Noble Ambience Sukhumvit 42

By livingasean
November 17, 2017
LIVING,PROPERTY

Because happiness and joy is worth achieving, Noble Ambience Sukhumvit 42 is born with the quality of bringing delight. From every perspective, simple and clean form goes to work complementing functionality and culminates in a distinctive character. It’s a living embodiment of Lagom, the quality of balanced living “Not too little, not too much, just right.”

/// Thailand ///
Story: Ektida N. /// Photography: Noble Development

Project Concept

The term Lagom [la-gom] redefines happiness from the Swedish perspective. It encapsulates all the essential characteristics in a succinct way, whereby features deemed unnecessary are reduced to achieve the perfect balance. The idea is manifested in what Noble Ambience is all about – simple and appropriate. Completeness in design is achieved without sacrificing the good qualities and functionality for modern living. It comes in handy as a happy home, a place to relax and unwind away from relentless hustle and bustle of city life.

Site Location – Not too little

Despite being in the city center, Noble Ambience sits embraced in the calm and quiet of a residential neighborhood. Travel to and from the site is convenient both by car and urban public transport. The right size project is situated near Digital Gateway and only about 350 meters from the BTS Ekkamai Station. Location being everything and everlasting, it makes travel to prime destinations along Sukhumvit and Ekkamai easy, fast, and convenient.

Exterior Design Concept – Not too much

Noble Ambience is an 8-story residential condominium project on Sukhumvit 42. The layout of the building is designed to embrace a verdant oasis that lies within. The condominium itself stands surrounded by green spaces and communities that have already been in existence, hence plenty of trees all about. Crisp, clean lines ensure the building fits in well with the rhythms and conditions in the environment. Tall, streamlined design reduces a feeling of being in confined spaces, resulting in a light and airy urban appeal without disturbing the charms of the surroundings.

Apart from a unique personality, a lot goes into creating green spaces for relaxation in the central courtyard. Where appropriate, larger than average balconies are put in at intervals to make room for green plants. Carefully thought out plans ensure they harmonize with the facades in both colors and textures, resulting in a perfect visual blend from every perspective.

For a pleasing visual blend where existing buildings are generally considered not too high, the project elects to use mainly earth tones, rich warm colors with a brownish hue, to slow down the pace of everyday urban lifestyle. This results in a more relaxing atmosphere. The overall effect is impressive, thanks to a swimming pool at the center that provides a welcome contrast with nearby tree lines in brownish colors. With a beautiful yard, every day is a happy day.

Interior Design Concept – Just right

Facilities

Step into an oasis of serenity and begin the journey to a simple lifestyle. That reason is enough for making Noble Ambience a cool and restful place. Experience true relaxation in the lobby done in Minimalistic style per the Lagom concept. Indulge in the simplicities of modern living the Swedish style. Glass windows that stand tall from the floor to the ceiling allow the verdant central courtyard to be seen in full view all day every day. Green design allows in plenty of health-giving natural light, and helps cut down on energy consumption.

It’s a good idea to work out while taking in panoramic views of the garden. The Glass House Gym is designed for you to do exactly that. The light and airy atmosphere is priceless and charming. Whilst there, experience the color that is changing hues at different times.

Amidst the Serene Courtyard, a swimming pool provides visual continuity all the way to the lobby.

One-bedroom type

The one-bedroom unit comes with all the functionality in the right proportion. The room space divider is there reduce the reliance on air conditioning, and limit it to where cooling is needed. There’s a kitchenette at the point of entry for easy offloading of grocery, thereby eliminating the need to disturb normal arrangements in other areas. Light fixtures are put in place according to needs in relation to furniture and other household appliances.

Two-bedroom type

The two-bedroom unit comes with an added dining area with all the functionality in position according to needs. Only lighter shades of colors are chosen to make it easy on the eyes and conducive to relaxation. Natural shades make the space look bigger and more airy. That’s why neutrals are the best palette for room design.

If your goal is happiness that comes from balance between work and relaxation, Nobel Ambience Sukhumvit 42 is the answer you have been looking for. Ensconced in the calm and quiet of a residential neighborhood, it is designed to accommodate modern lifestyle needs and go hand in hand with a hive of activity the city brings. In every sense of the word, happiness is all about balance.

