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Villa Sati: A Country Retreat Breathes in the Energy of Nature

By livingasean
January 31, 2021
HOUSE,LIVING

EN / MM

/ Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand /

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

/ Photographs: Soopakorn Srisakul /

Here’s an intimate country villa peacefully nestled in the wooded hills of Nakhon Ratchasima. The big mountains of Khao Yai National Park that’s a UNESCO World Heritage site can be seen from miles around. The house that merges into countryside vernacular offers an unbroken view of sugarcane fields and, beyond, the scenic beauty of islands in the sky.

The breezy and bright house in the fields belongs to Thanachai Ujjin, aka Pod, lead singer/song writer for the Moderndog band. To him this means everything. It’s a place to live al fresco and enjoy the benefits of fresh air and sunshine away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

His favorite hangout is a gallery along the side of the house, where he likes to sit under moonlight at 2 in the morning. Precisely, nature is on his doorstep.

The house plan is symbolic of modern Tropical architecture. It’s spacious, calm and uncluttered. Here, the atmosphere is so peaceful that Thanachai himself likens it to that of a far away temple. It’s the brainchild of Nattapak Phatanapromchai, of Erix Design Concepts Co., Ltd, an architectural practice based in Bangkok.

The minimalist place of abode is aptly named “Villa Sati”, or the House of Consciousness, so as to communicate the state of being fully awake and aware of oneself and one’s surroundings. Shining under the moonlight and starry skies, it has a spacious gallery along the outside of the house that’s perfect for walking meditation, which the artist and his Mom often do together.

Sharing his little piece of paradise, Thanachai 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.”

As one would expect, their country retreat is made for peaceful, simple living. Here, the artist and his Mom have plenty of time for their favorite pastimes – make art. And the house plan is thoughtfully devised to do exactly that.

Seen from a distance, gable roof design proves a perfect complement to the loggia along the outside of the building overlooking the garden. Elsewhere, gorgeous open-concept floor plans increase natural light and bring the outdoors into the home.

Walk in the door, and you find the stand-alone Butterfly Stool, a 1954 icon of Japanese industrial design by Sori Yanagi. A short distance away, a minimalist bedroom looks out over the sugarcane fields stretching as far as the eye can see. Straight ahead is a kitchenette that connects to a living area large enough for several purposes.

For lighting and good ventilation, a set of stairs next to dark clapboard siding has no risers between the treads. It provides access 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.

To create a flexible interior space, movable furniture comes in handy to establish zones and enhance traffic flow in the home. 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.

Commenting on design details, architect Nattapak said the gallery along the outside of the house affords a beautiful panorama of the lush mountain landscape.

At the same time, large openings in the walls allow fresh air to enter, creating air flow and bringing down ambient temperatures to the point there’s no need for air conditioning. Plus, the gable roof with extended overhangs effectively protects the gallery along the outside from sun and rain.

To add rustic charm to the home, the architect did away with the fascia, or the wooden boards covering the far ends of roof rafters. It’s a technique to highlight the framework supporting the roof as is often the case with the Thai style of residential architecture.

At the same time, wood shingles covering the roof are made beautiful by special paint for a real custom effect, while cement board sheathing is installed underneath to protect against leaks.

The building’s structural 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 truss. For a neat appearance, the side posts of every doorway and glass wall frame perfectly align with gable-end studs. The result is a beautiful country villa with clean design in the midst of scenic surroundings.

For strength and durability, 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 serves as load-bearing foundations.

Technically speaking, the house-on-stilts design is ubiquitous across countries in the Tropical climate. It provides good ventilation under the floor, a brilliant way to keep the home cool all year round. By and large, it looks the epitome of traditional Thai house design, one that’s easy to look at and comfortable to live in.

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’s a kind of design that 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 of mine. The wide open spaces of the countryside are hugely rewarding for me as an artist.”

Architect: Nattapak Phatanapromchai of Erix Design Concepts

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A Glass House with Spectacular Mountain Views

By livingasean
March 14, 2017
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand /

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

/ Photographs: Soopakorn Srisakul /

When it comes to embracing the great outdoors from within, nothing beats this house with glass walls all the way around. Aptly named “Baan Asai,” literally a house to live in, the modern living space in Nakhon Ratchasima is crafted with skill and imagination to achieve one goal – soak up the spectacular mountain views. The homeowner, Issaraporn Prasongkij, designed this residential cluster herself.

An interesting amalgam of the traditional and the modern, the two-story home was built fast thanks to advancements in metal tech industries. Metal became the primary building materials for two reasons – shorten construction time, and in turn avoid any negative impacts on the environment.

