The designer put a hint of Japanese style with this built-in table. It can be used as a sofa, too.The rooms are not very spacious, but the design allows for large, attractive overhead lamps in the living room because of its raised ceiling.
Three young sisters, came to live together in a two-bedroom condominium. Naturally, interior design and décor was high on the list of priorities.
The eldest sister saw a TV program. Impressed with the detailed interior décor there, she searched out the designer, Kritcha of ‘Elevacon’ Interior Design Work, who agreed to take on the job.
“These three young ladies have truly differing tastes,” said the designer. “The oldest likes a combination of English and American styles. The middle one likes the Japanese minimalist style, while the youngest favors realism, showing the natural surfaces of materials.”
The campus theme combines seriousness and fun. To reflect that, the combination of dark and light wood are used and different styles of lamps are installed.
The designer said: “An important feature here is the sliding wooden partition we put in to separate the sleeping area from bathroom and dressing room, so that each of them has privacy. With one person at a time in each section, no one feels cramped.”
The small bedroom of the eldest has a clear underground American hip-hop flavor. The gray brick wall is really stylish. “The eldest one has a clear concept on both preferred design and functionality. She even let me know exactly what she would put in her closets.” the designer commented.
At the front door is a floor-to-ceiling shoe storage cabinet. Next to it, a 15-centimeter-deep storage shelf is raised off the floor to avoid a cluttered look.
For the common area–living room, Kritcha felt it would be a place all the young ladies used for having friends coming over, so she did it up in a campus theme. To lighten the reserved atmosphere of a student lifestyle, she added some playful touches: plants, and entertaining decorative items with unique and interesting shapes.
The youngest sister likes to cook, so the new pantry is expanded, adding an L-shaped counter for an extra space. The clothes washer and dryer are covered with matte PVC film, a tasteful addition for an overall harmony.
Before leaving, the designer whispered to us how these youngsters had altered her original concept quite a bit. She had seen them start really having fun, coming up with new ideas, bringing things they wanted to use to spice up the ambience.
The shared bedroom is orderly and simple. Still, there is interesting detail: lighting works are hidden inside the lowered ceiling panels. The gaps in the ceiling are echoed with the long mirror set in the wood wall paneling.
“It was fun to watch them doing this,” she said. “Together, they were like school girls. Each one bringing in so many different things. It was like they really went back to the campus!”
The eldest sister’s bedroom offers a bit of underground chic with its stylized gray brick wall, reducing any seriousness implied by the brown leather bed upholstery. The shelf’s inner mirrors add an interesting dimension to the room.
A good life begins at home. This beautiful contemporary house is, no doubt, a reflection of that, plus it provides a fine example of how limitations or site issues can be overcome. Because the land has a narrow frontage to the street, the house is built right up close to a neighboring home. So every square meter counts and has to be used wisely.
On the whole, it’s a visually stunning design. The modern-style home boasts a distinctive atmosphere that gives it a European flavor. Especially worthy of attention is an intriguing combination of materials such as stone masonry and craftsmanship in the metalwork.
From the outside the house doesn’t appear large, but inside, it’s actually quite spacious. The building has three floors; the first of which holds a common area consisting of a living room, dining room and pantry. The second and third floors are for rest and relaxation.
Gorgeous privacy fence ideas boast the beauty of stone masonry, wood and metalwork gracing the main entryway.The living room is well-appointed and uncluttered, thanks to there being only a few pieces of furniture. The coffee table at the center has hidden drawers for easy storage.
To build the home on a long and narrow lot, the design team at Workspace Architecture Studiocomes up with a stretched house plan that puts as much usable floor space as possible in the front and back, yet still leaves enough room for a courtyard filled with fresh greenery for year-round decorating.
The dining room is decorated in a modern style with a mild classic flavor from stone furniture, candelabra-like ceiling lamps and a cross-shaped table legs.A beautifully patterned granite-topped table and leather chairs give the room a classy but relaxed atmosphere.
