Blog : stilt house

A Thai-Isan Style Home Showcases the Richness of Vernacular Design
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A Thai-Isan Style Home Showcases the Richness of Vernacular Design

/ Udon Thani, Thailand /

/ 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. 

Country Home in Udon Thani

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.

Country Home in Udon Thani
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.
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.

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“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.”

Country Home in Udon Thani
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 of wood and concrete in smooth finishes. Polished concrete surfaces protect against humidity and seepage, while louvre windows, aka jalousie windows, improve ventilation.
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.

Country Home in Udon Thani
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.
Country Home in Udon Thani
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.

Country Home in Udon Thani

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.”

Country Home in Udon Thani
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.
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.

Country Home in Udon Thani
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.

Owner: Pierre Vermeir and Nittaya Pansamdang

Architect: Spacetime Architects

Visit the Original Thai version…

บ้านไม้ในโครงสร้างเหล็ก ที่เล่าเรื่องไทยอีสานสมัยใหม่ในบริบทเดิม

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Baan Bang-Gru: An Enchanting House on Stilts on the Outskirts of Bangkok
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Baan Bang-Gru: An Enchanting House on Stilts on the Outskirts of Bangkok

 / Bangkok, Thailand /

/ 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.

House on Stilts bangkok
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.

House on Stilts bangkok
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.”

House on Stilts bangkok
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.”

House on Stilts bangkok
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.

House on Stilts bangkok
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.

House on Stilts bangkok
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.

House on Stilts bangkok
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.

House on Stilts
The loggia with crisp waterfront views is the family’s favorite hangout place and multi-use outdoor room.

Architect: Nanthapong Lertmaneethaweesap of Arsom Silp Institute of the Arts

Visit the Thai original article…

“บ้านบางครุ” สัดสวนที่เหมาะสมของ บ้านไม้

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