Modern Tropical House Archives - Page 7 of 9 - LIVING ASEAN

T House: A Stylish Home in Cha-Am at the Cutting Edge of Modern Design

By livingasean
February 22, 2017
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Phetchaburi, Thailand /

/ Story: skiixy / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Soopakorn Srisakul / Styling: Prapaiwadee /

Searching out the best places to get inspired? Here’s a modern home with a smart, edgy ambience in Cha-Am, a seaside district in the southern part of Petchaburi. Once a quaint little town, the area is renowned for its beautiful beaches and charming fishing villages-turned-getaway destinations only a short drive from Bangkok.

Avant-garde in every aspect, the house is spacious and comfortable, thanks to an open-concept floor plan that’s airy and practical in a special way.

The common area where everyone enjoys the good times together as family is a roomy dining space with double height ceilings. The dining table is at the center of the home, and it can easily change when more space is needed.

There are chairs on one side of the table and a handcrafted bench on the other that can disappear underneath, turning it into a spacious countertop capable of many functions.

The downstairs room also has smart folding partitions that separate bedrooms at the rear of the building from everything else. When fully open, all the living areas merge into one open-concept social space for the whole family.

Designed with the sun and wind in mind, the front façade is glazed using clear glass to take in panoramic sea views.

For indoor thermal comfort, the bedrooms and sitting area on the upper floor are positioned in the coolest part of the home that blocks the direct light from the sun all day. Where necessary, double layer window treatments are installed to create a subdued color and light in the interior.

Seen from a distance, the cube-shaped home boasts a captivating contemporary appeal. Its simply amazing façades of engineered wood in light color rises amid green fields with trees and bushes under a blue sky. All told, it’s a home that’s handsome on the outside and cozy on the inside, a welcome contrast to what we’re seeing around the charming small town of Cha-Am.

Owner: Paul Sripongpao

Architect: IDIN Architects (www.idin-architects.com)

Visit the original Thai article…

T HOUSE บ้านวิวสวนและทะเลชะอำ ที่ห้องนอนทุกห้องเปิดหน้าต่างมาเจอกันได้ทุกเวลา

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Nong Ho Holiday Home: Tranquility in the Midst of Nature

Modern Steel House a Perfect Fit for Tropical Climate

Sustainable Living in a Tropical House

By livingasean
February 16, 2017
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Samut Prakan, Thailand /

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

/ Photographs: Apilak Suksai, Pratya Chankong /

No air conditioning, no TV, no problem. Introducing a delightfully charming Tropical house that embraces green living authentically within the local context and character of a coastal area where the tide meets the Chao Phraya River.

The allure of an enchanting Tropical ambience is reason enough for a couple from far away to call this part of Thailand home. This modest yet perfect home belongs to Alisa Tang, a journalist, and her other half, photographer/graphic designer Landry Dunand.

Call it serendipity, perhaps? US-born Alisa returned home to the learn more about her roots, but ended up staying after falling in love with Bang Nam Phueng, a Samut Prakan suburb renowned for a green lifestyle and plenty of smiles.

What a difference a location made! It didn’t take long before the couple decided to put in a home and got it ready in time to welcome their baby girl.

House-on-stilts design blends well with the atmosphere of a fruit orchard at the water’s edge. Interior living spaces are upstairs, while downstairs is set aside for Landry’s photo studio and still has plenty of room left.

The absence of electromechanical air conditioning, not even a TV, speaks to a strong resolve to contribute in their small ways towards reducing carbon footprint. The signs of sustainable living and life hacks inspired by nature are evident in a composting sawdust toilet and the use of solar energy for water heating. Bicycles provide clever alternatives to spending time wasted on long commutes.

Made for a hot and humid climate, the wooden house was crafted by local carpenters who were experts in correct building orientation as a means to harness daylight and control glare on the building surface. With a knowledge of wind and sun directions, they were able to align it to reap every health benefit the already serene location had to offer.

By design, high ceilings increase the perception of space, create indoor thermal comfort and make this Tropical house aesthetically appealing. All things considered, it’s a secret to growing a happy family and this modest abode in an orchard takes sustainable living to the next level.

