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Highlights of the Baanlaesuan 2017 Midyear Fair “Living with Passion”

By livingasean
July 11, 2017
HAPPENING,SPECIAL SCOOP

Baanlaesuan 2017 Midyear Fair uses the concept “Living with Passion” to illustrate the intense connection people feel with craftsmanship, cooking, and all sorts of skilled work that is the product of loving care. July 22 – 30 at Bitec Convention and Exposition Center in Bang Na.

/// Thailand ///

The Baanlaesuan 2017 Midyear Fair returns, this time under the concept “Living with Passion,” to illustrate the deep joy people get from craftsmanship, cooking, and skilled work of all kinds – traditional or contemporary – that is created with loving care. This year’s Midyear Fair is all about living life inspired by a beautiful passion. It runs from July 22 to 30 at BITEC Bang Na Convention and Exposition Center, and here are some important highlights:

– Baanlaesuan Home Ideas: Cooking Mania Home – a “kitchen house” for people who love to cook –

City dwellers favor a lifestyle that involves cooking. This exhibit gives ideas on how to transform spots in the house for various kinds of cooking, giving Fair visitors inspiring ideas they can take home and adapt to their own kitchens for a happy atmosphere and efficient use.

A tiny pantry, functional kitchen for urbanites: a lot of kitchen functionality in a small space, with an island-style food preparation counter also usable as a bar where you can nosh or sip drinks, and a table that can be set down or folded up for convenience.
Traditional Thai kitchen: simulates the atmosphere of the old-style Thai kitchen: wood and charcoal stoves, woven implements, kitchenware hung on the wall. As in those houses of an earlier era, wood is stacked in the corner for easy access, and there’s a flow cap above the stove for good ventilation.
Dream space for pastry-making aficionados: young ladies might see this cute glass house as the kitchen of their dreams, a space for convenient, enjoyable pastry preparation and cooking.
Outdoor kitchen and cool party spot: folks who love socializing will really like this outdoor barbecue corner: good place to eat, and a great atmosphere for hanging out, too.

Besides all this, the compact house has a bedroom and rest area on the mezzanine and a kitchen garden where vegetables are grown for home cooking and consumption.

My HOME Workshop Space is a sweet zone which the true breed of Home Magazine DIY fans shouldn’t miss: workshops on really cute décors the editors themselves have come up with. You’re guaranteed to take home matchless ornamentation you’ll be able to brag about to your friends.

**– TERMINAL by room Magazine –**

With formal entrance into the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), all parties are expected to participate in the creation of a prosperous future for the region. This goes beyond economic, political, and security considerations to include creation of a regional socio-cultural identity, and work designed to raise the quality of life of ASEAN populations. Terminal functions as a hub of connections for the rapidly expanding ASEAN world. Designed with smooth lines, bright colors, and clear paths, Terminal reflects universal themes, at the same time mixing in interesting design ideas that have lots of local flavor. An area of 580 square meters includes the super-cool “Laliart Coffee” Café, offering new flavor experiences with roast coffee recipes and a menu specially composed for the Fair. There’s a minimart full of delightful goods, and a shopping zone that leaves no one unsatisfied. You’ll find the “SACICT CONCEPT” showcase of contemporary Thai handicraft products full of collections from the skilled artisans of Support Arts and Crafts International Centre of Thailand. You won’t want to miss “Design Talk,” a seminar put on by room Magazine in conjunction with livingasean.com: here famous designers from ASEAN interpret trends, inviting everyone to find paths of cosmopolitan design that fit their own identities and bring them in step with the world of sophistication.

– Baanlaesuan Craft Village, by Baanlaesuan Publishing –

Here the Baanlaesuan publishing office takes ideas from its own book collection to illustrate a concept it calls “urban little farming.” Here plant experts will find greenhouse ideas, a cactus and succulent display, organic fruit and vegetable shops, shops full of handmade crafts, and small book stores where writers themselves are ready to offer tips on what to read. There are wonderful, long-awaited workshops, offered free of charge. You can find more information and a schedule of activities at Baan Lae Suan Publishing’s The BOOK HOUSE.