To overcome construction site limitations, classic design concepts are brought into practical use. Among others, beams and pillars are built in a way that blends with interior décor, while other support structures provide decorative continuity and spots to conveniently hide electric wiring.
A black steel-frame staircase offset with vertical lines gives the interior a light and airy feel.Dimmed light in the room builds a warm mood for soft and airy interiors. Décor is mainly of granite and wood while an opening is provided for ventilation and natural light.Bathroom décor of natural wood blends well with white and gray.
The overall effect is impressive. Authentic material surfaces, including stone masonry, metalwork, wood and brass, are left exposed for aesthetic and functional reasons. The stone surface, especially, has its own unique pattern. It’s also durable, lasting for decades, and capable of adding to the variety of textures in the house.
A high-ceilinged bedroom comes in soft-colored décor. Recessed ceiling lights add dimension, creating an illusion of an even taller space.The room for working and reading is located on the top floor. The true surface of the wood beams is exposed for the hint of a loft environment.
As for furnishings, the decorative accessories and furniture, both floating and built-in, are very much a part of the custom design. They are thoughtfully devised to create a harmonious look and, at the same time, perform a dual role in overcoming site limitations and fulfilling the house owners’ needs.
At the end of the day, it’s about making this contemporary home a happy place for everyone in the family.
Due to limited space, the courtyard and swimming pool are narrowly aligned along the outside of the building. Yet there’s room for plants to thrive luxuriantly along the fence wall for privacy and relaxation.
Good ventilation, the core concept of traditional Thai houses, is adapted for the modern age in this contemporary house. From the outside it looks slick and belonging to the present, but this building has the heart and soul of conventional Thai residential architecture.
The owner has been living in this house with his father and mother since he was young. Now he has a wife and kids, and it’s become too cramped to hold all of them. But instead of moving elsewhere, the young couple built a new place where there used to be a garden right next to the old house.
The new design connects the two homes both inside and out, so family members can easily take part in common activities. This modern living concept is actually not a new one, but arose out of the structure and functionality of houses of earlier times.
[Left] To fit the unusual shape of the building and glass walls on two sides, furniture in this fashionable high-ceilinged reception parlor is positioned diagonally. / [Right] A colorful painting with chic graphic patterns adds panache to a light-colored room, brightening up the straightforward house design.[Left] Reception parlor design follows the traditional Thai “Sala” concept. The room is enclosed by glass walls that open wide to the natural world of plants and trees outside. / [Right] The bathroom has uniquely stylish lines.
There’s a pantry in the middle of the house plan, a nice place for family members to sit and talk.
The dining room and living room are similar to an open “Sala” in a traditional Thai house. All the rooms are connected through a large wooden balcony. Both buildings share a main entryway, carports and service areas.
A staircase runs along the wall of the entryway with high ceilings, creating a relaxing visual effect.The continuing space from the first floor to the hallway on the second floor is bright and airy, clearly visible from a wide-angle perspective.The living room on the second floor has a large window with a view of the old house.
Inside there are lots of windows for good ventilation. Beautiful large trees such as Black Afara (scientific name: Terminalia Ivorensis) are planted all about to provide shade. Excellent landscape architecture components such as ponds, a rock garden, and pathways paved with flagstones are added for a relaxing mood.
Trees and shrubs planted outside the bedroom give a nice view and enhance privacy.
This contemporary house is an example of how a residence you love can be expanded and transformed beyond its limitations into a bigger home. As this family has discovered, you don’t always have to abandon the old ways to find happiness.
[Left] To make good use of daylight, a small skylight is cut in the upstairs bathroom. / [Right] The main staircase projects out from the wall. Light cream-colored genuine wood paneling and a clear glass railing make the stair look light, as if floating.The house extends out above the outdoor family area while requiring only minimal support posts.
Pad Thai is one of Thailand’s best-known dishes. What’s not so well known is that some noodles sold to tourists under that name isn’t Pad Thai at all, and this is especially true with what you’re liable to find sold from cart vendors around Khao San Road. Let’s take a look at what Pad Thai is really all about.
