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Klang-Pa: A Cute Little Café in the Woods Celebrates Nature and Truth to Materials

By kangsadank
December 11, 2024
CULTURE,DESIGN

/ Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand /

/ Story: Kangsadan K. / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: SkyGround Architectural Film & Photography /

Anyone for coffee? Here’s a little café aptly named “Klang-Pa”, literally translated “in the middle of the forest”. It’s nestled snugly in the woodland of Pak Chong District in Nakhon Ratchasima, formerly Korat. Telling the story of father and son bonding, the modern coffee shop is an add-on to an existing building belonging to the owner’s father. “Klang-Pa” is the brainchild of Context Studio, a Bangkok-based architectural practice.

Originally a thriving orchard, the land under the crisp, cool canopy of overhanging trees is home to the family-owned “Secret Art Garden and Galleries”. His father, who’s an artist, taught art here for many years. Now the son has decided to put in a small café to make it lively and fun, ultimately creating a positive atmosphere to enjoy coffee with a view of the natural surroundings.

And that’s where the architects from Context Studio come into play, transforming an empty plot of land into a little cafe in the wilderness. It bears some resemblance to a glasshouse with naked concrete forming the framework of upright pillars, beams and walls. They are chosen for their ability to withstand challenge on-site, including dirt, mud and stormwater in the rainy season. In so many ways, it shines like a work of art that chronicles the history of a family bound together by strong relationships and common interests.

From a distance, bare concrete walls and components of a structural system form a framework that supports and holds up the building. The room is completely enclosed by transparent glass paneling and rooftop skylights to admit light and allow people to see out. Like a lit torch casting flickering light through the trees, the glasshouse coffee shop is aglow under electric lights in the nighttime.

Wood plank concrete forms leave their marks on cement walls, adding unique textures to the cute little café.

Spaces between individual wooden boards create ridges and grooves in naked cement walls.

By design, the use of ordinary items conveys a great deal about Truth to Materials, a principle which holds that materials should be left in their raw or lightly finished state. Among other things, local wood in its organic shapes is used for concrete forms, resulting in the colors and textures that give great aesthetic pleasure. Small gaps between planks create narrow ridges and grooves on the building walls, bringing out a stunning light effect when touched by the sun’s rays.

Poured concrete is used for the framework and components of the building with a rectangular floor plan. Together they create simple and straightforward movements from the coffee bar and nearby wash basins to the casual, cool sitting area, to the set of steps at the entrance. The overall effect is impressive.

“Klang-Pa” has become a rendezvous to enjoy good coffee and appreciate the scenery of the natural world. Step outside and you discover nature’s dining room is always open. To achieve a neat appearance, plumbing is concealed within walls while rainwater is emptied through downspout systems inside concrete columns.

The cute little café in the woods is the story of a relationship between an artist and his son, who’s an aficionado of the finest coffee. With the help of a team of architects, it becomes a new destination offering an off-the-grid alternative to popular places while still reconnecting with nature, rich culture and family traditions,

Architect: Context Studio (https://www.facebook.com/contextinterior)

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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 Bamboo House and Medical Clinic Built into Nature in Pak Chong

By livingasean
December 18, 2017
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand /

/ Story: Napasorn Srithong / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Nathawut Pengkamphoo, Anupong Chaisukkasem / Styling: Suanpuk Stylist /

Here’s a bamboo house with contemporary appeal immersed in nature. The home that’s also a medical clinic belongs to Dr. Nopharat Pitchanthuk and his wife Kanyapak Silawatanawongse. Without question, his interest in the natural therapeutic concept is expressed in the warm and welcoming ambience of the home office. The orthopedic doctor provides specialized care for the musculoskeletal system in the comfort of home amid the rustic charm of the countryside.

Asked how all this was accomplished, the physician said: “Upon graduation from medical school, I taught medicine and operated a clinic in Bangkok for several years before coming out to Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima. At first, we opened a branch office in the city area just to get an idea about patient demands in the provinces.

