/ Story: Ekkarach Laksanasamrich / English version: Peter Montalbano /
/ Photographs: Soopakorn Srisakul /
With bamboo as its main material, the architect has integrated the modern Tropical design into nature. This well-ventilated house in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is the brainchild of John G. N. Bulcock of Design Unit Architects Sdn. Bhd. Though the theme is modern Tropical, Bulcock preferred not to limit his idea only to the word. “Actually, I’m not interested in defining it. I’m more curious to look into the floor plan, the atmosphere, and the functions. And I like it the way it is,” said the architect.
A concrete roof spanning 15 meters across provides protection for the sitting room, dining room, and bedrooms.
Fung Kai Jin, the owner of this bamboo house in Malaysia, gave Bulcock freedom to design. The only request was to feature bamboo in the work, although the material has some flaws of its own.
[left] The swimming pool and terraces lie at the low end of sloping ground surrounded by full-grown trees. [right] The door is especially made to open wide from one end to the other. So, the view is not blocked.“Bamboo is a gift from nature,” said Fung. “It is strong and durable to a certain extent. But it has some weaknesses. It doesn’t last as long as other kinds of wood, or steel and concrete masonry, and it requires more maintenance than other materials.
“But for those who have a penchant for bamboo, I think it’s worth the effort. After all, you get to spend time in the house that you love every day.”
The sitting room has high ceilings. The upstairs TV room is protected from the sunlight by a bamboo lattice.Spaces between the walls promote good air circulation.
Bulcock then decided the house has to be an integrated one. “The main idea is to make the house an integral part of the nature,” he recalled. “Meaning, it has to blend well with the land features and trees around it. So the plan calls for plenty of open spaces and undisturbed materials, such as plain concrete finishes, glass, and bamboo.”
Imitating nature with a rain garden, the architects put in a nice little green al fresco oasis on the second floor.A semi-outdoor area stays cool and comfortable all day, thanks to leafy plants and underground vapors.
The three-story house was set on a slope. So, Bullock placed a carport and a main entrance on the second floor for practical use. The floor consists of a dining room, kitchen, TV room and a wide balcony overlooking a swimming pool. The lower floor includes a home office, living room, storage room and a maid’s quarter. The private area is reserved on the third floor.
The bedroom is adorned with simple decoration. Plain concrete walls and white ceilings spice up the atmosphere. The floorboard is made of hardwood for durability and a stress-free environment.
The house is kept small and uncluttered by dividing into rooms connecting through a roofed hallway that spans over 15 meters across the area. A small interval between the roof and the building is allowed for the rain and the sun shining in.
There are also gaps between the main roof and nearby rooms to promote good ventilation. Fresh air circulates throughout the day through passageways and gaps in the bamboo lattice. Courtesy of the Tropical weather, there is no need for an air-conditioning machine for this bamboo house in Malaysia.
The architects install bamboo lattice in the interiors as well to create visual continuity.Fixed windows at the top edge of dining room walls allow light to shine through, while effectively keeping the heat out.
“As it rains, a fine spray of water descends upon bamboo lattice. When the owner chose this kind of material, he accepted that wet weather is normal,” Bulcock said
“Call it living close to nature. We need to plan which part can be exposed to the rain and vice versa to avoid damage to the structure over time.”
Large windows in the son’s bedroom make the interior very light and airy. The swimming pool below can be seen in full view from here.
All things considered, this bamboo house in Malaysia is a good example of what living close to nature should look like.
For maximum exposure to the natural surroundings, stair railings are crafted of glass panels.
/ Story: Supachart Boontang / English version: Peter Montalbano /
/ Photographs: Sitthisak Namkham /
The design of this modern steel house fosters a harmonious relationship between man and mother nature. What presents itself as a chic, cubic steel structure draws its inspiration from traditional homes in the neighborhood and the lifestyles characteristic of the people in a locality.
The materials selected for this house are primarily recycled. The use of steel structures enables rapid construction, aligning seamlessly with the Dry Process approach.
For the most part, the house is made of recycled building materials adapted to suit a new use. Among them is the steel structural framing that reduces building time and noise pollution on the job site, making it suitable for dry construction.
The homeowner, Thitiwoot Chaisawataree, who is an architect and professor of architecture at Kasetsart University, shared the following with us:
“My parents wanted to transform the storage building at the back of their house into a relaxation room for hosting friends and relatives. The renovation plan involved dismantling and repurposing parts of the old structures that were no longer needed.