/// Thailand///
Story: Samutcha Viraporn /// English Version: Peter Montalbano /// Photography: Rithirong Chanthongsuk, Supawan Sa-ard
Pad Thai at a famous restaurant it the Pratu Phi district. Here, it’s said, the prime minister who invented the dish came to eat and gave the taste a big “thumbs up.”
In fact 99% of the restaurants in Thailand sell authentic Pad Thai with only slightly varying recipes, and all with the same ingredients. The basic recipe calls for kuai tiao rice noodles stir-fried with tofu, chopped garlic chive, chopped sweet radish, dried shrimp, bean sprout, flavored with mandarin juice, sugar, and roasted peanuts, and eaten with fresh vegetables like garlic chive, raw bean sprout, and banana blossom. Another very popular variation includes the addition of big shrimp into the stir-fry mix. Pad Thai sold from Khao San tourist area carts, though, has quite a different taste. If you gave some of that to a Thai, that person might say, “this is actually pad si iw (soya-flavored stir-fry) with skinny noodles, more like.”
Cart selling Pad Thai along Khao San Road. Look, the cook is a foreigner!Some cart vendors offer a variety of noodle types to chose from.
Of course, if you aren’t yourself too familiar with Pad Thai you probably won’t suffer much, because whatever noodle dish it is probably won’t taste too horrible, but if you’re looking for the real thing, this is not Pad Thai. Starting off with the flavor, they use dark soy sauce instead of the delicate tamarind juice with its hidden sour and sweet flavor. They follow up by putting cabbage, khana (Chinese kale), and carrots instead of those pungently fragrant garlic chive leaves. Done that way, Pad Thai becomes a completely different kind of stir-fried noodles.
Fresh shrimp Pad Thai adds large shrimp, and the tamarind sauce/shrimp oil combination gives the noodles a more reddish tint.False Pad Thai. This has a very salty and oily taste, and also uses the wrong vegetables.
So, then, what is that real Pad Thai all about? In the early days of the Thai republic, around World War II, Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram was Prime Minister, and he wanted to create a Thai dish which would express Thai national identity. The following video clip, produced by the Thai Tourism Authority, does a good job explaining the origin and composition of Pad Thai:
In the midst of a verdant oasis stands a contemporary home with bare concrete walls and wood decoration. It blends perfectly well with a peaceful country setting in Rayong, a province on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand.
The home consists of two buildings rising in perfect harmony with nature, thanks to the raw look of bare concrete finishes.
“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 the decoration,” homeowner Prom Duangkai said with a smile.
“I gave it 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 on the property were left pretty much intact. Upon completion, I sold the old house and then moved over here.”
The one-story wing of the house is used as work room and space for entertaining houseguests. The main entryway has folding shutters that open up the entire front façade to connect with the great outdoors.The hobby lobby: The homeowner’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.Furniture items in dark earth-tone browns blend nicely with the atmosphere inside the welcome area. The homeowner’s woodwork and décor items are on display here.
There are two buildings on the property. The smaller, one-story wing abutting on the street in front serves as work room and space for receiving houseguests. It has a spacious front porch that is being used for hobbies and carpentry work.
Good ventilation paired with plenty of natural light turns the area into ideal workspace. Walk in the door, and you find simple living room ideas and decorative pieces crafted mostly of wood. Every piece fits in well with the raw appeal of naked concrete finishes in the room.
Upfront, bi-fold doors open all the way from one side to the other, making the room feel light, airy and comfortable all day.
Generous wall openings increase the amount of fresh air circulating indoors, while lush vegetation permeates the landscape to reduce the harsh effects of solid concrete walls.
“I designed everything myself, from the basic structures, to furniture, to décor. I like bike riding and making road trips to reconnect with all that nature has to offer. It is about a longing for good times and going back to the beauty of our natural home,” Prom said.
“I’ve always wanted to incorporate the raw feel of wood and bare concrete finishes in the design. It’s a way to create a living space that syncs with the rhythms of nature. That’s the reason for choosing naked materials. Then, I put in large windows and doors so that the garden can be seen in full view from inside.”
