Flexx Stone – Flexible Stone Veneer // Light, Thin and Flexible to apply
A project in Thailand, designed by Studio BFlexx Stone at the counter
Flexx stone is a veneer with layers of natural stone and polymer composite. This innovation makes it thin, light and yet strong. It is used for both interior and exterior and especially where bending to a curved surface is required. Flexx Stone can be applied on any surface: concrete, masonry, wallboard, metal, plywood and drywall. It can be glued by PU adhesive, silicone and epoxy. Its surface can be treated like natural stone, glossy or matt.
More than 15 color variation of Flexible Stone Veneer
Benefit of Flexx Stone:
Very light – 0.3 kg per square metre
Very Thin – 0.1-0.3 mm
Easy to cut and work with
Flexible to install on wall, ceiling, door, cabinet, furniture and decorative item
Cost effective
Water proof material
High Strength and durable
Every stale is unique
Columns which was covered by Flexx Stone at PLATO X Mobella Showroom Ekamai, SukhumvitThe project in Canada
Left: ceiling application, Right: Translucent serie
Nowadays, Flexible stone veneer was installed in many countries in Europe, America and Asia. Flexx Stone in Thailand was distributed by Plan X Co.,Ltd.
In this year’s Thailand BIG + BIH 2016, we explored SACICT exhibition on developing Thai’s handicraft to global level and integrating different body of knowledge together.
/// Thailand ///
Photos: SACICT
Nian mirror, by Jaoban
To promote Thailand’s handicraft industry in the competitive global market, Creative Economy on Culture by SACICT (The SUPPORT Arts and Crafts International Centre of Thailand) has rolled out the following interesting projects:
Future Value of Crafts – SACICT Craft Trend forecasts trending styles of handicraft products in 2017 not only to globally promote Thai craftsmanship, but to encourage local artisans to be aware of current global fashion.
Future Value of Crafts Exhibition
LUXX by SACICT – Under the Touch of Nature concept, Thailand’s emerging designers are collaborating with artisans and craftsmen to create various types of fine craftwork.
Participating in LUXX by SACICT are these renowned brands; Yothaka, AYODHYA, Korakot, Jaoban, and Pin Metal Art, among many others.
To see a state-of-the-art exhibition, visit Thailand BIG+BIH 2016 during the weekend of October 22-23, 2016 at BITEC, Bangkok.
Metal pedant lights, by Pin Metal Art
Crown, by Baanchaan ExportZero Mirror, by Korakot International and Hug Easy Chair, by Natural UnitLeaf Cabinet, by THELIFESHOPDurian Basket, by YothakaMoo-Mu, by YothakaChuan Lhong Vase, by Chuanlhong Ceramic
ASEAN’s International trade fair for trendy gift and lifestyle products took place from April 19th to 23rd, 2016 (trade Days the 19th to 21st, public days the 22nd and 23rd) at Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC), Bangna, Bangkok, Thailand.
This was the 41st edition of BIG+BIH, and it was organized under the concept “ASEAN Life+Style.” In the attractive “Fresh Taiwan,” “design lifestyle” products from Taiwanese designers were shown; “DEmark Award showcase” put on display well-designed Thai products now on the international market that had won Design Excellence prizes, and “SACICT Art & Craft” exhibited Thai folk arts and crafts products representing “Thainess” from local design traditions. The fair also featured product exhibits that provided an excellent platform for Thai designers and new entrepreneurs to show their latest collections.
Dhanabadee, the famous ceramic shop from Lampang, ThailandFresh Taiwan exhibition : design lifestyle products from Taiwanese designers Isan Collection : the project of the northeast design in ThailandOggi, wooden furniture brand in Scandinavian accent
Showcases at the fair were set out in 3 zones: BIG, BIG Design, and BIH. The most popular products of the fair were gifts and handicraft decorative items, household products, pet products and services.
