Living ASEAN presents 10 modern tropical homes for an inspiration as we celebrate another year ending and a new one beginning. They focus on a beautiful blend of indoor and outdoor spaces that translates into stylish patios, cool verandas and courtyard tropical gardens. Plus, plenty of ideas to make your yard lush!
Like a journey back in time, there is real warmth in the wooden stilt house. The eco-friendly design bespeaks the tradition and experience in the tropics. Handpicked from Living ASEAN collections, these five houses are perfect fits for hot and humid weather. Check them out.
In the midst of a verdant oasis stands a bare concrete house that blends perfectly well with a peaceful country setting.
/// Thailand ///
Story: Tawan /// Photos: Soopakorn Srisakul
The two buildings stand in perfect harmony with nature, thanks to the raw look of bare concrete finishes.The one-story building is used for work and entertaining houseguests. The main entryway is equipped with folding shutters that open up the entire façade to connect interior spaces to the great outdoors.The hobby lobby: The owner’s favorite hangout is the front porch, where time goes by slowly and is spent working on creative projects. It has all desirable qualities – ease of care, plenty of natural light, and good ventilation.
“I used to live in the house next door. One day this home was up for sale, so I bought it because I liked the design and decorating materials. I did a complete makeover, turning it into the kind of dream home that I have had for a long time. Old house poles and full-grown trees were left pretty much intact. Upon completion, I sold the old house and then moved over here.”
A mix of furniture pieces co-exists nicely in the guest reception area. The owner’s woodwork and décor items are on display here.
The first building on the property is a one-story structure being used for work and receiving houseguests. In front of it lies a spacious terrace that is being used for carpentry work. Good ventilation and plenty of natural light combine to make the area ideal workspace. The interior is adorned with furniture and interesting decor materials crafted mostly of wood. Every piece fits in well with the raw appeal of naked concrete finishes in the backdrop. Plenty of wall openings help make the interior well ventilated and comfy all day.
The interior living space is quite airy and well lighted thanks to plenty of glass doors and windows that open generously to let natural light shine through. Meantime, lush vegetation permeates the landscape to reduce the harsh effects of solid concrete walls.
“I designed everything myself, from basic structures to furniture to décor. I like bike riding and making road trips to see all that nature has to offer. It is about going back to the beauty of the natural habitat. Now that I own a home, I think it wise to add kind of a raw feel to it so as to blend well with the surroundings. That is the reason for choosing bare concrete finishes. I put in large windows and doors so that the garden can be seen in full view from inside,” said the owner.
Big rocks are used to make steps that connect the front porch to the garden below. Together they add a country rustic feel to the lush green setting.
Prom added that he was a big fan of DIY furniture and decorating items. Besides saving money, he could tailor every design detail to meet his specific needs. He created one-of-a kind furniture and décor items in this way. They were far from being perfect. There was unfinished look to every piece of woodwork, which further enhanced its country rustic appeal.
Twigs anchored against the rustic looking wall and furniture serve as racks for hanging hats and tchotchkes from a lifetime of carpentry. House and garden publications that are his pastime are kept here.
The second building is a big two-story residential unit. Like the first building, the main feature here is the exterior walls that are crafted of bare concrete finishes mixed with woodwork. The most stunning is the second floor balcony, which contains an opening in the floorboard that allows a Pride-of-India tree to shoot right through. It is the owner’s favorite resting space. Time goes by slowly as he sits down sipping coffee and pruning the treetop.
The owner’s creative space is a patio complete with a set of workbench and stool made out of logs left over from other projects. The coarse bark texture of the house pole in the backdrop stands harmoniously with the country rustic ambience.
It is amazing to think about all the benefits that trees are giving us humans. Particularly at this concrete house, they provide the inspirations the owner need to feed his passion for wood. They make his small world an enchanting place to live and work.
The front porch offers plenty of space for potted houseplants, including miniature succulent gardens and bonsai trees. Beautifully decorated pottery adds appeal to the rustic style residence.A thriving Pride-of-India tree shoots right through an opening in the second floor balcony. It is the intention of the homeowner to let nature permeate the living spaces where possible.There is nothing like spending the afternoon riding around on his bicycle looking for new ideas. Oftentimes he runs into something worthwhile to take home. Twigs and other found objects sometimes make great décor materials.
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