“The plan also emphasized adapting materials from past projects for use in a different purpose. They included hollow cement blocks, glazed tiles, electrical switches and outlets, paint, cast iron decorations, spiral staircases and steel rod fencing. And as the result of all this, a bright and airy modern steel home was created.”
The area beneath the house is spacious and well-ventilated. A long wood bench securely mounted on H-shaped steel framing is a perfect addition to the entrance of the building.
To lower humidity and enhance air circulation in the home, the floor was elevated to a plinth height above the natural ground level. Hardwood flooring materials were scarce. It was fortunate that the homeowner had purchased these materials and stored them for eight years prior.
They included wood planks 20 inches wide, 2 inches thick and 5 meters long that were used to build hardwood flooring. The design stipulated that none should be cut. One advantage of reclaimed timber is its low humidity content and reduced vulnerability to insect infestations.
Lightweight building materials were chosen since the renovated home rests on the original, long-standing foundation. The foundation sits on older pilings, which are shorter and have a limited weight-bearing capacity.The master bedroom boasts a variety of features, ranging from a workspace and sitting area to a cozy nook for relaxation.
The newly renovated home, spanning approximately 100 sq. m., is spread over two floors. The ground floor encompasses the primary open-plan living area. The second floor, which can be reached through a staircase outside the first-floor corridor, houses a bedroom, sitting room, workspace, and bathroom.
The architect, reflecting on his project, said: “Despite the ceilings being lower than usual at around 2.30 meters, the sitting area feels spacious. It draws inspiration from traditional Thai-style homes which prioritize creating living spaces in harmony with the environment, rather than emphasizing decorative elements.
“With this in mind, even a box-shaped house can be adapted to incorporate such design principles.”
Reclaimed wood planks find a new use as flooring materials on the first level. The use of movable furniture allows for future updates to meet the changing needs for space.
Speaking of the current trend in urban design, the homeowner wrapped up his perspective about this modern steel house very nicely.
“I’ve observed that today, we often face challenges in integrating the environment seamlessly into our home design. We’ve distanced ourselves so much from nature and, consequently, become more reliant on energy for various necessities, such as air conditioning and insulation.
“It seems we’re prioritizing the aesthetics of our home’s exterior over a design that naturally shields us from environmental factors. Over time, when we realize that the house doesn’t meet our needs, we consider expanding our living spaces. Ill-conceived designs can sometimes result in aesthetically displeasing outcomes.”
[Left] The contrast of orange with black enlivens the interior living spaces. / [Right] A perforated cement block wall promotes effective air circulation.
“Specifically for the Thai lifestyle, a comfortable home is one that’s tailored to the needs of its residents. Even better if the functional spaces are adaptable, allowing for potential future expansions.
“Simultaneously, the Tropical hot and humid climate of Thailand should be a primary consideration in home design. Comfortable interiors stem from design that harmoniously coexist with nature. Well-conceived floor plans ensure optimal air circulation and offer protection from the elements. It’s advisable to steer clear of materials that retain excessive heat.”
Like sunshine after rain, the interior spaces evoke memories of traditional Thai houses from days gone by.
/ Story: Ekkarach Laksanasamrith / English version: Peter Montalbano /
/ Photographs: Soopakorn Srisakul /
There are ways to bring the outdoors in and enjoy the benefits of nature without ever leaving your home. Likewise, a concrete house in Malaysia named Sekeping Tenggiri has embarked on the journey to establish a sanctuary for the mind.
The building has been lovingly restored using steel structures. Leveraging steel technologies offers a fast and convenient alternative in construction.
Located in Jalan Tenggiri, a district of Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur, the house graces a modest plot of land. Nonetheless, the homeowner adeptly integrates a plethora of natural features into the design for a look that blends seamlessly with the environment.
Plants and natural light work harmoniously to soften the stark surfaces of building materials, creating a warm and well-lit ambiance.
The house belongs to Ng Sek San, who is the founder of Seksan Design, a landscaping and architecture firm in Kuala Lumpur. He told us that the house was a renovation of two adjacent homes skillfully transformed with a clean sweep.
Ng is also an art collector, which is evident in one side of the house dedicated to an enviable art collection that’s open to the public with no admission charge.