Noble Ambience Sukhumvit 42 is only 350 meters from the BTS Ekkamai Station. Every unit comes fully furnished. Prices start at 3.59 million baht*. Register online for a 100,000-baht* discount now. Or drop in for a tour of demonstration units and make a reservation there from now until November 23, 2017. At Noble Remix Sales Office is located next to the BTS Thonglor Station (Exit 2). For more information, visit website at www.noblehome.com.

PSA: A Lush Compact Tropical House in Chiang Mai

By livingasean
November 10, 2017
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Chiang Mai, Thailand /

/ Story: Wuttikorn Suthiapa / English version: Peter Montalbano /

/ Photographs: Soopakorn Srisakul /

In house design, the phrase “limited space” raises worrisome questions for some. Here, though, homeowner Sarin Nilsonthi used modern Tropical design techniques and inner space connectivity to build large-house functionality and comfort into a compact house plan.

“I designed this house on one A4 sheet of paper,” said Sarin with a smile.

“Since it’s small, I tried to write down all the functionality we’d need on a single sheet of paper, and named the house ‘PSA,’ from ‘Paper Series A.’ I can still recall entertaining the idea of living in a small Tropical home with all necessary features and conveniences neatly fit into it.”

Overall, it’s a small house plan that takes account of the size and comparative relation to a whole. Like so, post and beam construction is done in somewhat unusual ways to create the right kind of space in each part.

“We didn’t set the beams and posts this way because we wanted to, but in order to set things up in the right way. Still, anyone living in this house will have to be the same height as my wife and I,” Sarin said smiling.

Upon our arrival, the first thing we saw was a massive steel panel which the homeowner left rusted on purpose to show a stylish authenticity of construction materials. The principal front that looks onto the street shields the second floor from heat while showing off the shipping-container design of the office area. Below is a carport paved with fine gravel reaching up to the house entrance.

Compact Tropical House — The carport and relaxation area beneath the home office section.

Sarin intentionally kept the front yard fence low to create a clearly defined “inside the fence” area. There’s a gravel yard with benches and trees which actually becomes a part of the house itself. The house walls are rough concrete all around, and H-beams sunk into the yard support the office section, which is raised above a lower area where Sarin and his wife Pairin Boonpinid plan to open a café in the future.

Inside, on the lower floor, the living room, dining area and kitchen are all connected, each ceiling at a different level. For good ventilation and a sense of spaciousness, the living room has a double height ceiling. Nearby, the ceilings in the dining area and kitchen are set slightly lower, with electric lighting giving them each a unique identity.

The staircase has no railing, so is accessed from any direction; you can just walk down to sit and relax in the dining area, which is also used to store kitchen necessities: spices, condiments, even a refrigerator.

The living room with a double height ceiling and tall glass windows.

Openings in the exterior walls are perfectly arranged to let air and light in for a spacious feeling.

Going up the stairs and turning left brings us into the container-shaped office, the rusted outer wall reaching up to the third floor as protection against heat. The container surface is rainproof, with a layer of insulation between it and a plywood surface that gives an orderly look to the interior. There is also a houseguest bedroom on this floor that’s currently being used as a reading room, but planned as Air B&B tourist accommodation once the café opens.

The workroom opens to greenery on both sides. It includes storage space and a large table for work and meetings.

The entrance to the master bedroom is in the back, accessible via a corridor next to the kitchen; Sarin designed it as a separate building so as to remain private when the café/hostel section opens. It’s accessed without going through other sections of the house. Here the floor is raised up above the ground as protection against moisture damage, and there is a skylight above for indirect lighting.

This bedroom has an overhead storage space reachable by ladder. The closet for clothes is below with a bed directly on the floor to give more space, and a bare cement ceiling positioned to reflect light indirectly.

All the above features combine to give this compact house a comfortable, airy feeling, enhanced by imaginative placement of openings for breezes and natural light.

