Blog : thailand

A Modern Steel Framed Home Holds the Secret to Happiness

A Modern Steel Framed Home Holds the Secret to Happiness

/ Bangkok, Thailand /

/ Story: Ekkarat Laksanasamrit / English version: Peter Montalbano /

/ Photographs: Sitthisak Namkham /

A person’s sense of proportion in creating a house to suit his own lifestyle can have energizing results. We recently visited a modern steel framed home in Bangkok’s Viphavadi Rangsit area that illustrated this. Nutt Chenyawanit, owner of Tin Home Toy merchandise, designed this house as a reflection of his identity.

modern steel framed home
A high pitched gable roof and bare concrete surfaces set at varying depths for a modern appeal.

From details of home décor, such as galvanized iron and stylish plant containers, to the overall house design, we saw a modern steel framed home that retained the flavor of Tropical architecture.

Open and relaxed in a traditional house style reduced to essentials, with a high pitched gable roof, extended eaves and awnings for sun and rain protection, this house with a modern appeal looks the epitome of good design, one that holds the secret to what makes people happy in life. An it looks fun to live in, too.

We asked the homeowner for his thoughts on design. He explained: “We like high ceilings; low ones feel cramped. The living room and stairwell area reaches up a full two stories, and elsewhere on the ground floor ceilings are generally three meters or higher. On the second floor, ceilings follow the roof slope, for the most part.”

The exception is the master bedroom, which has a standard ceiling height. “Bedrooms with high ceilings feel too buoyant,” he said.

modern steel framed home
The carport beneath an attractive latticework awning that blocks sun and rain.
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The entry area has eaves overhanging the walls reaching out 4 meters, both aesthetic and practical.

The Tin Home Toy office building next door, built in a similar style, was here before the house and now is separated from it by a swimming pool. Nutt favors architecture with steel-based frames that give it a raw cool modern style.

The metal post-and-beam design for floor and roof here made for rapid construction and quick cleanup. It presents a stylish façade of show brick walls and glass panels.

modern steel framed home
Next to the garden a metal-frame eave filters sunlight above a rest area, keeping it cool and comfortable even in bright sunlight.
modern steel framed home
The walkway around the house is set out in straightforward lines using low-maintenance materials such as concrete patio pavers.

Extended eaves, large doors and windows provide good ventilation and make the house comfortable for living. Metal frameworks minimize the need of support posts for the extended eaves, freeing more space for parking. High ceilings allow warm air to rise and exit through upstairs windows.

modern steel framed home
The different textures of metal, glass, concrete, and wood mix and match well. The swimming pool is a great feature, beneficial for both the home and the office next door.
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The living room with a double height ceiling is open wide on two sides to catch the sun so artificial light isn’t needed.

Usable space on the ground floor holds the living room, stairwell, dining room, kitchen, and service areas like a storeroom and laundry. Upstairs consists of bedrooms and a workroom. Hallways are at least 2.5 meters wide for a spacious feel.

Walking around, a visitor has the sense that each space is made for specific purpose, some for children, some for moving around in comfort, some for convenience.

modern steel framed home
Old-fashioned shelving at the far end of the living room reaches up to the mezzanine.

modern steel framed home

modern steel framed home
Although the ceiling is really high, it has a horizontal dimension, too, as the mezzanine is filled with built-in cabinets and bookcases.
modern style steel home
A small storage space by the stairs for bicycles gives a hint about Nutt’s spare time activity.

A closer look at the details reveals a “set aside” concept that reflects the way good judgements are made. In this particular case, it shows in design innovations such as high ceilings that bring the sort of happiness and contentment we find in this modern steel framed home.

modern style steel home
The master bedroom overlooking the garden is simply decorated in white and wood colors.
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The bedroom with windows opening into the bathroom: open, relaxed, and good ventilation.
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The ceiling follows the roof slope in this relatively large bathroom. An array of wooden shutters opens directly into the bedroom.
modern steel framed home
One side of the dining room is a food preparation area; on the other a line of windows looks out over the carport.

Architect: Nutt Chenyawanit and Jirayut Chaiyajamrunphon


Visit the original Thai article…

องค์ประกอบอย่างลงตัวในแบบ บ้านสไตล์ดิบเท่


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Eco Flooring by Deesawat

Eco Flooring by Deesawat

After the research, Deesawat used many kinds of waste materials to combine and create building materials as the new way.

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eco flooring by Deesawat

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For the eco flooring, basic materials will be cut in various timber species such as teak, white oak, rosewood, and walnut. Deesawat also add up eco board which is recycle material from the trash(aluminum and PE) from UHT milk pack, press into board and profile into another material. With this combination, the product is presented as an interesting combination of materials that can create a good reusable design for project requirement.