From a distance, the house looks like the coming together of three mirror cubes, each serving specific purposes. To minimize reflections on glassy and metal materials, the architect chose to cover them with hip roof design in pleasing shades of brown. The muted earth-tone colors not only gave the house a comfortable feel, but also enabled it to blend into the natural surroundings.

Because the outside walls are transparent, much of the house’s interior can be easily seen outside. The beauty of it lies in the detail of furniture, fittings, and other decorative accessories.

The owner and her husband handpicked these items for their cozy appeal, from area rugs to cushions and throw pillows to porcelain sets. They even designed some of the items themselves and had them made to specification.

To take in a panorama of the surrounding mountains, all the exterior walls are glazed using clear glass mounted on aluminum framing that takes priority over any other building materials.

The first floor living room boasts double height ceilings that rise as tall as 10 meters from the floor to the apex. Close at hand, an alfresco leisure corner and dining space with an island kitchen counter lie within easy reach from the carport.

With good reason, areas that require privacy, such as bedrooms with en suite baths, are partitioned off from the rest. The house’s two bedrooms are tucked away in the innermost part of the second floor with sweeping views of the Khao Yai Mountains.

The couple also has plans to build a community of urban residents who have come to call this part of the country home. They are looking at a form of co-housing similar to the ways of life of the Thai people in times past. It’s interesting to see how such a fascinating scene will unfold in years to come.

Owner/Designer: Issaraporn Prasongkij

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บ้านอาศรัย ความเป็นโมเดิร์นที่รายล้อมด้วยธรรมชาติ

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Baan Suan Athisthan: A Contemporary Vernacular Home in Sync with Nature and Community Life

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A Pretty Little House Nestled in the Lush Green Countryside

By livingasean
March 8, 2017
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand /

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

/ Photographs: Soopakorn Srisakul / Styling: Pakawadee Pahulo /

Handcrafted of Siberian cedar, timber from a large tree in the pine family, this tiny wooden cabin looks amazing. It’s built with skill and the right material at Khao Yai, Nakhon Ratchasima. Needless to say, it’s ideally suited to a variety of lifestyle needs, whether it be a refocused life in the city, or a perfect getaway in the countryside.

Like a series of small serendipities coming together in a happy way, the homeowner already had a piece of land on a forest edge. And the wood cabin design came in handy to turn her dream into a picture worth a thousand words.

“I wanted a small house and was glad to get one built on a limited budget,” said homeowner Warapon Punnahitanon.

“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 wooded 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.

The modest single-story design comes with a bedroom, living room with a kitchenette, and a bath. On the exterior, a relaxed front porch is hemmed in by green spaces with plenty of fresh air from a nearby wooded hillside. The small kitchen belies her true passion, an unfailing love for cooking.

The interior reveals a lifetime of journeys manifested in the mix-and-match home décor featuring beautiful ornaments and tchotchkes from flea markets across the globe. Experience as a flight attendant no doubt culminates in such a lovely ambience.

Carefully thought out, the small cabin design leaves plenty of outdoor spaces for gardening and recreation. For visual continuity between the home and surrounding landscapes, colorful native plant species thrive, blending seamlessly into the wooded hillside. Together they give the pretty little cabin irresistible charm and character. Who would have thought it’s a ready-made from the factory?

Owner: Warapon Punnahitanon

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บ้านไม้ที่มีความสุขอยู่เต็มไปหมด

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1.618 Khaoyai Residence: Modern Houses in Sync with the Rhythm of Nature

By livingasean
February 24, 2017
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand /

/ Story: Wanoi / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Soopakorn, Nantiya / Styling: Prapaiwadee /

A lot is happening in the retail real estate market, and many interesting projects are in the making in the immediate vicinity of Khao Yai in Nakhon Ratchasima Province. The scenic area of countryside known for its lush mountain landscape has emerged as a favorite holiday destination and site for property development. It’s preferred before all others of the same kind, the reason being it’s only a little over an hour’s drive from Bangkok.

Khao Yai modern houses — A stepping stone garden path with a view of the mountain landscape.

One of them is a housing development with a name that will capture your imagination. Known as 1.618 Khaoyai Residence, the project takes its name from the golden ratio commonly used in modern designs.

It promises modern houses that sync with the rhythms of the mountains and valleys of Khao Yai, and its front-and-center concern is about supporting human health and the natural environment in which it’s located.

Embracing an eco-conscious approach to residential development, 1.618 Khaoyai Residence seeks to integrate natural and built environments into one whole typically to the advantage of both. This line of thought is evident in the way it treats mountain scenery like paintings on canvas, into which modern pieces of architecture blend, creating a harmony between human and nature.