Sarin refers to the greenery and openness as creating “breathing space,” as rooms are all interconnected, airy, sunny, and in touch with the natural world. He likens this house to a well-tailored suit: the tailor has to measure, ask about the wearer’s taste, and plan everything to be comfortable and pleasing. A truly beautiful design!

Architect: D KWA Architectural Design Studio

Sanam Luang Then and Now: A Glimpse from the Past

By livingasean
October 22, 2017
SPECIAL SCOOP

Come October 26, 2017, the people from across the country will converge on Sanam Luang in a show of respect, appreciation, and gratitude for their most beloved monarch. Royal cremation in honor of the late His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej is scheduled to take place right here on the open field north of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Grand Palace.

/// Thailand ///
Story: Samutcha Viraporn /// Photo: National Archives of Thailand, room magazine, Perapun Vichitkraivin

Flashback: An aerial shot of Sanam Luang taken by a foreign visitor, date unknown.

Fit for a king, the royal funeral ceremony took many months in the making. Detailed design and planning culminates in a superlatively crafted Royal Crematorium that stands embraced by beautiful pavilions at the center of Bangkok’s cultural landscape.

The architectural masterpiece will be the venue of a landmark event as the citizens traverse hundreds of miles to bid their beloved king a fond and final farewell. It will be touching moments for many Thais, hence a tremendous turnout is to be expected.

The Royal Crematorium in honor of the late His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Thong Sanam Luang, 2017 // Photo: room magazine

Formerly known as “Thung Phra Main,” which is Thai for Royal Cremation Ground, Sanam Luang is more than just an open public square. It’s a million memories in the lives of many citizens. Traditionally it’s here that kings and queens and high-ranking royalty were honored in the most appropriate of ceremonies at the end of life’s journey.

The like of which is happening on Thursday the 26^th of October, when people turn out in full force to show their respect and utmost admiration for the late King Rama IX of the House of Chakri.

For the record, the field has undergone several name changes over time. As a royal funeral ground, it was appropriately called “Thung Phra Main” during the reigns of King Rama I and II. It became a productive rice paddy field in the period of King Rama III. Later it was King Rama IV, who renamed it “Thong Sanam Luang” – purportedly because the old name did not bode well for the future. The new identity caught on fast as it was required by law.

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Grand Palace as seen from Sanam Luang in 1925

The Royal Crematorium celebrating King Rama V provides inspirations for the funeral ceremony in honor of the late H. M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Part of the procession transporting the relics of King Rama V in 1910

A solemn procession transporting the relics of King Rama V from the crematorium

Tamarind trees gave Sanam Luang its unique character. The landscape was improved during the reign of King Rama V, who had multiple tamarind trees planted along the perimeter of the field upon his return from travel to Indonesia. It was said that he was inspired by the palaces of the sultans of Yogyakarta, and Surakarta at the time.

Military hardware on show at Sanam Luang in 1953

Tamarind trees and rickshaws were usual sights around Sanam Luang in 1953.

Municipality workers were out cutting grass over a large area.

A 1953 shot of one of the further ends of Sanam Luang

A lot had happened since the centenary of Bangkok in 1882 and the subsequent celebration of King Rama V’s return from Europe. There were times when Sanam Luang was used for horse racing, golf courses, military hardware displays, flea markets, centenary celebrations, as well as R and R facilities for the general public. Not to mention outdoor spaces for picnicking, kite flying, and venues for political stump speeches. There were even times when the homeless were camping out and prostitutes accosting passers-by to offer service. One thing led to another, an attempt to revamp Sanam Luang went into effect in 2010. At one time the authority erected a perimeter fence around the field preventing public access.

A shot of Sanam Luang and Rajadamnoen Avenue from higher elevations taken in 1982

Flashback: Leafy tamarind trees shaded the walkway against the sun for much of the day.

Sanam Luang was home to a thriving flea market on weekends from 1958 to 1982. The retail industry was later relocated to a vacant lot on Pahonyothin Road, which later became known as Jatujak Market today.

Shop-houses on Na Phra Lan Road across the street from the Grand Place

A Thai-style pavilion erected as part of the Bangkok Bicentennial Celebrations in 1982

Archways and public displays drew attention to the bicentennial celebrations in 1982.