[Left] Awning windows provide better protection from the elements and create a natural ventilation effect. / [Right] Big rocks placed one on top of the other make a set of steps that connects the porch to the side yard.Prom added that he was a big fan of DIY furniture and handcrafted decorating items. Besides saving a lot of money, they can be custom-made to meet specific everyday needs. Every now and then he created one-of-a kind furniture and décor items in this way. They might look unfinished and far from ideal. But that’s exactly what gives them the power of giving delight.
A twig anchored to a home office desk serves as rack for hanging hats and tchotchkes from a lifetime of carpentry. House and garden publications that are his pastime are kept here.
Move on to the second building. It’s a two-story place of residence that shares the same characteristics as the first building.
The exterior walls are of naked concrete finishes mixed with wood. There’s an element of surprise though. An opening in the second-floor balcony allows a Pride of India tree (scientific name: Lagerstroemia speciose) to rise from the ground up and shoot right through reaching for the sky.
Here, nature has priority. It’s the homeowner’s favorite shady garden nook, where time goes by slowly. It’s a place to sit down sipping coffee taking a break from pruning trees in the yard.
The homeowner’s creative space is a patio complete with a set of workbench and stool made out of materials left over from other projects. The coarse bark texture of the house pole in the background harmonizes with the rustic country ambience.The front porch offers plenty of space for potted houseplants, including miniature succulents and bonsai trees.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.
In retrospect, it’s amazing to think about all the benefits that trees are giving us humans. Particularly at this house, they provide a refreshing change and the inspiration the homeowner needs to satisfy his passion for wood. Needless to say, it’s an enchanting place to live and work.
For the homeowner, nothing beats a bike ride around the neighborhood in the afternoon. Oftentimes he runs into something worthwhile to take home. Even twigs and tiny found objects sometimes make great décor items.
This beautiful Tuscan home is one of 60 houses in “The Eyrie” project at Khao Yai. Its atmosphere is similar to – and just as attractive as – houses in Italy’s Tuscany region.
/// Thailand ///
Story: Ajchara Jeenkram /// Photos: Soopakorn Srisakul, Sitthisak Namkham /// Style: Phakhawadee Phahulo /// Design: Amnad Khitapanna /// Landscape Architecture: Little Tree by Sirivit Riubamrung and Charturong Khunkong
This relaxing spot is a good place to sip tea in the late morning. The owners built a trellis of umbrella bamboo here, and planted climbing vines for shade.The garden and cozy little nook out front are designed to match the architectural style.Gentle sunlight in the early morning shines into the house, creating a warm atmosphere. /// Set in U-shaped form, the kitchen can be used as a food preparation counter or a small bar. There’s a built-in ceiling-height cabinet for equipment storage.The living room connects to the dining area, decorated with natural materials: woven wicker, stone, brick, and authentic wood.
The owners tell us that the minute they saw the prospectus they decided to buy here, because of their faith in the skill of Amnad Khitapanna, the project’s designer.
The homes here are outwardly of all different designs, no two alike, but they complement each other to give the impression of a single village. This house is situated in the middle of the property, leaving room for grass lawns both in the front and the back.
The lower floor steps down to the kitchen, dining room, and living room, which are set at a lower level to connect more smoothly with the back yard. The property slopes down a bit. This adds some privacy and also opens to a beautiful view of the ring of mountains behind the house.
The dining area connecting to the kitchen gives the feeling of a French bistro, with light and airy décor.By the staircase, the owners keep the light subdued for a sense of intimacy. /// The hallway on the second floor is full of sweetness: Painted furniture, a classic chandelier, and curvy decorative items.
Niece’s bedroom is done in pastels and wavy cloth for a sense of sweet femininity. /// Light-colored wicker furniture pairs with flower pattern decorations for a hint of European style.
Bedrooms on the second and third floors are decorated in sweet, pastel colors. Additionally, there is a library-cum-living room, which the owners selected black and green for the decor on purpose to differentiate the space from other rooms.