“I was fortunate enough to receive help from a good, kind person senior to me. He wanted to help patients in the rural area gain access to medical care. So, he let us use a facility free of charge for the purpose of opening a clinic.

“After having done it for a while, we felt like we were overstaying the welcome. At the same time, we needed a facility that would be more relaxed and convenient for the patients – preferably a green space that’s well lighted, open and airy. I just didn’t want the patients to feel tense and unable to relax as was the case with a hospital visit in general.”

Dr. Nopharat said: “For a while, we went searching for a location that would suit our specific needs. In the end, we came to a parcel of land that Kanyapak’s mother had bought some 20 years back. It was an area of woodland filled with dense shrubbery and other plants,

“We had the area cleared to make room for a grassy lawn and new trees planted. The house was ready in time for a wedding ceremony to take place. Needless to say we have grown emotionally attached to it from day one. The new home and the medical clinic now provides medical care for people in the rural area.”

Brickwork alternating with timber in shades of warm earth tones adorns the dining area adjoining the kitchen.

Why bamboo? The homeowner couple wanted their house in modern style to fuse into the pristine rural environment. Naturally, bamboo was the material of choice for it was easy to find the price reasonable.

Bamboo is also strong and can be used proportionally to the weight for which it’s intended. It’s fast growing and readily available as a building material. While it’s prone to be affected by moisture and insects, it can last a long time if well maintained.

[Left] A large awning window opens up to connect with the outdoors. / [Right] A sofa set in shades of indigo paired with earth tones on the walls and floor reduces a monotonous regularity in the interior living space.

Different kinds of bamboo were chosen to suit different construction needs. Pai Tong (scientific name: Dendrocalamus), and Pai Sang Mon (Dendrocalamus Sericeus), two Tropical species of giant clumping bamboos common to Southeast Asia, were used for house posts and other load bearing structures.

Other parts, such as roofing, walls, and ceilings were built using smaller farmed bamboos. They were adapted to fit in with modern building materials for durability and the conveniences of modern living.

[Left] The roof comes in two layers to better protect the house from the elements. To blend with the environment, the top sheeting is made of asphalt shingles, while the underlayment is built of split bamboo paneling. / [Right] Giant bamboo poles, or Pai Tong (scientific name: Dendrocalamus) are chosen to give rafters and roof battens their strength and ability to shore up the weight.

Selected to suit specific applications, bamboo poles are not painted or dyed. They undergo treatment procedures to increase durability, which include a thin coat of protective oils. Light color oils enhance the appearance that blends well with the natural environment.

Bamboo isn’t the only thing that contributes to the house’s rustic appeal. It’s the feel and functionality that go into making it unique.

At the same time, house-on-stilts design protects it from humidity, and makes it suitable to build on uneven ground common to this area. The bamboo floor at plinth height serves as engine that drives natural air circulation, which results in indoor thermal comfort.

The clinic interior features an open floor plan with large windows designed to connect to the outdoors. Large transom windows and the roof opens up to allow plenty of natural daylight, which translates into big savings on electricity.

Designed to soak up the view of surrounding landscapes, Dr. Nopharat’s office takes stress and anxiety out of everyday work life.

As for the upper covering, a gable roof with long eaves unique to traditional Thai-style architecture protects the home from the elements. Inside, vertical bamboo paneling alternating with horizontal split bamboo sheets gives a sense of perspective, while plenty of windows and overhead transoms allow natural light into the room.

In a nutshell, it’s sustainable design that harmonizes with the natural world, a work of architecture based on traditional knowledge and the concept of a sufficiency economy. The bottom line is life is all about balance.

Owner: Nopharat Pitchanthuk MD and Kanyapak Silawatanawongse

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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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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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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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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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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กลมกลืนกับธรรมชาติใน สไตล์คันทรีซาฟารี

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By livingasean
November 23, 2016
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand /

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

/ Photographs: Soopakorn Srisakul /

Nestled in the countryside at Baan Rai Thawsi just outside of Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima, this light, bright and airy home is bursting with joy. Away from city lights, it’s built around a tree to reap the health benefits of fresh air, sunshine and cool trees providing shade in the environment. Here, the towering mountains of Khao Yai National Park to the south can be seen from miles around.