For visual continuity, the architect makes use of the same building materials on both the exteriors and interiors.
The two-story home boasts a comprehensive range of functional spaces, including an ample sitting room, dining room and kitchen, complemented by a refreshing swimming pool and seven bedrooms.
An experienced landscape architect, Ng started out with a modest garden while working on this house. Over time, he progressed to larger projects, smoothly integrating exterior and interior spaces so that they become a whole. To him, a garden is a room, and his exterior design spaces resemble extensions of the interiors.
The ground floor showcases a dining room seamlessly connecting to the swimming pool and the garden at the far end. The canopy of tall trees ensures a constant flow of cool breezes throughout the day.Both the floorboards and concrete roofs maintain a thickness of 10 centimeters in general. Where appropriate, they are reduced to 7 centimeters. Meanwhile, strategic gaps ranging from 5 to 10 centimeters exist between the ceiling and the top edge of the wall to facilitate effective ventilation.
An exemplary illustration of Modern Tropical style, Sekeping Tenggiri is designed to mitigate heat and prevent moisture-related issues. Long overhangs and awnings provide protection against scorching sunlight, while exposed roof sections and plain floors contribute to a clean and simple aesthetic.
Materials such as concrete masonry, bricks, wood, and steel were utilized, with the main structure being steel-reinforced concrete. The thoughtful incorporation of nature into the living space is evident in details like raising the floorboards 40 centimeters from the concrete floors, promoting air circulation that naturally cools the upstairs bedrooms.
Opaque walls are replaced by glass louvre windows that usher in light, creating airy interiors. Transparent materials in parts of the roof facilitate ample sunlight, particularly over the swimming pool.
The master bedroom on the second floor exudes simplicity and raw elegance. Exposed brick walls, unrefined concrete floors, and expansive windows spanning from one corner to the other seamlessly integrate with the natural surroundings, ensuring visual continuity.Who says the space underneath the window must be an opaque wall? That’s not the case here. Louvre windows are utilized to improve air circulation.A raised floorboard accommodates new plumbing in the bathroom. The dry section showcases a diverse range of materials, while the wet section opts for easy-care products like tiles—a smart choice for practicality.
As has been demonstrated, Sekeping Tenggiri features numerous passageways that facilitate air movement. They include the spaces between wooden floorboards and along the corridors, plus openings in exterior walls. These design elements not only enhance ventilation, but also contribute to the house’s uncluttered and incredibly relaxed appearance.
[Left] Skylights above the bathroom foster the flourishing of indoor plants. / [Right] The integration of the house with the surrounding vegetation creates a harmonious blend. Undoubtedly, the use of natural building materials contributes to comfortable living conditions.
/ Story: Wuthikorn Sut / English version: Bob Pitakwong /
/ Photographs: Soopakorn Srisakul /
“We want a Thai-Isan style home, the kind that not only embraces vernacular design typical of the Northeast but also fits in well with the social and cultural environment,” said homeowner Pierre Vermeir when asked about his traditional-style country home in Udon Thani’s Baan Dung District. Having lived in Thailand for a long time now, Pierre is quite at home with the Thai way of life. He is also passionate about the warmth and hospitality indigenous to the region.
The new house that’s warm and full of character sits on land that has been the family home of Nittaya Pansamdang, Pierre’s better half. When the home they’ve lived in needed repairs, the couple thought it wise to go for a complete teardown to make room for a new one. And that’s where Kanika Ratanapridakul, of Spacetime Architects, came into play and turned ideas into a reality.
A proper plinth height protects the house floor from direct contact with moisture, while the front porch offers plenty of room for family hanging out together. Plus, there’s the quality of being positive in attitude. Friendly neighbors shout out greetings as they pass by in the late afternoon.
“Pierre wanted a Thai-style house, a wooden one that’s comfortable to live in and not too big. He made that clear from the get-go,”Kanika said.
“As I got around to working on it in earnest, it became clear that the country home was for me as well. It was more suited to my character than other types of design. So it made communication easy because we ended up pursuing the same line of thought.”
A low-profile platform bed is in keeping with the culture in which sitting on the floor is the norm, a polite way that has had pride of place in society since ancient times.