The Veranda model, one of seven house types on offer by 1.618 Khaoyai Residence.

The project offers seven house types, among them the “Veranda” which has received warm approval for its roofline that emulates the delightful contours of the wooded, lush landscape. To make the roof appear lightweight and blend with the surroundings, the project engineer chose wood shingles over terracotta or ceramic tiles not only for the top covering, but also for the building’s external envelope, particularly the front facades. The result is a house plan with pleasing uniformity in design.

On the whole, it’s house-on-stilts design that combines form with function to create a cozy living space for the Veranda model. To this effect, all the rooms are easily accessible from the 23-square-meter semi-outdoor room. It’s a good spot for family gathering, chilling out and soaking up the beautiful hillside ambience. Being not too far from Bangkok, the location is equally good either as a mountain escape or a family residence. Either way this Khao Yai modern houses project looks to be a win-win.

Architect: Archive Studio (www.archivestudio.org)

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Country Villa Breathes in the Energy of Nature A House Under the Pines in Vietnam

Contemporary Home in a Calm, Peaceful Forest Setting

By livingasean
February 10, 2017
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand /

/ Story: Wuttikorn Suthiapa / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Thanakitti Khamon, Nattawat Songsang /

This contemporary house looks like it’s crafted entirely of timber, thanks to effective use of color, texture and techniques to create interest. It stands hemmed in by the healthy foliage of tall trees in Nakhon Ratchasima, a province in Thailand’s Northeast.

A few years back when her family planned to build a new house, architect Kanika Ratanapridakul was assigned to the task. It was the first time she had to work directly with local builders and suppliers.

At first, things didn’t go quite as smoothly as expected, but it was a mission accomplished nonetheless. The key to success lies in being a bit more flexible to ensure things get done right, on budget and on schedule.

“This home may have some imperfections, but it has the same good quality as the other projects I have been involved in previously,” said the architect, adding, “It feels natural and relaxing.”

To create a serene wooded landscape for her home, Kanika came up with a better idea. She had experience growing single-species stands of trees, dealing with homogeneous woods in the past. But this time, she thought differently.

And the result of all this, the house now stands surrounded by a mix of tree species, with a different set of characteristics, ranging from Indian cork to mahogany to bamboo.

A heterogeneous mixture offers many benefits. In no time they grow and mature to become a healthy ecosystem, turning the landscape into a little forest. At ground level, the land is covered by shrubs in bright tones, including Minnie roots, or popping pods, and pinto peanuts.

Evergreen foliage along the perimeter fence shades the bedroom from the heat of the afternoon sun.

The architect chooses house-on-stilts design for its warm, intimate feeling and better air circulation. Its open concept living area makes for flexible space utilization.

To create the look and feel of a wooden home, real timber is used only in areas that people always pay attention. They include the floors, ceilings, stairs, handrails, and wood paneling walls opposite the bedrooms.

As she puts it, that’s enough to create an easygoing wooden ambience, despite the fact that main building materials are concrete and metals. It’s about making effective use of available resources.

Solid wood panels make up decorative walls in the bathroom opposite the bedroom.

modern house Nakhon Ratchasima — Bench railing design incorporates the guard rails and deck seating in one solid piece.

“Wood impacts feelings and emotions. It makes the house feel warm and comfortable. Plants are one of the two groups of living organisms. They come into being, live and thrive just like us humans,” she said.

Many brilliant ideas went into making this modern house in Nakhon Ratchasima cozy and inviting. Yet it’s not flawless. Ironically it’s the imperfections that makes it perfect for the forest setting.

Architect: Kanika Ratanapridakul of Spacetime Architects Co., Ltd. (www.spacetimearchitects.com)

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A Lively Safari-Inspired Mountain Escape at Khao Yai

By livingasean
December 7, 2016
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand /

/ Story: Tawan / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Soopakorn Srisakul /

This pristine mountain retreat at Khao Yai, Nakhon Ratchasima evokes a flashback of Safari scenes in the 1985 film “Out of Africa.” It consists of a group of buildings that merges into the lush green contours of geography and topography of the area. A stream runs through it. The relaxing sounds of a babbling brook are soothing to the mind as it moves under the canopy of tall trees into a larger tributary somewhere far away.

safari house Khao Yai — The first building, nicknamed the Clubhouse, serves a dual purpose as a welcome area and common room open to everyone. Its funky yellow façade is adorned with reclaimed timber recycled from an old ship hull, evoking pleasant memories of an installation art show.