Link : https://th-th.facebook.com/Baanlaesuanbooks/

– Green House, by Baanlaesuan Magazine –

Garden and plant lovers must absolutely not miss this zone! This year the theme is “Plant Mania.” Here you’ll see expert collections of plant species and demonstrations of methods used to adapt and expand different plant varieties, as well as how to use such species in home decoration.

The greenhouse zone shows how a person infatuated with horticulture can turn a spot in the home into a science lab. Equipment and materials used for experimentation serve double duty as house ornamentation, along with vegetation such as ferns, sago palm, and carnivorous plants.

Courtyard zone: here we find a garden for all situations, and even a tiny greenhouse to show growing methods for collections of interesting plants.

– Relax zone: rest spot for garden-lovers –

A spot to sit and relax, filled with garden ideas and an activity stage to bring happy smiles and sounds of laughter to fair visitors.

– Green park: rest spot for bookworms –

For relaxing with a good book just the way you like it: a café and shop full of books selected by the Baanlaesuan editor group. Guaranteed to keep boredom far away.

Link : http://fair.baanlaesuan.com/

SACICT Craft Trend 2018: Focus on the Community, Collaboration, and an Escape from Confusion

By livingasean
July 7, 2017
SACICT Craft Trend 2018,SPECIAL SCOOP,SPOTLIGHT

Crafts have become top trending topics in the world of design nowadays. Advances in technology have led to increased collaboration and endless creativity. A newly launched book, “SACICT Craft Trend 2018,” offers a glimpse into future craft trends and touches upon the concept of social craft networking, mass exclusivity, and digital detoxing.

/// ASEAN ///

Product design under the “Hand to Hand” concept represents the latest in further developments from last year’s SACICT Craft Trend. This couch and coffee-table set is the fruit of creative partnership between designers and the community.

“Bua,” or large water lilies, won First Prize at the Innovative Craft Award 2017. It’s designed by Chalermkiat Somdulyawat and Kawisara Anansaringkarn, in partnership with the Baan Bart community.

Every year the SUPPORT Arts and Crafts International Center of Thailand collects and analyzes information about works of art, crafts, and design all over world. The organization presents a digest of its findings in the book series SACICT Craft Trend. The 2018 Edition touches upon three top trending topics, namely Social Craft Network, Mass Exclusivity, and Digital Detoxing.

The July 4 official launch of “SACICT Craft trend 2018” was attended by leading brand and trend experts. Among them was Jeremiah Pitakwong, MD Amarin Printing and Publishing Public Co, Ltd, who discussed several aspects of the Social craft network. As he put it: “The concept is not about giving financial support. Rather, it focuses on collaboration and increased opportunities for people who do craftwork. Social craft Networking is about creative partnership, sharing experiences, and exchanging knowledge of production methods. None of these happened in the past. Today, advances in communication technology have taken the propagation of information to a whole new level. People from across the globe are now able to interact with one another and work together.”

Designer Stanley Ruiz of the Philippines said that working with the community gave him the opportunity to raise the level of activity and energy in local craft makers. This in turn gave people in the locality power to further develop and create new products that would sell.

Jeremiah Pitakwong , MD Amarin Printing and Publishing Public Co, Ltd, gives a talk on Social Craft Network at the official launch of the 2018 Edition of SACICT Craft Trend.

Designer Stanley Ruiz of the Philippines presents his works before an audience at the SACICT Craft Trend 2018 book launch.

“Teepamalee,” a suspended floral design by Savin Saima of the Innovative Craft Award 2017 project

“Phun Partition,” a desktop workspace divider and organizer in one. // Design: Thinkk Studio and the Weavers Village at Baan Bang Chao Cha, Angthong Province // From: Thai Innovative Crafts // By: SACICT.

– Social Craft Network –

Social craft networking is handpicked for the main topic in innovative crafts this year. Looking at it from a wider perspective, it appears that modern handicrafts today differ greatly from those in the past in that they require a great deal of design collaboration. It’s the partnership between designers and craft makers that gives rise to unconventional creativity, or out-of- the-box thinking. It transcends disciplinary boundaries, goes beyond one’s natural ability, and flies across the continent.

Aptly named “Natural Dip Wall,” this accent wall is covered with 32 fabric slabs made from natural fiber. // Design: Plural Design and the Kaew-wanna Natural Mohom Fabric Group, Muang District, Phrae Province // From: Thai Innovative Crafts // By: SACICT.