The first floor raised at plinth height boasts an airy hallway reminiscent of the unique ground-level living space of a house perched high on sturdy poles. The exterior walls are crafted of timber in clapboard patterns alternating with glass louvre windows and fiber cement boards. The three types of building supplies were the materials of choice for their simple, clean appearance.
“The house is built strong using ordinary building supplies and methods no different from others in the community,” said Kanika. “It’s the coming together of the right materials, the skills, and well-planned design on a budget, resulting in the perfect form, color and texture that merge into countryside vernacular.”
A louver window with glass slats operated by a hand crank opens to let light and fresh outdoor air into the upstairs washroom.The shower room is made of wood and concrete with smooth finishes. Polished concrete surfaces protect against humidity and seepage, while louvre windows, aka jalousie windows, improve ventilation.
Pierre is obviously pleased with the result. The beautiful country home in Udon Thani stands in peaceful harmony with the rural landscape. To ensure there is no obstruction of view, the boundary fence formed by densely growing bushes and shrubs is kept at the right height.
Taking everything into account, the house plan is truly a breath of fresh air. Upstairs, balconies with deck bench seating in the front and back look out over the surrounding countryside. Downstairs, simple clean decks and patio ideas enhance the garden view and offer visual continuity connecting the home with others in the community.
The front façade, especially, overlooks an outdoor area where children from within the neighborhood run and play.
Upstairs floorboards extending outward keep the sun off downstairs living spaces and surrounding wood patio. Characteristic of vernacular design, a small washroom at the far end provides added convenience to semi-outdoor living.Relaxing on the backyard patio while children are having fun exploring the neighborhood.
From a design perspective, the home represents a juncture where vernacular and contemporary styles are married. The house main frame is built of H-shaped steel beams for strength and durability, while the layout, build quality and visual elements are quintessentially Northeastern Thai, aka Thai-Isan.
On top of its pleasantness, the house is created for easy, comfortable living, physically and mentally.
Asked how he finds living out in the country, Pierre says: “It’s not the same. Imagine living in Bangkok and then making a trip to visit family in Udon. Life would have been different.
“Compare that with having a home in Udon and commuting to work in Bangkok from time to time. The latter makes sense. It is comforting to know there is a country home awaiting your return, one that is peaceful, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.”
Typical of Thai-style homes in earlier times, an open concept floor plan results in the living room, dining room and kitchen fusing together forming a united whole.
“I want a simple country lifestyle. After all, life isn’t about just me alone. It is about reaching out and interacting with others in the community. And that is what makes Thai-Isan culture unique and warm. There is a touch of country in the lifestyle, and I find that delightfully charming and attractive.”
The kitchen comes fully equipped to handle all kinds of cooking big or small. Louvre windows allow good ventilation making clouds of smoke and odors fast dissipate.
Pierre now commutes a few times monthly between Bangkok and his new home. In future, he intends to live permanently in Udon Thani. Here, life just gets more fun hopping on a motorbike ride to a nearby market and back.
He enjoys cooking and inviting friends over for dinner. Occasionally he entertains visitors from overseas. Speaking of which, it seems a new trend is fast rising as more people are looking forward to living “life in the slow lane.” To Pierre, that’s life.
Light and airy interiors are the hallmarks of vernacular architecture of Isan, or Northeastern Thailand. Here, several key features work together as engine that drives natural ventilation keeping the house cool and comfortable. They include high ceilings, no risers between the treads of a stair, large wall openings, and unobstructed balcony spaces and railings.
/ Story: Supachart Boontang / English version: Bob Pitakwong /
/ Photographs: Sitthisak Namkham /
This house on stilts in a riparian neighborhood just off of Rama 2 Road represents a confluence of ideas between traditional craftsmanship and modern technology. There is timeless elegance and beauty in traditional design that provides an ample relaxation space on the open lower floor. The second floor features a wood balcony large enough to be used for several purposes, while the third holds a quiet, more secluded living space.
The three-story wood and concrete home features a mix of traditional and contemporary designs highlighting simple, clean lines that are easy on the eye.
On the outside, long eaves overhanging the walls of the building protect the interior from the elements, while solid walls shield the home from intense glare of the sun. The result of all this is a comfortable indoor environment.
Nanthapong Lertmaneethaweesap, of the Arsom Silp Institute of the Arts, designed this home as part of an affordable housing program for the institute’s most valuable assets — their teachers. The program has aided the teaching staff in owning a home of their dream, hence the name “Baan Bang-Gru”, meaning houses for the teachers.