Owner: Alisa Tang and Landry Dunand

Visit the original Thai version…

บ้านไม้ไทยในสวน อยู่สบายแบบไม่พึ่งแอร์

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A Calm and Peaceful Wood House at the Water’s Edge

Snug Steel Home Built between Aged Existing Wooden Houses

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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Modern-Vernacular Design of a Thai-Isan Countryside Home in Udon Thani

A Modern Box-Style Home with Tropical Garden View

By livingasean
February 6, 2017
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Bangkok, Thailand /

/ Story: Wanoi / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Soopakorn, Nantiya /

Looking for a beautiful box style for your dream house? Here’s a box-shaped house inspired by the ethos of “form follows function” plus the beautiful panoramic view of an exotic Tropical garden. For lack of a better word, it’s a perfect combination of visible shape, color and texture, and practicality that happens by chance and ends in a happy and beneficial way.

Patchara Wongboonsin, the project architect at POAR, said that he didn’t have a particular style in mind when he started examining and evaluating different designs for the new home.

At the time, charm and good looks weren’t that important. He just wanted to create a practical, well-functioning house. After much deliberation, he had the winner — a modern box-style home that brings on the happy vibes by letting nature permeate.

“The house isn’t meant to be photogenic,” said Patchara when asked about some elements of design. “Everything and every component part has a reason for its existence. Take for instance the big steel beams upfront that make the house look rather unique. They are there for a future expansion plan.”

Overall, the interior is plain and uncluttered. Every living space and function is well thought out keeping in mind the movement of the sun and the amounts of light that change throughout the day.

Like so, the washrooms, storage space and essential maintenance work rooms are located in the west side of the house plan where the heat of the afternoon goes to work removing stuffy odors and preventing moisture damage.

There is no need for air conditioning or electric lights during daytime hours, which translates into big savings on utility bills.

The master bedroom enclosed by glass walls affords a beautiful view of the courtyard garden abundant in Tropical plants and exotics thriving luxuriantly. It’s exemplary of integrated design that blurs the boundaries between indoors and outdoors. The result is an amazing panorama that the homeowners enjoy in the comfort of their bedroom.

A beautifully crafted stairway hides behind the wall for good reason. It’s obvious the architect didn’t want anything in any way, shape or form to interfere with the relaxed ambience of the living room.

Kids’ bathrooms are the most colorful parts of the home.

For charm, good looks and the interior that’s pleasing to the senses, a palette of natural, earthy colors is used. The walls are painted a soft shade of gray to enhance special effects from nearby green spaces. The architect also uses wood jambs and engineered oak wood flooring to create warm interior spaces.

Architect: Ornnicha Duriyaprapan, Patchara Wongboonsin of POAR (www.facebook.com/poar.company)

Visit the original Thai version…

บ้านโมเดิร์น ที่พึ่งพิงธรรมชาติเพื่อตอบโจทย์ฟังก์ชั่นการใช้ชีวิต

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Living with Cats in a Beautiful House in Malaysia

By livingasean
January 30, 2017
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Petaling Jaya, Malaysia /

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

/ Photographs: Sitthisak Namkham /

Ever wonder what a dream house for cats looks like? Here’s a perfect place to find happiness and fulfilment in life for kind pet owners and their feline friends. This new house in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia is obviously designed with cats in mind. The front façade is wrapped in galvanized expanded metal mesh from top to bottom to protect the cats from wandering off or going into harm’s way.

Sharing his slice of paradise, Chan Mun Inn of Design Collective Architects (DCA) said: “I live with my wife and our seven cats in this house.

“There used to be only four, but I adopted more cats. So I ended up with seven of them. They were the reason that we left our old apartment in the city and built a new home in the suburb.”

He made the right decision. The apartment back in Kuala Lumpur was a bit chaotic. The new house in suburban Petaling Jaya, Selangor turned out to be a convenient and practical solution. Now he can work in the comfort of his new home and occasionally go to meetings in the city.

In the process, the quality of life for him and his family, as well as that of the cats, has improved markedly.

The overall design got its inspiration from Rumah Melayu, or the vernacular dwelling of the Malays. The new place of residence differs from traditional residential design in that it’s built of modern materials, utilizing new technologies.

The new home boasts high ceilings for a light and airy feel. Correct orientation allows it to take advantage of certain aspects of the surroundings. Take for instance, the pinnacle of the steeply pitched roof, which is set at an angle that effectively shades the house from the scorching afternoon sun.