Tribal details are somewhat reduced to give throw pillows a simpler, more modern look. // Design: Trimode Studio and the U-thong Quilting Group, Suphan Buri Province // From: Thai Innovative Crafts // By SACICT.

This AYA furniture line from the Vincent Sheppard brand is designed by Sep Verboom, who combines the wicker weaving technique of Indonesia with upholstery fabric made by Belgian artisans.

Hotel Art Fair Bangkok 2017

By livingasean
June 25, 2017
ART,CULTURE,HAPPENING,SPECIAL SCOOP

30 leading galleries and artists from across Thailand and abroad have turned a Bangkok hotel into a vibrant art destination well worth a visit. The event, which is the fourth edition by Farmgroup, takes place on June 24-25 at the Volve Hotel on Sukhumvig 53, just off Thonglor BTS Station. Be there!

/// Thailand ///

Living ASEAN files this report on a glimpse into the art world. Here are 15 of the rooms that will capture your fascinated attention. Check this out.

Room 202: The Barn Curated by Farmgroup

The room features a special project initiated by Farmgroup in collaboration with 11 Thai artists. Paying tribute to the Late King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s musical talents and passion, each distinguished artist created a vinyl record jacket design based on his or her interpretation of His Majesty’s selected compositions.

Room 201: Pomme Chan

The room is rich in exhibits by internationally renowned artist Pomme Chan, but this time it’s not about paintings. Intriguing exhibits include ceramics, decorative objects, and carpets from Pomme Chan’s collections.

Room 207: The C.A.P Studio and Jojo Kobe

Here, C.A.P Studio and Jojo Kobe worked jointly to showcase outstanding works in printmaking and a variety traditional etching and wood block printing techniques ,as well as lithography and screen printing.

Room 301: The Gallery Seescape

The exhibit features a rich combination of works by seven artists from Gallery Seescape, including Tawatchai Puntusawasdi, Anon Pairot, Torlarp Larpjaroensook, Chol Janepraphaphan, Uten Mahamid, Silwataka Ramyananda, and Thepmetha Thepboonta. All of the works on show represent a new creative series.

Room 304: Note Kritsada

Here, artist Note Kritsada presents all of the portrait paintings he has done so far this year. They reflect issues of sexuality and conscience, as well as social networking and artistic temperaments.

Room 307: The Bangkok Citycity Gallery

307 features interesting pieces of by three street artists in collaboration with the Bangkok Citycity Gallery. They include Alex Face, Beejoir & Lucas Price, and Tae Parvit. Their works in the realm of prints, paintings and installations are known for arousing curiosity and interest.

Room 403: Dr. Apinan Poshyananda

On display here are paintings that Dr. Apinan Poshyananda received from some famous artists. The show sets in motion the Bangkok Art Biennale 2018 (BAB 2018), which is a new contemporary art festival. Dr. Apinan is the CEO and art director of the event, which will be held from November 2018 to February 2019 on various locations around the capital.

Room 404: The Serindia Gallery

The Serindia Gallery, in association with Art for Cancer, a charity project using art and creative ideas to raise funds to help underprivileged cancer patients in Thailand, is showcasing paintings and sculptures by its four female artists. The works selected for the show are much admired for their colors, patterns, and their reflections on women.

Room 406: The Atta Gallery, and Paw-Dee Lifestyle

The ATTA Gallery, in collaboration with Paw-Dee Lifestyle, a contemporary Thai crafts and lifestyle store, is featuring an intriguing array of works in contemporary jewelry by Japanese artists. Meanwhile, Paw-Dee Lifestyle also makes a prominent exhibition of decorative objects by Thai artists.

Room 407: The H Gallery

The H Gallery features a new series of paintings by five local and regional artists, including Soomboon Hormtientong, Manit Sriwanichpoom, Mit Jai Inn, Jakkai Siributr, and Sopheap Pich. All of the paintings on show are abstract art and being presented through oil, acrylic, and canvas printings.

Most Inexpensive Michelin-starred Restaurant Opens Thailand Branch

By livingasean
June 23, 2017
BUZZ,EXPLORE

In a new challenge for the celebrated “hero of street food,” today Singapore’s Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle, the cheapest restaurant in the world to achieve a starred Michelin rating, is opening a Thailand branch in the Asoke area of Bangkok.