He said that for the most part a house plan based on simple design is the most comfortable to live in. That has a lot to do with finding the right balance between functionality and the house’s overall dimensions – or how big it is. Easy living can be achieved without spending a fortune on sophisticated decorative details.
Inspired by the rice granary in former times, the house’s exterior wall features upright studs on the outside and wood paneling on the inside. The hardest part is making reclaimed wood panels fit in with the new design.
Our documentary crew visited this house in the waterside area just off of Rama 2 Road that was famous for its simple lifestyle. We witnessed people go about their business in ways that were distinctive to a riparian community. We also noticed that change was just around the corner.
Overall, the design and build quality of the house represented the combination of ideas between traditional knowledge and technology of the modern era. Interestingly, it was like is a journey through time.
The charm of a riparian wetland. The house at the water’s edge strikes the right balance between traditional and contemporary designs. Here, it makes a refreshing change to be able to live close to nature.
Charatsri Sribumrungkiat, the homeowner, said: “I acquired this piece of land thanks to assistance from the Arsom Silp Institute of the Arts. It was part of an effort to provide affordable housing for the institute’s instructors. The program has aided the teaching staff in buying a piece of real estate at cost price, hence the name “Baan Bang-Gru”, which means the teacher’s home.”
Family members are all smiles with the Thai-style ranch home in the backdrop.
Nanthapong added: “In my opinion, this piece of land has great potential. It affords good views both of the lake and the waterway that runs past the rear of the property.
“The house’s front façade rises facing south, and the building is oriented along the east-west axis. This enables it to reap the health benefits that come with southerly winds.
“The house plan in itself fits in very well with the waterside setting. Its house-on-stilts design provides an ample relaxation space on the open lower floor. The second floor features a wood balcony large enough for multiple functions, while the third holds a quiet, more secluded living space.”
The rear of the house affords a view of lush greenery and a peaceful waterway. The designer puts in a gallery large enough for multiple purposes. The covered loggia provides plenty of relaxing outdoor spaces and keeps the house cool all year round.
Occupying 120 tarang wah (480 sq. m.) of land, this house on stilts boasts high quality craftsmanship, albeit built on a small budget. This is possible because as much as 90 percent of lumber supplies came from reclaimed wood and other recyclables. New lumber used in the project accounted for only about 10 percent.
The homeowner attributed the success to his sister, who was good at finding recyclable ideas and putting them to good use around the house. This not only saved a lot of money, but it also filled the home with cool pieces of furniture.
Reclaimed wood left over from other projects is used in making a covered gateway separating the serene courtyard and the car park.The house elevated on concrete piles provides ample multi-use spaces on the open lower floor.
By design, the open lower floor is a feature that makes life less stressful. It provides easy access to practically everything, from the little lake in front of the property, to the peaceful waterway behind it.
It is the area that is used all day every day for relaxation, dining, tending plants and pruning trees in the garden. Plus, correct building orientation ensures the home receives the full benefits of natural ventilation especially during summer months.
The lower floor under the house lies open on all sides.
Originally the homeowners had intended to build a normal two-story house, but later decided to raise it on concrete piles instead. The change of plan resulted in the first floor becoming second, and the old second becoming third.
The main kitchen is on the ground floor. There is a good-sized sitting space with a small kitchen and dining room on the second floor that’s reserved for use in the event the ground floor is flooded. The third floor holds three bedrooms and a Buddha room.
A waterfront piece of ground is used for growing an herb garden. Earthen jars are placed underneath the gutter to harvest rainwater for use when needed.
The exterior walls are inspired by the rice granary in former times, in which vertical studs are installed on the outside and horizontal wood palettes on the inside. The edge joint technique that has existed for a long time ensures the wall is water impermeable during rains.
A minimalist staircase without risers between the treads creates good ventilation and a lightweight look. The same treatment applies to balusters and handrails crafted of steel rods.A beautiful array of windows opens to take in the view and plenty of fresh air. Narrow window design is used instead of side railing as protection against falling.
On the whole, it’s a beautifully crafted house on stilts, one that fits in perfectly with the peaceful riparian landscape on the outskirts of Bangkok. The interior living spaces are uncluttered in keeping with the minimalist style, while the exterior showcases the architecture, waterfront lifestyles and experiences unique to this part of Central Thailand.