An umbrella bamboo trellis on the front yard forms an arbor planted with climbing vines, complemented by European-style metal furniture, where one can drink tea and relax.
The interior decor was done entirely by the owners just the way they wanted. They never studied design formally, just collected memories from their journeys to Tuscany and used as decorative ideas for this gorgeous home.
What they have created is no less wonderful than the house design that could have been done by a professional.
English country décor and furnishings adorn the dressing corner and living spaces in the bedroom.Above the headboard are the wife’s paintings inspired by her stays in hotels abroad.The wife’s favorite bathtub with lion’s paws leg design. A tall window is built to bring in natural light and for improved ventilation.The classic library-cum-living room is done in cream. A European-style fireplace is installed for use during the winter.The lounging area in the back is not exposed to sunlight. So, it can be used all day long. /// Behind the house is a smooth grass lawn. Mexican daisies on the wall and a wrought iron fence go together well with the overall look of the house.
Ideas are all around. Designers and artists create their works from Chiang Mai heritage. The local wisdom was developed under the theme “New Originals”. Living ASEAN picks the must-see exhibitions arranged by locations for your convenience.
Along the walkway lined with graphic design exhibitions, Chiang Mai entrepreneurs open their booths to stage the shows here.
“Tawipob,” a collection of handcrafted metal-frame windows, created by Thai artist Torlarp Larpjaroensook“Mohhom,” clothes dyed indigo blue the traditional way, are re-created to showcase new uses by MOHHOMM.
TCDC Chiang Mai
The Center of Modern Design Knowledge in Chiang Mai, organizer of this event, puts on shows of many interesting projects featuring works by local and international designers and artisans. Beautiful designs, artworks, and crafts from Japan and Indonesia are on view here.
TRANSFER(S), a creative collaboration between Thai and French designers, features beautiful objects of handicraft made by local artisans and designed by Sam Baron, Charlotte Juillard, Nocc Studio, Thinkk Studio, and Rush PLEANSUK.“Desk Partition” by TRANSFER(S) / An exhibition by La Fete“Nanaa Mirror” by TRANSFER(S) / An exhibition by La Fete“The silk-wool plant collection,” an over-scale flower design, was crafted of Thai silk and Holland wool and designed by WANDSCHAPPEN in collaboration with JIM THOMPSON. / An exhibition by Here and There, Holland“The Big Face Box,” by Daily Portal Z, isn’t about just making a face big. It makes people around you smile and come away happy. / An exhibition by Knowledge Capital, Japan
Wooden radio sets by Magno / Exhibits by Rumah Sanur Creative Hub, IndonesiaBamboo coffee set and cutlery inspired by the breakfast tableware of the Bomari village / A show rich in exhibits by Rumah Sanur Creative Hub, Indonesia“Maikam” is a simple crutch handcrafted of bamboo, rattan and the inner tube of an automobile tire. This physiotherapy equipment is a product of local craftsmanship in Chiang Mai.
Chiang Mai House of Photography
The Small Blue House behind the Lanna Folklife Museum becomes a venue for talented designers to showcase their great ideas, which art lovers shouldn’t miss.
Art and design objects made from recycled materials by Chiang Mai designer Pichakorn Chukeaw, from Tua Pen NotAn opportunity to explore production techniques used in making leather lifestyle products by Labrador x FabcafeA unique technique of mixing clays by Inclay Studio, a local ceramic studio in Chiang Mai“Ta-Ton-Yon: Keep it Slow, and Grow Better,” an exhibition by Design Plant, supported by COTTO
Rachamankha Hotel
Elegance never fades. The best of Chiang Mai Design Week culminates in “720 New Originals,” which consist of three shows at the iconic hotel in Chiang Mai.