About home, modern wooden furniture and lamp in sophisticated styleUnique design lamp made of veneer woodHari Ora, wooden furniture shopQualy, plastic objects in designIdealize shop, furniture that made of natural materials such as scrap wood and old tree stumps.Tin Home Toy, lifestyle products which made of galvanize sheetsL-Living, decoration items for holiday homes
Joar, unique stone lampsBaanchaan, Asian style hanging lampC-Ssence, Bananamache productKlaps Design, modern furniture brand
On learning the news so distressing for the Thai people regarding the passing of His Majesty the King, to honor his memory The office of Contemporary Art and Culture and twenty-nine Thai artists have put on display an exhibition of heartfelt original art in honor of His Majesty: portraits, sculpture, photographs, graphic arts, and other relevant works.
The art exhibition is open daily 10.00 am to 7.00 pm between October 18 and 30, 2016, excepting Mondays and national holidays, on the 1st Floor at the Ratchadamnoen Contemporary Art Center, 84 Ratchadamnoen Avenue, Bangkok, Thailand.
The name of 29 Thai Artists as follow…
Vasiree Hiranyalekha
Kitikong Tilokwattanotai
Vichit Pittayakorn
Widsanupong Noonan
Professor Kanya Charoensupkul
Suraporn Lertwongpaitoon
Kamthorn Paowattanasuk
Jutarad Phattharasirasak
Kampol Mungngam
Patipon Supanpong
Rattana Sudjarit
Santi Seedarach
Pairin Pupradup
Sakwut Wisesmanee
Anuchai Secharunputong
Wasinburee Supanichvoraparch and Aungkana Panthongka
Despite the building being long and narrow, a team of architects at Studiomake managed to turn it into a perfect home office integration that would inspire productivity. The Bangkok-based team of designers, architects and educators is known for its specialized skills and experience in various types of architecture.
When it came to designing their own home office, Orapan Sarasalin Schafer and David Schafer opted for an architectural steel design for its lightweight look that’s right for the prevailing climate in Thailand. It’s a layout that emphasizes an open, uncluttered living space with plenty of wall openings, windows and doors for good ventilation and heat dissipation.
Furniture in the workspace is movable. It can be easily arranged to avoid visual clutter and improve traffic flow, lighting and air quality.
By design, the building performs a dual role. The first floor holds a fully equipped office space, while the second floor is used as a residence. Overall, it’s thoughtfully devised planning made easily adjustable for future updates. The crossbeams resting across the tops of columns support weigh over an extra long span, five meters to be exact.
Home office design offers many benefits, among them the freedom to create the ideal work space like the owners intended, plus the peace and quiet that suits their lifestyle needs.
[Left] The work space is well lighted thanks to generous wall openings that let natural daylight stream into the interior. / [Right] A floor standing wall-mounted bookcase made of steel is designed by the homeowners. For practical purposes, the bookends are adjustable.
The workshop boasts high ceilings for better ventilation, plus it has ample space for equipment and tools needed to perform various tasks.
There is attention to detail in all parts, especially the integration of natural elements like plants and light into the built environment, making the interior work space feel light, airy and conducive to creativity. And they don’t come by accident. Rather, every building strategy and material is tested first to see if it’s suitable for a particular application.
This helps to understand whether a specific material is right for the task, plus it narrows down the choices to the best selection. And the same careful consideration applies to both upstairs and downstairs. Examples of this include high ceilings and a wall of bookshelves designed to maximize work space utilization.
Taken as a whole, the lower floor contains a fully functional work space and offices, while the upper floor in and of itself is a complete home, consisting of two bedrooms with a bathroom en suite, a relaxing living room, kitchen and dining room.
The headboard in subdued bluish gray color separates the main bedroom area from the dressing room. High ceiling design creates a sense of space making the room feel light and airy.Rooms on the second floor are accessed via a wide corridor with room for a small dining space and a nook beside the wall offering peace and seclusion.The translucent sheet seen here is of polycarbonate, which allows light to pass through, but not exposed to the outside.
With respect to the office area, the floor plan is simple and straightforward. Electrical wiring is neatly installed and piped to various locations hidden from view. The pillars supporting the tall vertical structure of steel are evenly spaced for proper load bearing, while the building façades are made attractive by crisp clean lines.
For indoor thermal comfort, important aspects such as heat insulation, soundproofing, and ventilation are carefully thought out and incorporated in the design. In the fewest possible words, it’s all about attention to detail that makes this modern home office a perfect place to be. Brilliant!