/// Thailand / Singapore ///
Story: Samutcha Viraporn /// Photography: Sitthisak Namkham

Liao Fan Hon Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle in Chinatown Food Complex

From the outside, Singapore’s Chinatown Food Complex doesn’t look like anything special; but in 2016 its own “Hawker Chan,” a food stall specializing in Singapore-style chicken rice, brought a lot of buzz to the gourmet world by receiving a Michelin star, immediately becoming the cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant in the world. Already popular, the shop experienced such an increase in customer volume that chef/owner Chan Hon Meng decided to expand into a second branch. This is now tucked away on Smith Street, an alley across from the food center, under the name “Liao Fan Hon Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle.” Branch number three quickly followed in the form of an air-conditioned restaurant on Teng Street, just outside the Chinatown Food Complex. Meals there are a bit more expensive: instead of 2 Singapore dollars per plate, chicken rice is priced at 3.8 dollars.

Liao Fan Hon Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle on Smith street

After a lifetime of hard and conscientious work, chef/owner Chan Hong Meng himself is now known as “the hero of street food” in Singapore. His shop’s popularity has grown so much that customers have to wait in a long line that snakes all around the food center.

Hawker Chan in Bangkok / Photo: Samutcha Viraporn

The added branches helped to accommodate customer volume, but it wasn’t long at all before the Hawker Chan name went international. Now the Terminal 21 trade center in Thailand hosts the latest branch, an eatery with the slogan “World’s First Michelin-starred Street Food Stall” still featuring the same basic menu as the Singapore shops: chicken with rice or egg noodles, chicken with char siu, crispy pork, and pork ribs.

A Snug Steel Home Built between Old Houses

By livingasean
June 1, 2017
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Phrae, Thailand /

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

/ Photographs: Tanakitt Khum-on /

This newly built snug steel home comes with “tai thun,” the lower open space, that allows cool air to pass through. Woodwork and a contemporary steel frame add remarkable touches to what now includes a coffee shop, clothing store, and family homestay.

Originally there were two old homes on the property before the new steel structure was built in the in-between space: one belonged to the grandmother, the other to her son, Kriangkrai Phithayapreechakul. It was a small house built on a raised foundation in 1986.

The plan was to connect the old homes to the new steel structure that contains a coffee shop, a clothing store, and a homestay.

“We had already moved out, and were living in the central business district of Phrae,” said Kriangkrai.

“At that time,” added his wife Sasithon Chai-uphatham, “we were planning to live and do business there. But Mom (the grandmother) got sick, so we decided to come back.

“Our daughter, Kik or Kansiri Phithayapreechakul, was about to graduate, so we figured we could do our batik work right here at home. And we would be happier living together.”

A shade tree in the yard keeps the front porch cool during the daytime hours.

Sasithon’s batik brand, “Thai Thaw”, is akin to “Roketsuzome”, a traditional Japanese wax-resist textile dyeing technique. Coming back to set up the family business is one reason her daughter Kik decided to go study fabric design. That’s the reason for building this intimate steel home in the middle.

“We started the building five years ago,” said Kik. “It took a year to finish it, and then we added a coffee shop and clothing store fronting the street, connecting into the old houses.”

With a clothing store on one side, they created a homestay on the other. The homeowners also adapted downstairs space for use as family room.

“At first we didn’t plan on opening a homestay. But we had some friends coming over to visit a lot, and they liked being around this area,” added Kik.

“Later, when we decided to give lessons in batik making, the house became a guesthouse to accommodate workshop participants.”

The living room of the homestay is on the ground floor.

The new building features a mix of concrete, steel structure and reclaimed timber. Upstairs, the floor is made of recycled tongue-in-groove hardwood boards. It reaches all the way to connect with the grandmother’s house.

The “tai thun” or lower open space inside Grandma’s house now serves a new purpose as the homestay living room. The homeowners kept the space as it was because they wanted to preserve the character of the old house and, at the same time, made certain that it blended with the new steel home.

Outside, a large mango tree was preserved for shade, relating to the space left between the three structures for good airflow. Décors are mostly from family collections.

“We worked slowly, concentrating on details, for beauty and best use of space,” said Kriangkrai.