A building near Sanam Luang put on a display promoting the 1982 bicentennial celebrations.

Rajadamnoen Avenue was aglow under street lamps in1982.

The Royal Crematorium in honor of the late His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Thong Sanam Luang, 2017 // Photo: Perapun Vichitkraivin

After many months in the making, Sanam Luang (literally Royal Turf) was restored to its original glory and is now reserved for royal funeral ceremonies.

You may also like…

WAT ARUN RATCHAWARARAM, A MUST-SEE THAI HISTORICAL SITE

HOW 3 ASEAN CAPITALS DEAL WITH URBAN FLOODING

Box-Shaped Steel House Surrounded by Nature

By livingasean
October 3, 2017
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Bangkok, Thailand /

/ Story: Kor Lordkam / English version: Peter Montalbano /

/ Photographs: W Workspace /

This box-shaped steel house, hidden in shady green woods, has a cool, peaceful resort atmosphere. – hard to believe it’s right in the middle of a congested city!

Designing architect Boonlert Hemvijitraphan of Boon Design took up the challenge set by the owner: create a home on the limited plot that is neither cramped nor stuffy.

Boonlert said, “The challenge was to make that work within the urban context. Fortunately, the owner gave us a completely free hand; our job was simply to design a comfortable residence on a 360-square-meter (90-square-wah) property. The starting point was what we saw in the original landscaping here.”

The property was not large, and its location right in the center of a capital city was seriously limiting

How to build a comfortable residence here? The garden/orchard greenery was used as a tool to create a sense of spaciousness.

Instead of the house spreading outwards toward the fence, it rose vertically as a 2½-storey home with open space beneath the house used as a carport and multipurpose area, the rest of the property becoming a relaxing, park-like space.

High-ceilinged living room, naturally bright and airy, with a great view of outside greenery.

The large garden was set up to the south to get the best breeze and the best shade from plants and trees.

The garden is planted on soil raised 1.2 meters higher than before to be level with the 3-meter height of the living room.

The living room connects with the dining area beneath the mezzanine, with the kitchen behind the glass door

The metal bookshelf reaching almost to the mezzanine also acts as weight-bearing support for the staircase behind it.

The first floor has a high “double volume” ceiling for more natural light and ventilation. A steel staircase rises from the living room to the mezzanine, which holds a workroom and guest bedroom, and up to the second floor, the owner’s private space.

The single staircase up from the carport connects everything from the ground to the top floor.

Mezzanine walkway with banister and protective grating steel is the primary building material, but natural materials such as bamboo are also important.

Bamboo shades cover the house façade, filtering sunlight, protecting against rain, giving privacy from outside view, yet still allowing good ventilation.

“We used steel not because we especially wanted to use steel, but because it was light, and we wanted that quality,” explained Boonlert.

“Each material has its own particular value. Coming up with a principle means coming up with the quality we want. Design is a value in itself.”

The architecture of this house reflects modern times. It’s surrounded by the natural environment people long for, so no matter chaotic and confused the outside world, in this home there’s a mood of relaxation and contentment: it’s just a great place to live.

Elevated porch connecting to the garden.

Architect: Boonlert Hemvijitraphan of Boon Design (www.boondesign.co.th)

Bangkok Is Top Global Destination City, Continued Growth Forecast for 2017

By livingasean
October 2, 2017
BUZZ,EXPLORE

Bangkok was at the highest place on the chart of Top Ten Global Destination Cities attracting 19.41 million visitors in 2016, outranking London, Paris, Dubai, and Singapore. A Mastercard index released recently showed the Thai capital benefited the most from international travel, while further growth in visitor arrivals were in the forecast for 2017.

/// ASEAN ///

Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), Bangkok / Photo: Tanakitt Khum-on

Visitor Volume

The Mastercard Global Destination Cities Index predicted that Bangkok’s visitor arrivals would increase by 4.0 percent in the 2017 calendar year, while Singapore was forecast to move up one notch growing by 2.6 percent and outranking New York (at minus 2.4 percent). Meantime, Kuala Lumpur was likely to post a strong 7.2 percent gain in visitor arrivals for 2017, enabling it to keep its eighth place on the chart.