The steel building looks lightweight. It’s made strong and durable using semi-industrial materials, an interesting way to refresh the home’s curb appeal.
A place to relax among nature among beautiful plants that grow quickly and don’t take a lot of maintenance. These are the main components of this tropical garden.
/// Thailand ///
Story : Apasri Meemana /// English Version : Peter Montalbano /// Photos : Sitthisak Namkham
Garden gazebo for work and relaxation surrounded by the joys of natureThe large staghorn fern on the freshwater mangrove gets minerals from decaying leaves and helps preserve moistureThe slender leaves of a regal-looking dragon tree blow gracefully in the wind
Hapsoh, Surachai and Tassanai, the owners of this house are self-taught, but starting with a rough plan she created real beauty with a natural stone garden path, a small wooden bridge, imaginative use of railroad ties and old wood to create a relaxing spot, a stone table and bench set, and a brook that cascades merrily down a waterfall. The family hired craftsmen to build the hardscape, move a portable gazebo to the front of the house, and plant large trees among heavy natural boulders.
Porous (volcanic) rock around the base of a tree is a boundary for plants so they won’t grow out and overrun the walkway.
They decided to install some of their favorite species: tree fern, spike moss, staghorn fern, maidenhair fern, birds-nest fern, brake fern, etc. along with evergreen shade trees such as mangos from the old garden, areca palm, and freshwater mango, using soft, easy-to-maintain moss for ground cover. Asked about the difficulty of maintenance, the owner’s son adds,
“We have an older gardener who comes in to trim plants, dispose of old leaves, and do pest control. There’s a sprinkler system on an automatic schedule to make sure the plants get enough water. Sometimes we go with Mom to Bang Yai to buy plants and ornaments. Big plants and special orders we get from Khlong 15, which provides a lot of services.”
Large natural stones placed decoratively on top of each other in garden spots, with plants growing among them for a natural look.Plants climbing a tree fern trunk fill out the natural forest settingPink rain lily blossoms emerge from crevices in volcanic rocksLong cement banks create a small brook flowing over rocks and river stones and past a decaying log
Hapsoh leaves us with some thoughts:
“I love living with plants and the sound of water. Looking out from the bedroom or kitchen the garden view is beautiful. This all started long ago as I was relaxing at the Lo Su waterfall in Umphang District, Tak Province, and felt overcome with happiness and peace. I loved the sound of the flowing water. Nature spoke to me, and I decided then and there to go back and build a small waterfall for our own house. And since then, this garden has become indispensable to our family.”
The differences of form, shape, color and style was combined in this beautiful bizarre garden restaurant. ‘ Garden as art ’ is the definition of this creation.
/// Thailand ///
Story : Warapsorn Akkhaneeyut /// English Version : Peter Montalbano /// Photos : Chaiyapruk Podang /// Landscape : Suriya Bunyawetchiwin
Curved gothic windows form a beautiful garden backdropA domed Indian-style cupola from the former shop has a unique characterPlants and sculptures out front among plants big and small
Suriya Bunyawetchiwin was so charmed by Chiang Mai that he settled here more than 17 years ago. It’s now three years since he moved the Suriyan chandra art and home decorations store to a commercial property on Siri Mangkalajarn Rd. Remodeling here, he converted some of the space into a restaurant with the French name L’éléphant Bistro Gourmet.
The outward appearance of the old building was almost completely changed. On the ground floor he extended a wall outwards, giving it an elephant form, and added another building with a connecting roof and eye-catching garden in front.
“The arbor that we brought from the old shop was too big to carry out back. It didn’t go with the original building façade, so we tore out a wall, put in metal-framed glass windows, made that wall into an elephant sculpture, matched by a pink baby elephant below it.
Green shrubs and trees growing at different heightsThe window with the cat painted in gives the impression this is a real cottageSmall court in back surrounded by a wide variety of plants, bamboo tallest of all
Inside the shop, half is like the old Suriyanchandra store, stocked with lifestyle accoutrements, and the other half is the restaurant, with some dining spots outside by the rear garden.