“I let the builders work in the ways they were best at, and they brought out the charm of the original materials, blending them into a whole. In some places the steel was allowed to rust, complementing marks on the old wood as well as bare concrete and brick surfaces.”

The imprints of time work indeed with the new design making this steel home something really chic and special.

Owner/Designer: Kriangkrai Pitayapreechakul

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Right Renovation Leads to a Pleasing Hip, Modern Brick House

Traditional-Inspired Waterside Wooden House

Minimal-style Boxlike House

By livingasean
June 1, 2017
HOUSE,LIVING

Box-shaped, minimalist, skillfully utilitarian, the interior is open and spacious: everywhere is visible from everywhere else.

/// Thailand ///
Story: Patsiri Chotpongsun /// Photography: Tanakitt Khum-on /// Design: Mr.Somphon Sangkerd

This very cool-looking cubic house design really stands out in this more than thirty-year-old subdivision. Quiet, simple lines, authentic surfaces. Minimal decoration, just the few furniture pieces necessary.

“Since Mom is in the house more than anyone else, things are designed mainly for her walking around, in and out of the kitchen, dining room, and bedroom – which is on the ground floor for her convenience. Maintenance is easy: no cracks and crevices, simpler for an older person to work with,” Suphot Saengkeut, her youngest son, tells us.

To make the concept a reality, the Saengkeut family demolished and completely did away with the old house to build something entirely new on the 300-square-meter property. They made the kitchen spacious and, Thai-style, open to natural light and air flow, with primarily tile surfaces. In the front are storage cabinets with easy-to-clean surfaces of frosted glass, and vertically set boxes for electrical and water systems, accessible from the outside for maintenance and repair.

“Here, form follows function: whatever use the space lends itself to, that’s how it’s used,” says Somphon, the middle son. The architect adds, “Starting from the car park area out front and lining up the ground floor rooms with the upstairs bedrooms, the necessary simplicity of the form became obvious, with no functional need to change. The rectangular shape opens out towards the entrance, for people to better enjoy the natural world outside.”

The house faces east, with a latticework metal fence and a carport, keeping the sun from reaching into the indoor living space. The kitchen is separated off by an opaque wall. The dining room opens out with a glass wall set in a metal lattice frame, and outside is a fence of synthetic wood that blocks the sun and adds privacy. To the north is an open courtyard in the center of the house with tree jasmine, a place to relax or exercise, and a spiral stair which leads up to the bedroom of Somphop, the oldest son, without going back into the house.

Somphon installed solar slab panels with a gap between them and the concrete roof for good ventilation, also helped by air channels with metal caps releasing hot air from within. The panels shade the roof, which also has foam heat insulation beneath it.

Suphot leaves us with some final thoughts: “The house is really well set up for individual privacy. The living room is used the least, but a lot of mornings, evenings, and holidays we hang out together in the dining room. And if I’m upstairs working, there’s an open wall, and I can keep an eye on Mom downstairs. It’s a good feeling to know she’s safe, and we’re right there for her.”

A Clean Crisp White House for the Couple Who Love to Cook

By livingasean
May 20, 2017
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Bangkok, Thailand /

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

/ Photographs: Soopakorn Srisakul, Nantiya Bussabong, and Spaceshift Studio /

This modern cube house design inspires great admiration. It has a crisp elegance of cool-toned whites. From the outside, the building looks like three boxes stacked one on top of the other. Inside, it has everything this chef couple could want.

On first stepping into this white box house, you don’t see the expected living room complete with a sofa and TV console. Rather, it has a dining table long enough to seat 8-10 people. The owner couple, Nanthaphon Lilainukul and Thirayuth Khongdee, have a Facebook page called “The Dish Whisperer” for cooking aficionados.

They told us that when their daughter was born, at the time condo living didn’t lend itself to cooking, so they started looking around for a new home.

“I’ve lived in this neighborhood since I was three. My mother lives just three doors down, which is why we came back to this area. Outside the village, there’s that confused urban hustle and bustle, but here it’s quiet and peaceful,” said Nanthaphon.

Thirayuth said that the three-story design made good use of vertical space. It has all the necessary features neatly fitted into a small piece of land.

To prevent flooding, the plinth level that makes the first floor is built one meter above the ground. There is a cellar that’s used for storing preserved organic vegetables that Nanthaphon made herself.