From 2009 to 2016, two ASEAN cities also saw strong growth in visitor arrivals, namely: Jakarta up 18.2 percent, and Hanoi up 16.4 percent. Of all 132 destinations across the globe, Osaka was at the top with a whopping 24.0 percent growth in overnight visitor arrivals during the 8-year period.

Overall, international visitors to leading global destination cities increased in the 2016 calendar year. As for 2017, Tokyo’s visitor numbers were forecast to increase by as much as 12.2 percent, making it the strongest growth in visitors among the top ten.

National Gallery Singapore / Photo: Sitthisak Namkham

Cross-border Spending

The Mastercard index was more than just a ranking of top destination cities across the globe. Apart from international visitor volume, it also looked into tourist spending that contributed to furthering economic growth of countries. For the 2016 calendar year, Dubai was at the top with overnight visitors spending $28.50 billion, followed by New York ($17.02 billion), London ($16.09 billion), Singapore ($15.69 billion), and Bangkok ($14.08 billion), all in USD. Destination cities benefited greatly from tourism. Shopping accounted for 22.9 percent of tourist spending, local service 21.5 percent, and food and beverages 20.6 percent).

Royal Palace, Bangkok / Photo: Aphirux Suksa

Reference:

https://newsroom.mastercard.com/digital-press-kits/mastercard-global-destination-cities-index-2017/

https://newsroom.mastercard.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Mastercard-Destination-Cities-Index-Report.pdf

You may also like…

WORLDWIDE AIRPORT RANKING 2017: THE BEST AND THE NOT SO GOOD

Seven of the Hippest New Places Everyone in Bangkok Should Check Out

By livingasean
September 20, 2017
EXPLORE,JOURNEY

Here are seven newly opened spots you should make a point of seeing next time you visit Bangkok. They are not only great tourist spots, but museums of knowledge where you can enjoy yourself the whole day long.

/// THAILAND ///

Story: Weena Baramee /// Photography: Nantiya Busabong, Tanakitt Khum-on, Sitthisak Namkham, Soopakorn Srisakul, Ritthirong Chanthongsuk

Changchui

The new Changchui Creative Space on Sirindhorn Road sprawls over 4 acres (11 rai) with restaurant, coffee shop, and a wide variety of other shops scattered about. Inside you’ll see a collection of buildings often set at unusual angles and built mainly with recycled materials: corrugated iron, glass, wood panels, wrought iron, and old doors and windows such as you might see in Bangkok communities. The eclectic beauty of this mix is what gives Chanchui its unique identity. Here are all sorts of beautiful spots where it’s fun to pull out your phone and take selfies.

Link : www.changchuibangkok.com

YELO House

For 40 years a Ratchathewi district warehouse for printing equipment, after that this building sat abandoned and lifeless, but it’s now been transformed into a creative space for inventors, designers, artisans, and support personnel. The 480-square-meter indoor space holds an art gallery, office, meeting hall, co-working space, photo studio, and an area for holding workshops and organizing events. The name YELO comes from “You Ever Live Once,” expressing how the old warehouse has come back to life and vitality once more.

Link : https://www.facebook.com/yelohouse/

Warehouse 30

Creative Community Mall is the brainchild of Duangrit Bunnag, famous Thai architect and teacher. Here he has transformed an old warehouse from the mid-1940s into an exciting creative space stretching over 600 square meters and divided into rooms where visitors can dig in and indulge themselves in whatever catches their fancy at a co-working space, art exhibition, clothing store, flower shop, bookshop, hip coffee shop, and on and on. The space also includes the Warehouse 30 flea market for homemade articles and a multi-use space for setting up exhibits, workshops, or various events.

Link : https://www.facebook.com/TheWarehouse30/

Baan Bangkhen

Here’s a new vintage-style spot where the visitor can chill out and travel back in time to old Thailand, with lots of places with murals and scenes perfect for picture-taking. Almost every corner holds a treasure trove of knowledge from the past. The café and restaurant are open 24 hours, and also there’s a new building nostalgically designed as an old-style Thai commercial house full of an exciting collection of antique furniture and ornamentation.