“Every Woman Deserves Elegance”, an exclusive art to wear collection inspired by Princess Dara Rasamee, is made by SARRAN and supported by JIM THOMPSON.Turn waste silk thread into a beautiful bangle by SARRAN x JIM THOMPSONA bangle made using techniques in pearl inlaid furniture by SARRAN x DEESAWAT“Wear Our hearts,” an art to wear collection for charity by 17 guest designers“72 Seats,” the joy of the outdoor living co-created by SARRAN, JIM THOMPSON, and DEESAWAT
Thapae East
“Re-Design Anonymous Chair” features an exhibition depicting the thinking process that goes into making a traditional chair with curved wooden arms.
Virtual diagram of the thinking process of this project“Ele” by Doonyapol Srichan, of Re-Design Anonymous ChairA design called “Same, Same” by o-d-a, of Re-Design Anonymous Chair“Ping” by ease studio, of Re-Design Anonymous Chair
Gallery Seescape, Nimmanhemin Soi 17
“Gallery Seescape” puts on an art exhibition by Anon Pairot, a Thai designer who is curious about the goings-on in our society.
Come 2017 the exhibition “Souvenirs from Depressions” will be staged on an even bigger scale at the Art Stage in Singapore.
On view are bewitchingly beautiful works of art by a duo of Japanese artists, known as Paramodel. Showing a slice of their imaginative paradise, the pair plays with their artistic media in a way so fascinating that it is a class of its own. Based on a site-specific concept, the exhibition is so rare it seems paradoxical in the eye of the world.
One of the Paramodel duo, Yasuhiko Hayashi will stay in Bangkok for a month, during which he will demonstrate the three-dimensional space concept at the Thonglor Art Space using ordinary media, such as industrial pipes and “Plarails” or pieces of plastic railing.
Their signature materials; namely, pipes and plarails, are intended to create visual impacts, the first thing we look toward in any kind of artistic compositions. For some, Paramodel’s work may look like a construction site. For others, it may symbolize scenes of a paradoxical paradise, or visualizations of our complex social behaviors and relationships with one another. Some may find it interesting in the lead-up to for the Holiday Season. In the shortest word possible, it’s time you set your imagination free. Mark your calendar!
For more information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1708509662800769/permalink/1717320201919715/
This unusual home with intriguing ideas hidden inside belongs to Vazzan Tirangkura. With a big smile, he told us the story behind it. “It’s called The Tinman House because I was impressed with Tin Woodman, the fictional character who was looking for his heart in L. Frank Baum’s novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.”
The coming together of vertical and horizontal lines gives a sense of youthful exuberance to the box-shaped house perfectly fitted for a rectangular plot of land. Grayish-black checker plates act as a double skin that prevents heat and filter sunlight, keeping the interior cool and comfortable.
Vazzan had looked for the right location for years before he came across this piece of land by accident. “I was driving one afternoon and got lost. As luck would have it, I made a turn into this side street and found a house listed for sale right there in front of me. The land was 53 square wah (212 sq. m.). I thought about it for a night and went back to settle the deal first thing the next day.”
After a consult with Jun Sekino of Junsekino Architect and Design, the rest was history. Jun Sekino was his favorite architect, who continued to translate his ideas into reality.
“Vazzan wanted this house built for a small family with two kids.” He was single at the time. It sounded ridiculously dreamy to me. But once finished, the Tinman House reflected both the homeowner’s character and a living space that’s raw, something in its true state not pretending to be more palatable than it actually is,” said Jun Sekino.
A modern Buddhist altar is made from a laser-cut metal plate, giving a raw and sleek look, which goes well with the house’s materials and linings.
The rectangular house plan offers 415 square meters of space for practical and effective use. The stairway works as a core ventilation stack. The linear interior hallway distributes functions to all the rooms.
The first floor has a carport, a welcome area, living room, dining room and kitchen, while the second is divided into a library, workroom, dressing room and guest bedroom. The quiet and more secluded third floor holds a master bedroom and children’s bedroom. On the fourth floor lies a sky garden with a peaceful lounge offering privacy.
The open entranceway adopts traditional Asian-style flooring to suit the modern environment. The outcome is an airy area that feels comfortable without air conditioning.