The first floor contains a studio featuring that long table which – besides dining – is used for receiving guests and holding cooking workshops: Nanthaphon is a certified chef with a specialty in French pastries, while Thirayuth is a master of Thai food. Between the kitchen and the studio is a stairway to the second floor and a storage room for Nanthaphon’s ceramic dinnerware.

Sharing her piece of paradise, Nanthapon said: “Actually I graduated in engineering, but cooking has always been my thing.

“Each time I went to Japan, I got more hooked on its food culture. Eventually I decided to follow my passion and do what I loved — cooking and collecting beautiful dinnerware sets. I’ve found some really beautiful ceramic stuff in second-hand stores, but some I bought from abroad,”

The second floor holds a multipurpose family room made comfortable by a cool breeze that enters and circulates all day. Meanwhile, rough wood texture on the doors and windows adds rustic charm to the warm and intimate interior.

From the minimalist façade, outswing windows open to reach towards Nanthaphon’s mother’s house, conjuring up the image of social and family life in former times.

For more privacy, the bedroom is tucked away behind the multifunctional area. Their little girl still sleeps in the same room as Mom and Dad at least for now, but a separate room has been set aside for her future use on the third floor.

By design, this white box house is more than a place of residence: Nanthaphon’s cooking workshops are held here, too. Her focus here is less on preparation of dishes than on understanding how raw ingredients can be used in various culinary purposes.

Her food creations are straightforward and easy to follow, and they inspire visitors to try them at home.

Architect: Sook Architects Co.,Ltd.

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Five Affordable Small Houses

By livingasean
May 19, 2017
HOUSE,LIVING

No one wants to pay more than necessary when it comes to building a home. Living ASEAN presents five affordable small houses that can be built on a budget. They provide insight into effective planning and cost saving strategies. In a few words, a lovely home doesn’t have to come with a massive price tag. Check these out.

/// Thailand ///

Living ASEAN presents five affordable small houses that can be built on a budget.

Link: http://livingasean.com/house/compact-house-where-the-old-tells-a-new-story/

Link: http://livingasean.com/house/small-practical-loft-house/

Link: http://livingasean.com/house/sustainable-living-tropical-house/

Link: http://livingasean.com/house/classy-studio-home/

Enchanting Country Lodges in Prachin Buri

By livingasean
May 16, 2017
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Prachin Buri, Thailand /

/ Story: Panalee / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Sitthisak Namkham /

Here are beautiful country lodges nestled in a verdant oasis perfect for a weekend getaway. M.L. Apichit Vudhijaya sojourned in this part of the country a decade ago. Prior to that he had been searching for a modest, relaxed home with a seaside atmosphere. But as luck would have it, he came across this piece of land on the bank of the Bangpakong River in Prachin Buri Province. Needless to say, the location was peaceful and pristine. And the rest was history.

Soon he started building his dream country lodges largely out of reclaimed timber because it wasn’t too difficult to find. The weathered look of old wood paired with the imprints of time adds gorgeous curb appeal to the home.

“I wanted to try living the local way and experience life the way locals see it. No air conditioning, no glass windows. The first building on the property was made of materials recycled from what used to be a schoolhouse.

“Window frames and shutters came from recycling warehouses on Canals 2, 4 and 16. A local master builder named “Oy” undertook to build it from scratch,” said the homeowner.

He moved in after the first building was completed, and loved every minute of it. Impressed by the peaceful environment and unhurried, bucolic lifestyle, he decided to put in a second building two years later.

M.L. Apichit said: “I’ve got an antique-style Jacuzzi tub that was bought new from Italy. There was no room for it after our family home in Bangkok had been remodeled, so I had it shipped out here and set it up in the center of the yard.

“I put in a canopy to protect it from dead and dried leaves. After a while, it became a familiar sight, and the weather was nice. So I had a second house put in where the tub was originally.”

“The children came and stayed there, they love it, and the rest is history. Friends dropping in on us said it turned out to be a very romantic place,” he recalled.

House number 4 named Jakha offers seven rooms for guest lodging on the first floor overlooking a swimming pool. Upstairs holds a spacious suite.