“The love of art and food comes from my French father, so this is 80 percent a French restaurant, combining the freshest possible ingredients with authentic cooking and the concept of “make yourself at home.”
This little court between the building and a stair turns an ordinary commercial building into a palace with mysterious chambers and secret cornersOutdoor seating on checkerboard tiling gives a foreign flavor at a spot where guests can dine and enjoy the garden
The shop and restaurant is furnished with elegant things Suriya has collected on his travels: a big elegant French-style table, antique chairs created by fine craftsmen. The outdoor garden mood gives the feeling of dining in a foreign land.
Artistic touches are everywhere, especially painted designs by the artist Sutthi Prasertkhaothong: Cement borders sculpted with birds, painted ferns and dragonflies on walls, a cat staring out a window.
“What I liked about this place was how well it fit my slow lifestyle. I used to sit in back and daydream about where to put statues or other features. I love the feeling of a courtyard or garden in the middle of a house, very private, it’s like falling into another world. It wasn’t easy creating things like Gothic-style curved garden windows. The alterations weren’t like normal carpentry. But isn’t this kitchen pretty?” (laughter)
If you come to visit this world of Suriyan chandra limitless imagination, you will experience the love and dedication he has put into this uniquely entertaining garden establishment, which is above all his own production.
Single-color wall hung with bird houses painted in detailed patterns, no two alike
Behind the short white fence here, perched on a small hill, is a vacation cottage with a colorful garden all in the English country style.
/// Thailand ///
Story : Panchat Changchan /// English Version : Peter Montalbano/// Photos : Chaiyapruk Podang /// Landscape : Suanleela Raiyanongplerm
Vacation cottage on a hill, relaxing waterside gazebo, plants with spiky leaves: iris, feverroot, screwpine and willow
“This kind of retreat suggests maybe we shouldn’t go back to living in the harsh square frames of the urban life. Gentle, fresh, spontaneous, the garden captures the essence of the countryside,” remarks the garden designer, Sak Rueangphrom.
The owner, Kiatchai Phonpharote adds, “The house all by itself on this secluded property felt a little somber, which is why I wanted to put in a country-style English garden, with its easy, relaxed lines.”
Vintage-style mailbox attached to a railroad tie, hung with an old-style bell. Neons line the entryway to the houseThe English-style country well represents a connection between water and garden flower bedsA red bench stands in bright contrast to greenery and flowering plants like trumpetflower, neon hibiscus, and Mexican grass
From the house a garden path of fine river gravel descends step wise to a waterside gazebo where Himalayan juniper, silver pine, Chinese thuja, and oriental juniper among clumps of Mexican fountain grass are planted in contrasting height, creating dimension and giving this spot an unique character.
“We had to make some serious adaptations,” said the designer. “The ground here is red clay, not much good for planting. We brought in topsoil, dug a pond, and built up the hill, finally spreading local cow dung fertilizer over it all before planting.”
As in Europe, Norfolk pine is planted where it will shade the house and add to a mountain forest atmosphere
Off the path, I walked along the grass lawn covering the hill, which gave a good view of various spots in the garden. The area isn’t all that big, but there are elegant touches: the bright red and sky blue of the benches contrast with green vegetation and flowers effervescent in morning sun, and there’s an entertaining narrative with animal sculptures set here and there in a natural-looking way. There are few large trees, leaving the garden open and relaxing to the eye.
Behind the house is a vegetable and herb garden with papaya, water morning glory, lemon grass, kaffir lime and basil
How do you blend artificial grass within a tropical design gardening? This garden will help you the imagine new ideas on how to use this low maintenance material to your garden.
/// Thailand ///
Story : Warapsorn Akkhaneeyut /// English Version : Peter Montalbano /// Photos : Chaiyapruk Podang, Sitthisak Namkham /// Landscape : Pergolar
Open space between the two houses for garden parties and socializingGround cover plants with softening textures and lines: screwpine, spider plant, oyster lily, Spanish shawl, and Malabar chestnutThe unique form of ajambolan plum near the wooden deck leans out to the pathA trellised pavilion behind the house matches the front. Railroad ties converted into a stair, typical for a tropical garden, but fitting the modern style, tooThe beautiful calabash tree in a prominent spot with a play of river stones and the artificial grass
The Khlong Bang Ramat area in Thonburi is still full of plantations, and people get around by water: farmers paddle boats with crops to sell, tourist boats regularly ply the canals. This is one reason Chaiyote Yanyongwayrote moved back here to create a beautiful home and garden.