This results in thermal comfort in the interior living spaces. Like the house on stilts done in accordance with tradition, the ground floor is set aside for a carport, storage spaces, and a gym, while the entire upper floor provides ample spaces for modern living.

The front façade covered in expanded metal mesh is built that way for a very good reason. It protects the cats from wandering off, getting lost or going into harm’s way.

In the meantime, they keep the domestic feline population from coming in contact with stray cats. Plus, attention to detail ensures that every door closes securely. Even door knobs are carefully thought-out so that no cat can open them.

Petaling Jaya — The entire wall is covered in beautiful brickwork. Natural tones and rough textures make the 10-meter-high wall look very interesting.

The home office offers maximum workspace, while the bedroom is cool and restful. Unmistakably very good ideas!

Thoughtful design ensures that surrounding landscapes can be seen in full view from the master bedroom. Well, at least for now. Everything changes. “The view from my bedroom will be the same until someone buys those hills,” said Chan Mun Inn with a smile.

This has been the story of kind pet owners and their feline companions, who had to choose between suburban and city living. With less traffic and more natural surroundings, they have made the right decisionb. In such a beautiful home, they can live happily ever after.

Owner/Architect: Chan Mun Inn of Design Collective Architects

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The Clever Home Office Restoration of Studio Bikin

By livingasean
January 25, 2017
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia /

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

/ Photographs: Rithirong Chanthongsuk /

Every teardown has an impact on the look and feel of the environment in which you live. If you find your suburban home outdated, perhaps this renovation of Studio Bikin’s home office is an inspiring way to breathe new life into it.

This two-story house is the home office of Farah Azizan, co-founder of Studio Bikin. It is located in Bangsar, a residential suburb on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur.

“The house was built in 1950, almost seventy years ago. The structure is solid, and everything else is in good shape,” said Azizan.

“There is a simple, timeless elegance to it. So, I decided to do a complete renovation, combining a home and an office in one.”

Azizan tried to keep all existing elements and structural integrity intact, making the house capable of withstanding the desired loads for long life.

Metal grilles on the windows and doors and floor tiles were left the way they have always been. To create an airy interior living space, parts of the walls on the first floor were removed.

Meantime, glass louvers were retained to aid in heat dissipation, improve air circulation, and allow plenty of natural daylight.

The owner added the loft style to the design by putting in cracked concrete wall textures for a little bit of a grungy, urban feel. Special techniques helped make the ceilings and walls look interesting.

This was achieved by lining the mold with plastic wraps before concrete was poured. Wrinkles in plastic sheets left their marks on concrete surfaces resulting in aesthetically pleasing textures.

Tricky space staircase: The treads may differ in shapes and sizes from one step to the other, but the stairs are safe to use. — Tricky space staircase: The treads may differ in shape and size from one step to the other, but the stairs are safe to use.

The decorating style is anything but obvious. The interior space of Studio Bikin’s home office boasts a mix-and-match style that goes together well with a modern loft ambience.

This is evident in a set of a teakwood sofa and leather butterfly chairs, and shelving filled with glistening utensils silhouetted against a textured concrete wall.

The handsome abode has been home to more than one generation, yet there is a timeless elegance to it. The house of Studio Bikin has undergone complete renovation for comfortable living with modern amenities. Clever home improvement hacks have made it unique, trendy and cool in its own special way.

Owner/Designer: Farah Azizan of Studio Bikin (www.studiobikin.com)

Mash-up: Industrial Design and Green Space of Walllasia

By livingasean
January 19, 2017
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Bangkok, Thailand /

/ Story: Monosoda / Rewriter: Phattaraphon / English version: Peter Montalbano /

/ Photographs: Nantiya, Jirasak /

Cold black steel may not seem an obvious pairing for green plants, but one award-winning architect of Walllasia has matched the two in a unique and impressive way.

“Steel and the natural world present an interesting conflict to me,” said Suriya Umpansirirat, winner of the Silpathorn Architectural Award and owner of the design studio Walllasia.

“My childhood home was a rice mill in Phatthalung. I grew up playing ‘fix this, fix that’ in an industrial plant, but set in the midst of trees my father had planted.”

Adding to his compact two-storey house, he used a unique design based on childhood memories. The rawness of the black steel comes across as part and parcel of nature, meshing easily with the green leaves all about. Structural lines here are simple and straightforward, but full of architectural finesse.

When Suriya needed to expand his 64-square-meter townhouse, he bought and annexed the house directly behind, allowing no more width but creating two times the depth.