The loggia with crisp waterfront views is the family’s favorite hangout place and multi-use outdoor room.
/ Story: Supachart Boontang / English version: Bob Pitakwong /
/ Photographs: Rithirong Chanthongsuk /
From the outside, this cube-shaped home with a swimming pool as the centerpiece looks like a combination of three overlapping boxes. Distinctive simple line design sets it apart from the rest in the neighborhood. The hall just inside the front entrance is well connected to all living spaces around it. Based on the form-follows-function principle, it’s thoughtfully devised to create a seamless transition from room to room, plus easy access to all intended functions and amenities.
The three-story white home with a cool undertone stands at the center of the property. Homeowner Thin Thin Lwin was on hand to show around. Asked about her thoughts on inspiration, she said:
“Just the two of us, my husband and I, live here. The home was built on what used to be a vacant lot. To begin with, we didn’t want a place that was going to be too big for our needs. We wanted just enough functional areas with easy access to other parts of the house, kind of like keeping with long established traditions from the past.
“By happy chance, I have a friend who is an architect, and the rest is history. Stephen Zawmoe Shwe and I have been good friends since we were kids. So we asked him to design it.”
The boundary fence made of concrete features large openings at intervals to improve the flow of air in and out of the property.An array of window awnings protruding from the exterior wall protect the interior from heavy rain and increase its energy efficiency.
Have a look around the first floor. The overall effect is impressive. The house with a subtle shade of white looks like three dimensional shapes coming together neat and clean. The interior at the front of the house is light and airy thanks to double height ceilings.
It’s two stories tall to be exact. There is a sense of interior elegance. The spacious, well-ventilated hall is well connected to other rooms around it. One of them, a living room, is clearly separated from the dining area and kitchen.
An outdoor louvered awning on the front façade protects the interior spaces from scorching sunlight and improves the home’s general appearance. The exterior is kept simple, modern, and fuss free.Just inside the front entrance, a stepping-stone pathway stretches across the pool. Double height ceilings and transparent partition walls make the atmosphere bright and lively.There is visual and spatial continuity from the cozy dining area all the way to the pool and beyond.
The second floor has two spacious bedrooms, each with a private balcony to take in the view and cool breezes. The swimming pool below is clearly visible from here.
Other than that, interior design emphasizes crisp, clean lines and white tones that go together well with shades of gray. Furniture comes in warm earth tones that enhance the charm of natural wood flooring.
Transparent glass walls create a warm, welcoming atmosphere in the bedroom. There are windows that open to improve air circulation and bring in cool breezes.
[Left] Louvered awnings under the roofline provide added privacy and protect the second-floor bedrooms from intense heat during the daytime. / [Right] Venetian blinds behind glass walls provide privacy in the bathroom and control natural light.The third floor is a penthouse with a panorama of the city landscape. A peaceful place for relaxation with family, it’s great for stargazing in the dark of night. There is a large Buddha room on one side, where the homeowners come to pray and perform religious rites.
A corner of the penthouse has been remodeled into a reception area with marble countertops and matching bar stools.
All things considered, it’s simple clean line design that makes this Cube-Shaped Home in Yangon stand out in the rustic old town neighborhood. Well-thought-out planning ensures there are plenty of functional areas and modern amenities for comfortable living. Plus, it’s energy efficient thanks to passive cooling strategies, such as large windows that open to bring in cool breezes and natural light.
Where appropriate, louvered awnings are installed to minimize the amount of sun on the exterior wall. They reduce the workload on air conditioning and make the home perform as intended amid the hot and humid climate.
/ Story: Wuthikorn Sut / English version: Bob Pitakwong /
/ Photographs: Soopakorn Srisakul /
Here are twin houses designed for twins. They stand separated, physically at least, by a lively green courtyard garden. In a subtle way, the small outdoor room serves to strengthen the unbreakable bond between the two sisters. It stands for cordial relationships and passion in the form of a shared space that gets used every day. Taken as a whole, it’s about finding the right balance in life, creating harmony between preserving family traditions and bringing joy to the home.
The homeowner twins, Chutima Bunnumkitsawat and Chutimon Siriwithayarat, are now married. They live in separate households that share the same compound. As may be expected, the twin residences look amazingly alike. But they are two distinct entities. So we asked, and they answered.