Link : https://www.facebook.com/baanbangkhen/

TCDC Charoenkrung

TCDC has moved to a spiffy new location: the central post office building on Charoenkrung Road. An 8,700-square-meter area five stories high holds a general library, material library, makerspace, co-working space, workshop, and an area for small or large exhibitions. The building was built in 1940 C.E, Throughout the building and especially on the front, you’ll see beautiful period art deco works commissioned by the Department of Architecture.

Link : https://www.facebook.com/tcdc.thailand/

Bangkok City Library

The Bangkok City Library at the Khok Wua Intersection is a true learning center. Filling a space of more than 4,590 square meters, its light-colored walls, high ceiling, glass windows, and skylights give a feeling of spacious comfort that simply invites you to sit down for a good read. The library is 4 storeys high, books arranged by category on each storey, with comfortable seating in every corner.

Link : https://www.facebook.com/bangkokcitylibrary/

Siam Serpentarium

This repository of knowledge about the lives of snakes offers a mixed media exhibition light and sound show suitable for people of any age and gender. The building is in three main sections: the “virtual museum” zone which holds the mixed media show with lifelike models and 3-dimensional pictures, a “snake garden” with more than 50 species of snakes both common and rare, and the “Naga Theater.” In this last zone snake doctors demonstrate how to extract snake venom from live specimens, and there is a stage play about naga and garuda legends.

Link : https://www.facebook.com/siamserpentarium/

Jatujak Isn’t Just for Weekends

By livingasean
August 30, 2017
EXPLORE,JOURNEY

If two days is not enough time for the weekend, you still have plenty of hours to shop on weekdays.

/// Thailand ///
Story: Samutcha Viraporn /// Photography: Soopakorn Srisakul

Situated near the MRT Kampaengpet Station, Jatujak Plaza is open on weekdays, too, except either Monday or Tuesday depending. It’s a popular marketplace for not only furniture, home furnishings and decorating items, and souvenirs, but also plenty of pet animals from dogs to cats to fishes. And the list goes on.

The Plaza at Jatujak Park sits right next to a vast built-up area set aside for the weekend market. Furniture, home décor items, and a plethora of lifestyle goods combine to give the Plaza its distinctive character. The marketplace had been the hub of pet lovers before it was transformed into rental spaces for businesses, notably art and craft retailers.

As time went by, Jatujak Plaza continued to attract more and more business people from makers of furniture and home décor items to architects, interior designers, and fashion stylists. Over the years it has become a popular rendezvous for homeowners as well as hotel and hospitality business entrepreneurs who are in the market for cool furniture and décor supplies. Some furniture makers have retail businesses here, while others import decorating goods from regional sources, notably Indonesia and the Philippines.

The plaza’s advantage lies in its proximity to an MRT station and business hours on weekdays. The marketplace is open from 10 AM to 6 PM daily, but you have to pick the right day to shop. Most retail businesses here are closed on Monday, while others choose to stay closed on Tuesday, too. Some shops don’t open exactly on the hour. For your convenience, it is recommended that you be there around 11 AM. There is a pet zone located at the further end.

Wat Arun Ratchawararam, a Must-See Thai Historical Site

By livingasean
August 22, 2017
EXPLORE,JOURNEY

The beauty and remarkable architecture of Wat Arun Ratchawararam has lasted through hundreds of years and the reigns of many Thai kings, as the temple has risen to become one of Thailand’s most prized historical sites and a must-see ASEAN tourist destination.

/// Thailand ///
Photography: Tanakitt Khum-on

Wat Arun Ratchawaram, or “Wat Jaeng,” as Thais sometimes call it, stands on the edge of the Chao Phraya opposite Wat Pho. This priceless historic gem was once the official temple of Thailand’s King Rama II. Built when Ayutthaya was the capital of the Kingdom, its first name, “Wat Makok,” was soon changed to “Wat Makok Nawk,” and since then has been called “Wat Jaeng,” “Wat Arun Ratchatharam,” and “Wat Arun Ratchawararam.”