Between the two, he created a courtyard where the sun shines in. A metal frame is set like a ring around the courtyard, separating the two structures without physically attaching them to each other.

Every spot in the house has many varieties of plants and trees, looking as though they have sprung up naturally.

There is an automatic drip irrigation system which prevents water waste and also saves a lot of gardening time.

A workshop for artifacts and inventions. A big bike sits, waiting for a ride.

Suriya’s passion for nature’s fine details complements another side of him, which has him creating fine crafts in the workshop. His own artworks and a plethora of inventions and artifacts have become part of the house.

This award-winning architect of Walllasia has also done a lot of work on many religious sites, and this influence keeps his home a “work in progress”, never entirely finished, and saturated with Buddhist concepts and thought.

“Religion is about how to deal with human life,” he spoke about his inspiration.

“Each religion has a philosophy for finding happiness. Architecture grows from that: how can we express our own esthetics without encroaching on others? I tried to design this house to look simple and straightforward, for comfortable living without too many frills. For me, practical considerations are what’s important.”

Perhaps for a person of passion, practical living shouldn’t involve hoarding or accumulating, but reduction, or letting go instead, until what is left is the core essence of a home.

Owner/Architect: Suriya Umpansirirat of Walllasia (www.walllasia.com)

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A Beautifully Renovated 60-year-old Mid-City HouseShipping Container House amid an Enchanted Forest Garden

A Light and Airy Home Goes Big with Lush Tropical Gardens

By livingasean
December 26, 2016
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Bangkok, Thailand /

/ Story: ATH / English version: Peter Montalbano /

/ Photographs: Sitthisak Namkham / Styling: Pakhawadee Pahulo /

Set among lush greenery and a relaxing atmosphere, this light and airy house with gardens brings the whole family closer to nature.

After living in an old house on this same plot for 30 years, the Srijakarin family bought additional parcels of land and rebuilt a comfortable home with gardens for three generations of family members.

The newly rebuilt house is divided into three parts. The first is the old house, which was set aside for the owner’s parents. It was remodeled with the comfort of older people in mind.

The second building is a two-story house where the owner lives with his family, and the third a modern Tropical-style structure with a relaxing, resort-like atmosphere. The couple keep their belongings and stay here during weekends and holidays. In the fewest possible words, it’s about reconnecting with nature at home.

The front yard is in the English style characterized by neat, clean lines. There are park benches set in corners and trees in zones, while bright flowers thrive in large weathered stone urns.

The inner zone is a Tropical rainforest garden. There’s a good-sized waterfall and the gentle sound of a small brook. The garden is filled with verdant green mosses under the shade of trees carefully selected with the help of the landscape architect.

It’s not easy to put together a landscaping combination like this, but in the end a skillful and artistic integration of components, textures, patterns, and colors brought about a lasting and unified harmony of two garden styles – English in the courtyard, and Tropical forest upfront.

The living room showcases the beauty of open-concept design, while a double-height ceiling gives the feeling of openness and relaxation, all with a view of the garden.

[Left] The multipurpose room has a big natural wood table ready for all sorts of activities, from casual work to comfortable pleasure reading. / [Right] The pantry is in white, designed for increased light and a feeling of space and comfort.

The dining room is ringed by glass to let in natural light during the day. The dark furniture color reinforces a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

All things considered, it’s a house with beautifully landscaped gardens that’s the perfect fit for an extended family, an expression of pleasure and the combined happiness of the three generations that live here.

[Left] The master bedroom is furnished in a chic, fashionable way that invites relaxation. / [Right] The downstairs bathroom has a classic décor, with natural stone floor, walls, and washbasin counter. To one side, mirrors give a sense of spaciousness.

For an elegant and practical look, pantry décor is primarily in natural materials and colors.

Architecture/Interior Designer: Architecture and Interior Office Co., Ltd. (AIO) by Kowit Suriyporn (www.aiodesigns.com)

Garden Design: Worawut Kaewsuk

Visit the original Thai version…

ความหมายของ…ที่อยู่ ณ บ้านโมเดิร์นบรรยากาศคลาสสิก แห่งนี้

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A Modern Lake Home in a Peaceful Country Setting

A Modern Steel Framed Home at the Water’s Edge

A Carpenter’s Home Embraces the Perfect Mix of Wood and Concrete

By livingasean
December 19, 2016
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Rayong, Thailand /

/ Story: Tawan / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Soopakorn Srisakul /

In the midst of a verdant oasis stands a contemporary home with bare concrete walls and wood decoration. It blends perfectly well with a peaceful country setting in Rayong, a province on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand.

wood and concrete home — The home consists of two buildings rising in perfect harmony with nature, thanks to the raw look of bare concrete finishes.