“Originally, we had planned on renovating the property to suit the lifestyle needs of an extended family. By chance, my husband came across one of the designs by the architect and contacted him right away. We got down to the business of planning in earnest while the city was hit by a big flood in 2011.” Chutima said.
Three families meet in the center court separating the two homes.
She said that her family has lived on this property for three generations now, meaning those of Mom and Dad, the twin sisters themselves, and now the little ones.
Asked about design inspirations, Chutima said: “We both have kids roughly the same age. So family living spaces have got to be clearly defined. Simply put, we are two separate households now.
“The new twin houses are set on the same compound. Mom and Dad can be with the kids here or there. Bottom line, our children will get to grow up together.”
Viewed from the outside, the twin residences boast architectural features typical of simple clean line design. A center court separates the two while striking similarities keep them very much together.
Chutimon said that despite being two separate entities, the twin houses are subtly tied to each other in so many ways.
The playroom-cum-recreational space features a raised wood deck. It serves as children playground and has since become the family’s favorite hangout place.
Behind the perceived sameness, there exist a fair amount of differences. With their permission, we took a look around and found some different details “in the fine print”.
First, their lifestyles subtly differ. Chutima’s home features a design with an emphasis on vertical treatments that embrace the value of the family’s intimate living spaces. Patches of greenery in the vertical garden protect the privacy of the living room and nearby patio. Lush foliage makes for comfortable interior living spaces.
Then, on the other side of the courtyard, Chutimon’s home boasts open and light interior design featuring ample horizontal spaces. Reminiscent of traditional Thai houses in former times, the family interior living spaces look out over the center courtyard. The bedroom has a spacious balcony that has become the family’s favorite relaxing spot.
The spacious balcony outside the bedroom.
The semi-outdoor space by Chutimon’s bedroom has an array tall windows that afford a cityscape panorama when opened. When closed, the swing shutters serve as privacy curtains protecting the intimate living space. People inside can see out through vertical wood strips in the window treatmens, while outsiders cannot see in.
The awesome twin-house complex is the brainchild of designers Natasas Jeenphund and Yupayong Chaikachornt, of Poetic Space Studio.
As they put it: “The two homes highlight simple, clean line design. I want them to appear as two distinct entities. It is kind of like two well-pruned trees thriving side by side.
“In the meantime, it’s not about being totally separated. Basically, the plan is based on a design principle that aims to keep the two families very much together.”
In a nutshell, it’s a design that strikes the perfect balance between smart land use planning and architectural styles. More importantly for the twin sisters, it’s testimony to passion and the longing to be together and cherish the relationships made in heaven.
An outdoor area adjoining Chutima’s house lies protected by a lively green vertical wall garden shielding the home from too much sun and prying eyes.
“It’s a co-housing arrangement.Mine is more of a dynamic, full-of-life home. The house next door is my brother’s. It appears to be more private in the midst of a tranquil setting.“
Between the different spaces, natural radiance is all in the eclectic details. Despite its modern edge, the open seating area rekindles a fresh interest in terrace design of a Thai style home.
The homeowner, Suthiphong Pongpawasuit said I was kind of speechless for a bit when I heard him express his feelings about the co-housing house. It could be that I was expecting the most beautiful replies like always. No offense intended. It was the most honest and unpretentious of feelings.
“I could feel a warm and friendly atmosphere, and appreciate the meaning of “home” as he defined it. I have come to one that reflected the true personality of its owners.” The two houses are surrounded by pleasant grounds made the two brothers happy in their own way.
The two buildings brought out differences in their lifestyles and their preferences.
An array of overhead windows let a healthy dose of morning sunshine into the cozy seating area. Wrought iron detailing in the multiple-paned windows creates an interesting light and textural display on the surfaces below.
The first building
The first building belongs to Suthiphong. It is concrete chic based on a straightforward design. The walls are fabricated of unornamented concrete finishes and an interesting mix of textures and materials. Floating systems of electrical conduits conjure up images of an urban industrial loft apartment.
The interior features gorgeous living spaces. During the day, natural light shines through large overhead windows with wrought iron detailing, creating an amazing shadow play. There is a sense of visual continuity that connects seamlessly with the exterior as soon as the large door slides open.
On the outside, peaceful lush landscaping under a tree canopy can be seen in full view. On the inside, different furniture styles add a hint of interest in a subtle way.
