their own. “The owner has to take part in the design, because he or she is the heart of the house — The Tinman House included. The heart of a home is borne by its owner.”

Viewed from the top, a spiral staircase in Majorelle blue connects the dressing room to the bedroom on the second floor.
Viewed from the top, a spiral staircase in Majorelle blue connects the dressing room to the bedroom on the second floor.

Owners: Vazzan and Dr. Kanjana Tirangkura

Architect: Junsekino Architect and Design (www.junsekino.com)

Co-designer: Vazzan Tirangkura


Visit the original Thai article…

TINMAN HOUSE เพราะหัวใจของบ้านคือ เรา


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