On the whole, it’s a creation based on form-follows-functions and ergonomic concepts. For best results, the homeowner participated in planning every step of the way. He questioned every detail so that all the building designs performed the function tailored to his needs.
Bright yellow epoxy flooring in the dining room; the color is chosen to encourage an appetite. A mirror panel connects the dining room to the living room. Louvers are installed from floor to ceiling. So the wind can flow through and the view outside can be seen.
Minimalist design appears not only in its look, but also in the house’s functionality. There are no door knobs. Instead, bolts are applied for every door in the house. Isn’t that exciting? It’s been a while since we last saw a bar that slid into a socket to fasten the door and window.
The kitchen combines a striking red color with a raw, industrial style. The counter boasts the beauty of simplicity in the form of polished concrete finishes. Supplies are stored inside built-in checker plate closets.
Overall, the decoration is done in a loft style that brings out the true nature of materials. Reclaimed timber recycled from the old demolished house find new purposes as a gigantic bookshelf (0.60 x 29 x 3 meters in size), a work desk, a bedside table and flooring materials, to name but a few.
There are plenty of ideas that take modern loft decor to the next level. Built-in furniture is all custom made, pushed up against the wall to create a roomy living space. The pieces are made from industrial supplies, for example, water pipes, metal plates, expanded metal grating, and checker plates.
More so than anything else, it’s the use of primary colors that adds a refreshing change to the home — red, yellow and Majorelle blue.
A loft-style guest bedroom is ready to welcome his “don’t drink and drive” friends. Shelf-like metal bunks with mattresses have enough room to sleep two people comfortably.[Left] An expanded metal mesh door adds an airy feel to the dry part of a bathroom. Polished concrete finishes paired with a stainless steel bucket make a simple set of wash basin and counter. / [Right] A red custom-made metal door breaks the rawness of unpainted concrete.A roomy workspace on the second floor can be seen in full view through a rope net hung in the middle of the third floor. The wall on the west side is filled with an array of bookshelves, which as a whole provides a buffer against heat.
Taking everything into account, the building external envelope is clear and simple, while interior design is lively and fun. All the spaces and functions are interconnected to serve everyday needs. No doubt it’s a perfect home for a small modern family.
Sharing his slice of paradise, Vazzan said: “Because I travel a lot, I’m very happy when I have a chance to stay home. I love every corner in this house. Each of them is designed having me as its center. It’s thoughtfully devised to be simple, practical and timeless. Even in the next 20 to 30 years, it will always be a contemporary home.”
The stairway is painted Majorelle blue, an indelible visual impression Vazzan experienced during a recent trip to Morocco.Simple master bedroom décor affords a warm, relaxed atmosphere. The headboard is adorned with a laser-cut metal plate featuring dragon and swan design. The metal bed frame is designed by Vazzan himself.
Before we say goodbye, Vazzan has a piece of advice for those planning to build a home of their own. “The owner has to take part in the design, because he or she is the heart of the house — The Tinman House included. The heart of a home is borne by its owner.”
Viewed from the top, a spiral staircase in Majorelle blue connects the dressing room to the bedroom on the second floor.
The pavement leading to the cafe’ is covered in black carpet stones. For a pronounced look, the gaps between stones are filled with fine-grained gravels.
Two siblings, Somboon and Poonsuk, have always been hard-core coffee lovers. They decided to make use of a plot of land belonging to their father by turning it into a cozy café on the bank of the beautiful Kok River in Chiang Rai.
Bushes trimmed for a manicured appearance mix well with nearby freeform flower plants. The vine-covered façade of the café enhances the garden’s natural ambience.
“The original design was a raw, wooden-focused because there were only coffee and few Northern dishes on the menu. Later the architect suggested that the café would be too big for just a small number of dishes. At the time, a senior acquaintance of ours came up with European food and cake recipes. So, we toned down the café design from a raw look to a French vintage style.” Kulnaree Suralertrangsan, Somboon’s wife told us.