Awesome overhead opening lets natural light into the relaxed living room and nearby stairway. Well thought-out design makes the area playful and inviting. The layout epitomizes a relationship of mutual benefit between the two brothers. What goes on in one house can be seen from the other.
Obviously, the co-housing house is designed for the local climate. Oftentimes we complain of too much sun, winds, and rain. But since we call this country home, why not make the most of the extreme weather conditions?
They are the natural appeal of this Region. That is why we see all natural elements being incorporated into the design scheme. Here, the sun, the winds, and rain are all taken into account in framing the house within a beautiful botanical border. That makes living in a co-housing house a life fulfilling experience.
The working area and nearby kitchen are neatly incorporated into the total living space. The interlinking design takes into consideration personal preferences and lifestyle.
The bedroom, which is supposed to be private and personal, is not exactly cut off from other living spaces. The awesome opening allows the guest area below to be seen in full view from the bedroom.
The second building
The second building belongs to Suthiphong’s brother, Kittiwat Pongpawasuit. Unlike the first house, it comes in a mix of white, cream, and gray tones, which together give it to a strikingly handsome appearance.
The design is light and airy and emphasizes a warm and peaceful atmosphere. Brick walls are painted white to minimize any alteration of natural light and color reflecting on the surfaces. The home, especially its living spaces, is all about enhancing a seamless indoor-outdoor relationship.
Crisp, clean landscaping can be seen all the way to the swimming pool, thanks to large single-paned glass doors that slide open and neatly disappear into the walls. The living room gets nice cool breezes from the swimming pool and is set facing north to avoid the harshest of the afternoon sun.
Exterior walls on the north side are open to natural light all day. Downstairs the seating space is made comfortable by nice cool breezes blowing in over the swimming pool.The swimming pool is literally a few steps from seating areas on the terrace. There is an unobstructed, gradual descent from the veranda to the garden.The easy-to-maintain kitchen design features a countertop crafted of unadorned concrete finishes. A red brick wall subtly separates it from the adjacent guest area. The bathroom is inspired by industrial loft design. Details are reduced to just clean, straight lines within the modest style.
Design relationship
The two designs may contrast in personality, but architect Kraipol Jayanetra of Alkhemist Architects found a relationship between them by opting for like materials, textures, and mutual décor ideas.
By this was meant the use of naked, unornamented concrete finishes, industrial-style electrical conduits, wood furniture, and a plenty of accent pieces.
The guest area of one of the houses lies fully open to bring in the outdoor atmosphere.
“I started out with something small but interesting, and worked my way up until I arrived at a complete unit,” said Kraipol.
That being said, every part of the co-housing buildings, be it vertical or horizontal spaces performs the functions it is intended. Overall, a great mix of patterns and textures makes the two houses appear in perfect harmony with each other. The difference is in the details.
[left] Playing with patterns light switches are installed in a way that they playfully mimic the appearance of a naked brick wall. [right] Shadow play wrought iron detailing create beautiful works of art at no cost by casting light and shadow patterns on the interior spaces.
This has been a story of two youthful homes in a co-housing house that coexist to complement each other. One is overflowing with life. The other is tranquil and handsome in its own way. They enhance and improve each other’s curb appeal, and set the stage for a simple fulfilling lifestyle.
To protect against the intense heat of the sun particularly in Thailand, perhaps it is wise to opt for double-layer roof design. It keeps homes cool by reducing the amount of radiation from reaching the interior living spaces. The vents between each layer allow increased air circulation and keep the heat out.There are so many ways to texture your walls and ceilings. If smooth, fine-grained designs are not your style, you might want to go for coarse-textured, more natural looking surfaces. One alternative is the naked, unornamented concrete that rough to the touch. The design is playful and full of life. Any rough surface, whether concrete or brick.
Marketing/Advertising Cookies – used to remember and process the relevance to your website visit in order to personalize contents shown including optimization of commercial advertising placements. For instances, we use this type of cookies to display commercial advertisements related to user’s attributes and interests as well as to limit how many times should a user see repeated advertisement in order to optimize and measure marketing activities. อ่านเพิ่มเติม
A Bamboo House Embraced by Nature in Pak Chong 
Turning a Cold 20-Year-Old House into a Bright and Airy Tropical Home