“I used to live in the house next door. One day this home was up for sale, so I bought it because I liked the design and the decoration,” homeowner Prom Duangkai said with a smile.

“I gave it a complete makeover, turning it into the kind of dream home that I have had for a long time. Old house poles and full-grown trees on the property were left pretty much intact. Upon completion, I sold the old house and then moved over here.”

The hobby lobby: The owner’s favorite hangout is the front porch, where time goes by slowly and is spent working on creative projects. It has all desirable qualities - ease of care, plenty of natural light, and good ventilation. — The hobby lobby: The homeowner’s favorite hangout is the front porch, where time goes by slowly and is spent working on creative projects. It has all desirable qualities – ease of care, plenty of natural light, and good ventilation.

There are two buildings on the property. The smaller, one-story wing abutting on the street in front serves as work room and space for receiving houseguests. It has a spacious front porch that is being used for hobbies and carpentry work.

Good ventilation paired with plenty of natural light turns the area into ideal workspace. Walk in the door, and you find simple living room ideas and decorative pieces crafted mostly of wood. Every piece fits in well with the raw appeal of naked concrete finishes in the room.

Upfront, bi-fold doors open all the way from one side to the other, making the room feel light, airy and comfortable all day.

“I designed everything myself, from the basic structures, to furniture, to décor. I like bike riding and making road trips to reconnect with all that nature has to offer. It is about a longing for good times and going back to the beauty of our natural home,” Prom said.

“I’ve always wanted to incorporate the raw feel of wood and bare concrete finishes in the design. It’s a way to create a living space that syncs with the rhythms of nature. That’s the reason for choosing naked materials. Then, I put in large windows and doors so that the garden can be seen in full view from inside.”

[Left] Awning windows provide better protection form the elements and create a natural ventilation effect. [Right] Big rocks placed one on top of the other make a set of steps that connects the porch to the side yard. — [Left] Awning windows provide better protection from the elements and create a natural ventilation effect. / [Right] Big rocks placed one on top of the other make a set of steps that connects the porch to the side yard.

Prom added that he was a big fan of DIY furniture and handcrafted decorating items. Besides saving a lot of money, they can be custom-made to meet specific everyday needs. Every now and then he created one-of-a kind furniture and décor items in this way. They might look unfinished and far from ideal. But that’s exactly what gives them the power of giving delight.

A twig anchored to a home office desk serves as rack for hanging hats and tchotchkes from a lifetime of carpentry. House and garden publications that are his pastime are kept here.

Move on to the second building. It’s a two-story place of residence that shares the same characteristics as the first building.

The exterior walls are of naked concrete finishes mixed with wood. There’s an element of surprise though. An opening in the second-floor balcony allows a Pride of India tree (scientific name: Lagerstroemia speciose) to rise from the ground up and shoot right through reaching for the sky.

Here, nature has priority. It’s the homeowner’s favorite shady garden nook, where time goes by slowly. It’s a place to sit down sipping coffee taking a break from pruning trees in the yard.

The front porch offers plenty of space for potted houseplants, including miniature succulents and bonsai trees.

In retrospect, it’s amazing to think about all the benefits that trees are giving us humans. Particularly at this house, they provide a refreshing change and the inspiration the homeowner needs to satisfy his passion for wood. Needless to say, it’s an enchanting place to live and work.

There is nothing like spending the afternoon riding around on his bicycle looking for new ideas. Oftentimes he runs into something worthwhile to take home. Twigs and other found objects sometimes make great décor materials. — For the homeowner, nothing beats a bike ride around the neighborhood in the afternoon. Oftentimes he runs into something worthwhile to take home. Even twigs and tiny found objects sometimes make great décor items.

Owner: Prom Duangkai

Visit the original Thai article…

บ้านปูนเปลือยชั้นเดียวของช่างไม้ ที่ปลูกแทรกไปกับพืชพรรณรอบบ้านอย่างลงตัว

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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

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