It wasn’t long before the two houses became ill-prepared to meet increasing demands. M.L. Apichit soon decided it was time he put in a third building. The plan was to build a two-story home with a rooftop deck to take in views of the Khao Yai National Park clearly visible from miles around.

One day he came across an old home on the riverbank that was up for sale. He bought it, had it taken apart and shipped out here. The 70-year-old wooden home was given a new lease on life at a new address, this time with new roofing. Old-fashioned corrugated sheet metal made way for new terracotta roof tiles. Where appropriate, the walls were built of solid wood.

The unblemished charm of rustic life represented a turning point in M.L. Apichit’s perspective towards property development. He sought advice from a close friend, Apasiri Devahastin Na Ayudhya. The two friends shared a background in the hospitality industry.

“Now I wanted four houses on the property and they would be given appropriate Buddhist names. Already a team of creative designers have come up with titles from “Kharawasa Dharma 4”, a set of four disciplines for leading a happier life. They are Sajja (truth), Thamma (freedom from greed), Khanti (patience) and Jakha (generosity).

“House number 4 has a swimming pool. I designed it with the knowledge that I had. It was a terraced house design with 8 residential units,” he added. Upon completion, the latest addition named Jakha, became the first building to be visible from the country road in front of it.

The lure of a laid-back home in the countryside can be irresistible. Nature-inspired design is so charming, it’s hard not to fall in love with it. No wonder many come away impressed by the hospitality they have experienced for during their visit. The property contributes to the local economy, as workforce is hired from within the community and local products are used.

But it’s the warmth and homey feelings of these country lodges that have kept many coming back.

Owner: M.L. Apichit Vudhijaya

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Good Old Days: A Lovely Wooden House with Panoramic Views

Country Villa Breathes in the Energy of Nature

Good Old Days: A Lovely Wooden House with Panoramic Views

By livingasean
May 16, 2017
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Chiang Mai, Thailand /

/ Story: Patsiri Chotpongsun / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Sitthisak Namkham /

Turning left into a side street opposite Chiang Mai’s Mae Rim district bureau, rice fields on both sides of the road have matured and only just begun to bear fruit. In the middle of it, all emerged a two-storey wooden house with vintage Thai-style appeal. It stood hemmed in by tall trees and lush green lawns. This two-storey wooden house showcases a mix of concrete and timber, its wide façade looking out on a fabulous panorama of mountains and paddy fields.

wooden house — Open-back bookshelves contribute to an airy interior made for lounging, reading, and viewing pictures in the gallery.

Anchan, the housedog, gave a welcome bark, followed by greetings from the mustached host, “Tom” Apichai Wangtragul. He introduced us to his better half, “Saa” Narawan Rajchasee Wangtragul, AKA the heart of the house. The Retro look of her Thai-style sarong matched the atmosphere of the home named “Good Old Days.”

“Back in Lampang we had a small coffee shop offering snacks and selling guitars. It was very warm there, so we started looking for a new home in good weather. We found one on Google, not far from where we wanted to build our first home in Chiang Mai. One day that piece of land was up for sale, and we were lucky to have bought it,” Saa said.

Tom was teaching draftsmanship courses in Lampang, when they met, and the rest is history.

In Chiangmai, he designed the new wooden house after first setting up a model to determine effects of different building orientations at various times of day. He kept track of amounts of sun and natural air circulation and used the information to aid in the design.

The result was a home that fit in well with its natural surroundings and weather conditions.

As he puts it, “The home facing west gets a full dose of afternoon sun. The glare can be felt, no doubt, but the trade-off is worth it.

Panoramic sunsets can be seen every day.” To solve the problem, he has put in moveable latticework, which reduces the sun’s harsh glare.

“I grew up in a wooden house on the water’s edge. I told him I wanted one with a shed roof made of corrugated sheets just like old times,” Saa recalled.

“Tom said that could not be done. So we built our new home using metal sheet roofing instead. I wanted doors with plantation shutters and places to showcase collectibles that we have cherished for a long time.”

Tom made sure his loved one got what she wanted. He searched and found reclaimed timber in Sanpatong and paired them with old wood imported from Lampang.

The timber supplies included Burma padauk wood, ironwood, and teak. The couple sought blessings for peace and prosperity before every piece was put to good use.

Apart from carpentry details, Tom is passionate about modern style with an emphasis on naked concrete finishes. Together they make the building feel light.