“I like being by the sea. Mountains are not my kind of place. But this location changes everything. It’s different from other places. There’s a small stream flowing through it. The gentle rush of water flowing enlivens the entire natural surroundings,” said homeowner Piset Chungyaempin, who is executive chairman at Piko (Thailand) Public Company Limited.

Here, ecosystem health takes precedence. To transform his property into a perfect holiday home, Piset avoided cutting down trees the best he possibly could. He has a plan. With a smile, he said: “The house is a holiday retreat for now, but in the future we can live here long term.”

“The kitchen is probably the most expensive part of this house,” Piset said with laughs. “It is designed to look as if it had been around for some 50 years. The cooking range, for example, is a new technology remade to imitate the Retro style of the recent past. It stands in perfect harmony with the general ambience.” — “The kitchen is probably the most expensive part of the house,” said Piset. “It’s designed to look as if it had been around for some 50 years. The cooking range, for example, is a new technology remade to imitate the Retro styles in times past. It stands in perfect harmony with a relaxing vintage ambience.”

In sync with the rhythms of nature, the house plan twists and turns around the existing trees. The homeowner made a choice from a range of possibilities. Instead of one big house in the woods, he chose a design consisting of three smaller buildings. The result is a charming trio that’s comfortable, warm and welcoming, plus a sense of space and privacy.

The first building has two levels, which Piset nicknamed “The Clubhouse.” It serves a dual function, as a welcome area for entertaining guests and a common room for use by anyone at any time. There is a mid-sized kitchen with a hint of cool country vibes on the first floor.

The second building holds a rustic home living space by the water. At present, it’s a living room setting. When needed, it can easily sleep up to four people. Piset’s favorite nook is the front porch overlooking a carp fishpond and a small stream nearby. He plays the guitar and does his hobby projects here sometimes.

The building that houses Piset’s private residence has turns and angles intended to avoid cutting down trees on the property. The floor plan allows for nature to permeate the living spaces to the max.

The master bedroom is spacious with a bed made of old wood in it. “Like a fortunate stroke of serendipity, it’s by chance that I came across old railroad ties listed for sale. They were very heavy and needed seven to eight people to transport them up here,” said Piset.

The front porch that overlooks the carp fishpond is Piset’s favorite hangout. It is where he plays the guitar, or just relaxes in the comfort of a wicker chair that he brought over from the old house. — The front porch overlooking a carp fishpond is Piset’s favorite nook, where he likes to play the guitar, or just relaxes in the comfort of a wicker chair that he brought over from his old house.

Piset named the third building “Tarzan’s house.” His son lives here. It’s a one-bedroom house on stilts designed to look like a treehouse.

There is a small pantry for making simple meals and a balcony that doubles as a lookout post. Its most interesting feature is the hydraulic powered staircase that’s neatly stowed away when not in use. It’s like he’s actually living somewhere up there in the treetop.

[Left] A bathroom countertop crafted of reclaimed wood brings out the beauty of raw natural textured finishes. [Right] An old bookshelf speaks volumes for the homeowner’s personal interests. It’s filled with publications on guitars, boats, and Safari style decor. All things considered, it is a small world embracing Safari themes and colors that Piset has come to love. It is a living space rich in spirits of adventure and memories of enchanting experiences. — [Left] A bathroom countertop crafted of reclaimed wood brings out the beauty of raw natural textured finishes. / [Right] An old bookshelf speaks volumes for the homeowner’s personal interests. It’s filled with publications on guitars, boats, and Safari style decor. All things considered, it is a small world embracing Safari themes and colors that Piset has come to love. It is a living space rich in spirits of adventure and memories of enchanting experiences.

Taken as a whole, it’s a group of three buildings that differ greatly from one to the other. Nonetheless, they share a few common characteristics — a mix of Moorish, Safari, and rustic country styles. Decorating items for the most part reveal a taste for the beauty of raw textured finishes, while furniture comes in the Antique style.

Owner: Piset Chungyaempin

Visit the original Thai article…

กลมกลืนกับธรรมชาติใน สไตล์คันทรีซาฟารี

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Blog : Khao Yai

Villa Sati: A Country Retreat Breathes in the Energy of Nature

A Glass House with Spectacular Mountain Views

A Pretty Little House Nestled in the Lush Green Countryside

1.618 Khaoyai Residence: Modern Houses in Sync with the Rhythm of Nature

Contemporary Home in a Calm, Peaceful Forest Setting

This contemporary house looks like it’s crafted entirely of timber, thanks to effective use of color, texture and techniques to create interest. It stands hemmed in by the healthy foliage of tall trees in Nakhon Ratchasima, a province in Thailand’s Northeast.

A Lively Safari-Inspired Mountain Escape at Khao Yai

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