Seen from a distance, the transparent house façade is designed to take in an expansive panorama of countryside landscapes. The upper floor under a mansard roof holds calm and peaceful bedrooms.

Homeowner Piyaporn Taepaisitphongse was first introduced to Baan Rai Thawsi while her mother was attending a meditation retreat at nearby Baan Boon village, taught by the revered Buddhist monk Ajaan Jayasaro.

It’s easy to get why she came away impressed. Out in the foothills, it’s calm and peaceful. In her words: “Mom brought me here and I liked it. She wanted a country house, so here we are!”

A healthy tree thrives in the middle of the house plan, a focal point for people going from one part of the house to another.

Piyaporn’s mother added: “We built it here for a lot of reasons. As Bangkok people, we feel safe living in a housing development. Here neighbors watch out for each other, plus it’s a peaceful and comfortable atmosphere.”

This was certainly clear to our team. Most households are also practicing meditation, adding to the pleasant ambience.

In a creative way, the tree at the center of the house plan connects the home with nature. Nearby, concrete walkways around the building fuse into a single path reminiscent of classic Japanese design.

The walkway around the building connects people of different generations. For Grandmother, it’s a place for walking meditation. For the little ones, it’s a semi-outdoor area to run and play in.

Piyaporn said: “We wanted a place to live after retirement, when we get old. And Mother is making plans now. We like the design by Rujnumporn Keskasemsook, of Sook Architects. He’s the one who created this open and airy house.”

The tree at the center of the house plan blocks the sun’s harmful rays from penetrating the walls, keeping the living room cool and comfortable during daytime hours.

The kitchen conveniently connects to the dining room and living area, thanks to an open concept floor plan that promotes interactions and socialization processes in the family.

Architect Rujnumporn’s design also includes lodging accommodations for houseguests staying overnight and pathways to get out there and experience the natural surroundings firsthand. From the front, we get a wide view of the duplex style home that blends right in with the environment.

The downstairs external envelope is glazed using clear glass standing tall from floor to ceiling, surrounded by covered walkway systems that also double as a porch.

The upstairs is quiet and secluded, sheltered by a mansard style roof that makes the house feel roomy and light. The mansard boasts the beauty of subdued color combinations of whites and grays, adding to the home’s proper, orderly look. At the same time, the tree in the middle stands out from the surfaces, easily noticeable from afar.

The little children’s bedroom boasts bright furniture colors silhouetted against the walls in cool-toned white. As might be expected, the bed has drawers for storing toys.

Overall, interior décor is simple, partly because it’s a vacation home. Plus, the homeowner prefers it that way. Furniture for the most part is movable, except for the kitchen that contains built-ins for ease of maintenance.

Flooring and ceiling materials are made of dark-colored artificial wood, creating a visual contrast with the building’s glass enclosures. It’s a design that seeks reconnections with the natural world outside while creating a warm and peaceful ambience inside. In the evening, sunlight shining softly through the tree creates breezy patterns like poetry in motion on the white walls.

Easygoing décor in the bedroom with a slanted ceiling that matches the mansard roof. There’s quiet reading nook by the wall.

From the outside, the two wings stand separated by a tree in the middle of the home plan. One wing serves as small hostel with eight beds for guests; the other wing holds the family residence with a bedroom downstairs for Mother, and the other bedrooms upstairs for the homeowner couple and their little children.

The “house built around a tree” in Pak Chong seems like the perfect example of a co-living arrangement, one that gives special importance to family togetherness and the joy of staying in close touch with nature.

Little children enjoy tending plants thriving in the backyard garden; among them, sunflowers, okra, and other green vegetation. It provides a conducive learning environment for kids. Out here, nature is the best classroom.

Architect: Rujnumporn Keskasemsook of Sook Architects

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