The most memorable and noticeable feature of Wat Arun is the stupa, a gorgeous example of Khmer-style architecture rising 81.85 meters from its base, tallest of its kind in Bangkok, in fact tallest in the world. It’s now one of Thailand’s prime icons of tourism, radiating beauty day and night.

The Wat Arun stupa was first restored to its present splendor by King Rama V, better known as King Chulalongkorn. At that time the stuccoed brick structure was adorned with seashells, glazed tiles, and Benjarong porcelain of various colors laid in flower, leaf, and other patterns, with kinnarees (flying deities), giants, angels, and garudas added. The stupa has undergone continual preservation and restoration since then, most recently with a five-year facelift sponsored by the Department of Fine Arts begun in 2013 and completed in time for ASEAN tourists to come see the stupa’s fantastic designs and colors returned to their original glory, just as in antiquity.

Wat Arun has a lot of outstanding features to see besides the stupa. The ubosot (ordination hall) on the north side, for instance, was built in the time of Rama II and is famous for its amazing architecture and interior murals. And there’s the monument to Rama II on the retaining wall in front of the temple, built in 1996 by His Majesty Rama IX in celebration of the 50^th anniversary of his reign.

Getting there: Wat Arun stands between the Chao Phraya River and Arun Amarin Road, and can be reached by either car or boat.

Right Renovation Leads to a Pleasing Hip, Modern Brick House

By livingasean
August 14, 2017
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Bangkok, Thailand /

/ Story: Foryeah!/ English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Nantiya Busabong /

The houses in this area all looked the same when parents brought the owner of this newly renovated house here when he was a child; now he has renovated their home into a hip, modern brick house with 200 square meters of usable space on a property of 400 square meters.

modern brick house — The lower floor retains the old “tai thun” space below, a brick wall with angled patterns perforated for ventilation on the floor above.

“After studying abroad I lived in a condo for years, but modern urban life is too full of needless accessories, so I finally came back to this house for its serenity and privacy,” said Roj Kanjanabanyakhom, the owner and architect of his own home.

“I like peace and quiet, listening to music, watching movies, and that’s enough.”

A staircase up to the hobby room, apparently playfully designed for legs of different lengths.

The old house wall was removed in favor of tall “picture windows”

An architect himself, he was the designer and construction supervisor. Since the house was in an old condition, there were a lot of problems: leaks and seepage, rusty pipes, etc., even asbestos tile, now recognized as carcinogenic.

The structure of the house had to be almost completely torn down to its basic frame: pillars, beams, and a couple of walls.

Striking improvements were made to suit Roj’s lifestyle in both the new building at the front and the old house at the back. The newly built structure at the front consists of bright orange brick walls with ventilation spaces below.

A former open “tai thun” (the space beneath the stilt) area, half the ground floor, became his own bicycle maintenance shop, with the other half a carport.

On the second floor is a hobby workshop, and above that a roof deck where support pillars are capped with metal plates in anticipation of future additions.

At the back, the 2.4-meter outside wall of the old house was demolished and replaced with tall glass windows all around for a spacious feeling.

Bedrooms on the second floor were removed to create a “double space” area, and a projector was set up behind one wall for full-size movie viewing.

A skylight was put in to let sunlight in all day, relieving the stuffy, damp, dark atmosphere, and polycarbonate tile was laid on floor and walls.

“There were some difficult structural and material design limitations in the old house,” said Roj.

“Parts of the old roof weren’t able to support much weight, so besides replacing the asbestos with double Roman tile we used metal purlin trusses instead of wood.

“To avoid joint problems where the new roof meets the old gabled one, we used steel-reinforced flat slab concrete, which will be able to hold the weight of future additions.

“Sometimes it’s easier and cheaper just to tear everything out,” he continued. “But I renovated because I wanted to preserve the memories here,” said Roj with a smile.

And so here’s a home filled with remembrance, ready to bring present and future memories into the mix.