The interior living spaces are light and naturally ventilated, thanks to plenty of openings on all sides. Each function area is clearly defined with floating furniture for easy updates.

This design concept applies to the sofa in the living room and the dining table by the rear windows. The kitchen comes fully equipped, as their house becomes a home-stay destination.

The couple does everything in-house from selecting natural ingredients to preparing indigenous meals. It is attention to details and good health practice that keep customers coming back.

Tom’s hobby projects have been the source of many décor items.

Triple-shutter design : In the Northern region, the window with three shutters in a row is generally preferred for cost effectiveness. The ingenious design needs only one latch to lock all three windows.

Tom keeps a collection of vinyl records for sentimental reasons. He likes listening to relaxing music on the old-fashioned phonograph while Saa cooks. Some of it is rare on this day and age. Here time goes by so slowly that it seems stuck in history.

The floor plan features a flight of stairs made of concrete and wooden steps. Located in the center, it keeps the two bedrooms on the first floor a good distance apart for added privacy. There are cabinets where old books and other collectibles are neatly kept. Nearby stands a gallery made for lounging, reading, and viewing pictures on the wall.

The second floor offers two good-sized bedrooms : one for guest accommodations, and the other for the couple’s exclusive use. There are antique beds in all of the bedrooms. Saa said she felt good about them knowing they came from good homes. She bought them direct from their previous owners. Between the two rooms stands an office space, where Tom spends time working at his draftsman desk. The workspace is bedecked with collectibles including old cameras and vinyl records.

As Saa puts it, “This is the wooden house that strikes the right balance for the two of us. It effectively chronicles our love story and journey through time. I am just happy being here.

“Chiangmai is such a delightful place, with canals, plenty of water, trees, and beautiful culture. During the period from November to February, our house becomes a home-stay destination.

Known as “Good Old Days,” the house has become a wholesome getaway for like-minded people. The service is not available during summer months, because we don’t use air conditioning. Time is well spent in the great outdoors.

Owner/Designer: Apichai Wangtragul

Blog : thailand

Baanlaesuan 2017 Midyear Fair uses the concept “Living with Passion” to illustrate the intense connection people feel with craftsmanship, cooking, and all sorts of skilled work that is the product of loving care. July 22 – 30 at Bitec Convention and Exposition Center in Bang Na.

– Baanlaesuan Home Ideas: Cooking Mania Home – a “kitchen house” for people who love to cook –

– TERMINAL by room Magazine –

– Baanlaesuan Craft Village, by Baanlaesuan Publishing –

– Green House, by Baanlaesuan Magazine –

– Relax zone: rest spot for garden-lovers –

– Green park: rest spot for bookworms –

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– Social Craft Network –

30 leading galleries and artists from across Thailand and abroad have turned a Bangkok hotel into a vibrant art destination well worth a visit. The event, which is the fourth edition by Farmgroup, takes place on June 24-25 at the Volve Hotel on Sukhumvig 53, just off Thonglor BTS Station. Be there!

Room 202: The Barn Curated by Farmgroup

Room 201: Pomme Chan

Room 207: The C.A.P Studio and Jojo Kobe

Room 301: The Gallery Seescape

Room 304: Note Kritsada

Room 307: The Bangkok Citycity Gallery

Room 403: Dr. Apinan Poshyananda

Room 404: The Serindia Gallery

Room 406: The Atta Gallery, and Paw-Dee Lifestyle

Room 407: The H Gallery

In a new challenge for the celebrated “hero of street food,” today Singapore’s Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle, the cheapest restaurant in the world to achieve a starred Michelin rating, is opening a Thailand branch in the Asoke area of Bangkok.

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This newly built snug steel home comes with “tai thun,” the lower open space, that allows cool air to pass through. Woodwork and a contemporary steel frame add remarkable touches to what now includes a coffee shop, clothing store, and family homestay.

Box-shaped, minimalist, skillfully utilitarian, the interior is open and spacious: everywhere is visible from everywhere else.

This modern cube house design inspires great admiration. It has a crisp elegance of cool-toned whites. From the outside, the building looks like three boxes stacked one on top of the other. Inside, it has everything this chef couple could want.

**– TERMINAL by room Magazine –**