“We knew nothing about garden landscaping. Luckily, someone introduced us to Suthathip and Isara. Customers often asked us about the style of our garden. We had to go back to Suthathip and Isara to learn more. They said it was called Southern French style. The design coincided with the café by chance.”
The cafe’ is an elegant glasshouse, parts of which are covered in Cat’s Claws (Macfadyena Unguis-Cati (L.) A.H. Gentry) giving the space a vintage look.
The garden is semi-formal in style with a black water fountain at the center. It’s an outstanding feature there. The garden floor is covered in black carpet stones with fine-grained gravels filling the gaps in between. Neat, well-trimmed shrubs, notably Fukian tea trees (Carmona Retusa), thrive along the edges. Nearby colorful flowering plants abound. They include Chinese violets (Asystasia gangetica), cat’s whiskers (Orthosiphon aristatus), snow roses (Serissa) and shrubby bush clovers (Lespedeza bicolor). Their vibrant colors provide a welcome contrast with the surrounding hardscape.
Clever outdoors hacks: A lone park bench is thrown in to break a long line of violet wild petunias (Ruellia squarrosa (Fenzi) Cufod) along the stone paver walkway. /// Little African violet pots are put on the edge of the walls.
Different types of pine trees are also grown here, for example, creeping junipers (Juniperus procumbens), Italian cypresses (Cupressus sempervirens L. ‘Stricta’), Khasi pines (Pinus kesiya Royle ex Gordon) and Orientali arborvitae (Thuja orientalis Endl), which go together well with a European-style garden and thrive in cool weather in the northern part of Thailand.
The cafe’s glass walls provide opportunity for customers to connect with the outdoors. A fair amount of space is left between shrubs for easy access and care. Fine-grained gravels provide a welcome contrast to nearby lush foliage and flowering plant species. Flowers and grasses make for beautiful table decorations and fit in amazingly well with a relaxing ambience.
There is a seating area next to the front courtyard, which serves as a reception area and a popular photo spot. Table sets await customers who prefer dining alfresco on a nearby stone-on-grass lawn. Meantime, cool breezes keep the spacious river-view terrace comfortable all day long. It’s a lifestyle in close touch with nature. Herbs, such as rosemary and mint that thrive on the premises, are picked fresh everyday for use as ingredients in food and drinks on the menu.
The semi-formal courtyard showcases a gorgeous mix of beautiful shrubs trimmed for a manicured garden appearance. Fukian tea trees and Elfin herbs thrive alongside lively colors of flowery bush plants. Freeform shapes prevent the garden from looking too formal. A large table set in the middle of the garden is perfect those who love dining alfresco.
Besides the relaxing atmosphere, the Northern cuisine is the main attraction here. Those mouthwatering dishes made the traditional way combine to make this café an enchanting place to be. Its first-class recipe is a heritage from Somboon’s great grandmother, who was a housekeeper for Princess Dara Rasmi in times past. For visitors to Chiang Rai, spending an afternoon here is obviously an unforgettable experience.
The beautiful allure of a fountain garden makes it ideal for family activities and social gathering. Ground cover filling the gap between stone pavers strikes the right balance between hard objects and lush greenery. /// A small table set under an old Indian almond tree gives a hint of a tea corner in France.
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![[Left] To make good use of daylight, a small skylight is cut in the upstairs bathroom. / [Right] The main staircase projects out from the wall. Light cream-colored genuine wood paneling and a clear glass railing make the stair look light, as if floating.](https://livingasean.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/011-5-1024x730.jpg)
![[Left] Awning windows provide better protection form the elements and create a natural ventilation effect. [Right] Big rocks placed one on top of the other make a set of steps that connects the porch to the side yard.](https://livingasean.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/006-6-1024x730.jpg)
![[Left] An expanded metal mesh door adds an airy feel to the dry part of a bathroom. Polished concrete finishes paired with a stainless steel bucket make a simple set of wash basin and counter. [Right] A red custom-made metal door breaks the rawness of unpainted concrete.](https://livingasean.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/008-8-1024x730.jpg)