Owner/Architect: Roj Kanjanabanyakhom of Atom Design (www.facebook.com/atom.design.bkk)

A Breathtaking Trio of Modern Loft-Style Homes in Bangkok

By livingasean
August 13, 2017
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Bangkok, Thailand /

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

/ Photographs: Tanakitt Khum-on /

In former times as families outgrew their homes, by tradition Thais would put in more houses on the same property. They shared basic facilities and landscaping fitting together to form a cohesive whole. But this tradition has been disappearing. Nowadays, grown children move away into single-family homes of their own. In this case, though, Manit and Yanrak Manithikhun decided to build a trio of modern loft-style houses as future homes for their children on their piece of land.

The trio of modern steel framed homes are connected by the perfect pathway with a private garden in the middle.

“We knew our sons would want their private space, and we had a sizeable piece of land. We thought it would be a good idea to build three new houses right here for them in the same place,” said Manit.

“The three new buildings include one common house where the whole family can get together. It’s for entertaining guests, too. And I wanted an herb garden. Thinking forward to retirement!”

Steel frames and brick walls: the hip, unfinished “loft” look.

The three new homes were added to the existing principle house of parents that was built after the big floods hit Bangkok in 2011. The expansion plan included a private garden and common space where the family could spend time together.

It was made up of two steel framed loft-style houses for the sons and one building as a common room. By and large, it was designed to serve and filled in many parts that were missing in life, a garden and common room where the family can spend time together.

“The kids wanted the style to be simple and unfinished. The houses all have the same design, but they’ll change and take on the personalities of the families living in them,” Manit explained.

“I added the garden and shady spots. I wanted a resort-like feeling, and we have that now: garden, swimming pool, all in our own home.”

The cantilever deck that’s a part of the common building reaches out above the pool creating an impression of a home floating on water.

Besides a great family home with delightful common space, the architects also designed the house to be eco-friendly. The roofs were set at a 15-degree angle, facing south to prevent full sun exposure. All the houses – even the carports – have solar panels, reducing energy costs of the whole residence by 50%.

Solar cell panels installed on the roof at a 15-degree slant offer 50% savings on energy bills.

“We chose the steel house frame not only for speed in building, but also because there’s less noise pollution during construction than using other materials,” said house architect Piriya Techaratpong.

“Plus it gives a wider choice of forms than traditional concrete or column and beam structures, and is many times cheaper than building a concrete weight-bearing wall.

“The common house has spaced steel columns, with lightweight lines that give the impression the building is floating over the pool below. This is the elegant design we were trying for.”

The result of all this? A design that’s an expression of the unconditional love and aspirations these parents feel for their children.

Owner: Manit and Yanrak Manithikhun

Architect: Mee-D Architect Co., Ltd. (www.facebook.com/MeeDArchitect) by Piriya Techaratpong and Pawit Chuankumnerdkarn

You may also like…

Blog : thailand

Project Concept

Site Location – Not too little

Exterior Design Concept – Not too much

Interior Design Concept – Just right

Facilities

One-bedroom type

Two-bedroom type

In house design, the phrase “limited space” raises worrisome questions for some. Here, though, homeowner Sarin Nilsonthi used modern Tropical design techniques and inner space connectivity to build large-house functionality and comfort into a compact house plan.

You may also like…

This box-shaped steel house, hidden in shady green woods, has a cool, peaceful resort atmosphere. – hard to believe it’s right in the middle of a congested city!

You may also like…

Here are seven newly opened spots you should make a point of seeing next time you visit Bangkok. They are not only great tourist spots, but museums of knowledge where you can enjoy yourself the whole day long.

Changchui

YELO House

Warehouse 30

Baan Bangkhen

TCDC Charoenkrung

Bangkok City Library

Siam Serpentarium

If two days is not enough time for the weekend, you still have plenty of hours to shop on weekdays.

The beauty and remarkable architecture of Wat Arun Ratchawararam has lasted through hundreds of years and the reigns of many Thai kings, as the temple has risen to become one of Thailand’s most prized historical sites and a must-see ASEAN tourist destination.

You may also like…

The houses in this area all looked the same when parents brought the owner of this newly renovated house here when he was a child; now he has renovated their home into a hip, modern brick house with 200 square meters of usable space on a property of 400 square meters.

You may also like…