The owner bought this property many years ago. He tells us, “The old house was on Ratchada-Tha Phra Road. At one time that was all gardens, too, but eventually, we were surrounded by buildings and had no privacy, and so we built here, where it still has that garden feeling. Travel is convenient, too. Not far behind this relaxing canal is an expressway interchange.”
It took 6 years to build the garden and two contemporary-style houses (one for his daughter, the other for Chaiyote and his wife), but the long wait allowed trees and plants to grow to maturity. Each room in the houses – designed by Sathan Wijitsanguan–opens on three sides for panoramic garden views.
Matching trelliswork encloses deck and waterfall pond.Wooden deck in front boards set in an interesting pattern
Beautifully shaped evergreens and perennials fill the garden, with a gravel pathway and brightly colored plant beds neatly interspersed. The more formal area between the houses is used for receptions and social events. Behind, near the canal, the garden is lush with shade trees and plants with varied colors and shapes. The landscaper here is Panat Sumalroj, of Pergolar. Chaiyote says,
“I like an open look. The garden gives a beautiful vitality: without it the house looks too austere. The designer had already created some of the outdoor spaces, like the pavilion, wooden deck, and pond. The landscaper followed up with connecting and surrounding areas and positioned the big trees. There are many unusual plants, but the grasses in some areas are artificial. The landscaper explains, “The owner didn’t want to cut grass often, so I steered him this way. It reduces maintenance a lot . . . .”
The garden behind the house has a natural stone walkway through it and has a lot of shady trees A courtyard between houses with contemporary-style granite benches Path from the rear of the house opens into a small courtyard
The house is modern contemporary with some Asian flavor, sothe garden keeps a proportionally orderly look.
“The owner likes trimmed plants like Siamese rough bush and bonsai,” says Panat.“I start with the traditional Thai garden,trying to keep a tropical flavor. The water banyan and white merantitrees are sculptures unto themselves. If there’s no animation then it’s just an ordinary garden. I put a gravel path connecting the 2 houses, going by the grass in a playful curve, makes the square house look softer.”
This orderly garden is wide and open. The hardscape and the artificial grass fits in well and has practical benefits, trimmed plants tucked away in appropriate spots. All in all, this is a highly pleasing mixture of the tropical and modern garden.
Maiiam, the new art museum in San Kamphaeng district, Chiang Mai is officially open. The ground-breaking opening event attracted art lovers and passersby with private art pieces from 30-years of Bunnag-Beurdeley family (the executives of Jim Thompson) artwork collection.
/// Thailand ///
Story : Samutcha Viraporn /// Photo : Press, Samutcha Viraporn
The collection was accentuated by the museum’s giant glass wall reflecting the green area across the road. The two-storey building was designed by Rachaporn Choochuey from all(zone)limited.
On the lower floor situated a hallway dedicated to Jao Jom Iam, the great grandmother of Erik Bunnag Booth and the King Rama V’s concubine. She was the one inspired the creation of this museum, hence, the name “Iam” with the prefix “Mai” (meaning new in Thai).
Alongside Jao Jom Iam history was Maiiam’s first exhibition ‘The Serenity of Madness’, by Apichatpong Weerasethakul, a Thai independent film director and a Palme d’Or winner. The upper level housed various art collections from modern and contemporary Thai artists, i.e. Kamin Lertchaiprasert, Chatchai Puipia, Navin Rawanchaikul, Vasan Sitthiket, Rirkrit Tiravanija and more.
Maiiam regularly seeks interesting art & craft works. Its upcoming exhibition is ‘The Timeless Present Moment’ by Kamin Lertchaiprasert, where audiences are invited to find the meaning and value of present through Kamin selected artworks.
Maiiam Contemporary Art Museum opens every day except Tuesday from 10 am to 6 pm. Entrance fee is 150 THB per person.
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