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Eco Flooring by Deesawat received the DEmark Award in the industrial category from Thailand and also received the Good Design Award from Japan which guarantees the quality of the produce.

link: http://www.deesawat.com/home.html

 

A Rooftop House with a Wonderful Panorama of Old Bangkok

A Rooftop House with a Wonderful Panorama of Old Bangkok

/ Bangkok, Thailand /

/ Story: Tawan / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Soopakorn Srisakul /

In the midst of stunning skyscrapers and the hustle and bustle of city life, there exist serene temples and communities in the old part of town. This is where Jason M. Friedman has chosen to build his rooftop house.

Rooftop House
Spacious glass walls open to take in the view of old Bangkok. The neighborhood boasts a comfortable lifestyle that Friedman has always wanted, and for good reason.

At first, Friedman had planned on buying a condominium within the prime business district. But then he discovered a vacant penthouse unit on the seventh floor. He gave it a serious thought, and the rest was history.

“I was fortunate to have discovered this place. The home with a 360-degree surround view is nestled in the heart of old-town Bangkok. So I changed my mind and immediately got down to the business of remaking it into a residential home,” Friedman recalled.

 

An al fresco sitting area provides outdoor comforts and a 360-degree view of Old Bangkok. A sky garden filled with thriving houseplants adds green urban space to the top of the building – frugal ideas to reconnect with nature.
An al fresco sitting area provides outdoor comforts and a 360-degree view of Old Bangkok. A sky garden filled with thriving houseplants adds green urban space to the top of the building – frugal ideas to reconnect with nature.
Rooftop House
A living room speaks to the rustic industrial style rich in outstanding features. They include naked brick walls, exposed systems of electrical conduits, and a full complement of light fixtures illuminating the space with sofas in a cool-toned white.

Utilizing the vantage point to the maximum benefit, he positioned all the rooms in a way that afforded a beautiful view of the city. Plus, they are conveniently connected to one another.

He put in large wall openings to bring the great outdoors into the home, creating a passive cooling system for everything from the reception area to dining room, to kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and the balcony.

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Rooftop House
The dining table crafted of teakwood displays beautiful wood grain textures in goldish brown finishes. The room comes alive with flowers and a chandelier in vivid colors.

Inside, some of the most eye-catching elements include the exposed brick walls that add rustic Industrial charm to the guest reception area and dining room. Furniture crafted mostly of intricate woodwork dominates the interior living spaces.

Decorating materials, most of which obtained through years of extensive travels, convey a lot about his love for Oriental art and culture. They are placed on display silhouetted against the brownish orange hues of surrounding brickwork, while plenty of natural light shines through the generously sized glass wall.

Rooftop House
There’s a corridor leading to the quiet, more secluded bedroom at the rear. It runs straight past the kitchen that’s the highlight of this penthouse. In the meantime, black-and-white floor tiles set the kitchen apart from nearby functional spaces, a clever way to separate the interiors into different rooms with using solid dividers.

The kitchen is custom-built since Friedman is particularly fond of home cooking. He usually buys fresh produce and does his own grocery shopping. The room comes well equipped and spacious enough to meet his specs. It’s like putting an entire hotel kitchen in a home setting, so to speak.

For the most part the floors are tiled in black and white, arranged in the chess design pattern to blend harmoniously with nearby exposed brick walls. The bottom line is they are easy to keep clean.

The kitchen is spacious and custom-built to the specs created by Friedman, an avid home chef.
The kitchen is spacious and custom-built to the specs created by Friedman, an avid home chef.

The bedroom boasts clean line design that’s easy on the eyes with furniture speaking to a passion for Oriental style. Awake or asleep, panoramic views of old Bangkok are always there, thanks to large windows glazed with clear glass on all sides.

The food preparation area features a spacious kitchen island table and a backsplash tiled in white for easy cleaning.
The food preparation area features a spacious kitchen island table and a backsplash tiled in white for easy cleaning.

While the city continues to grow and face new challenges that come with an expanding economy, one must not forget that Bangkok is where old neighborhoods coexist with new skyscrapers.

There is rustic charm to the beautiful culture and lifestyle that cannot be found anywhere else. This Western gentleman is fortunate to have found happiness in his rooftop home, and is loving every minute of it!

This stylishly chic bathtub is custom-made. The rim comes wrapped in genuine leather for firm grips and safety precautions.
Decorating materials are taken from sentimental collections that Friedman has kept for many years. Imperfections, scratches, and dents tell stories of their journey through time. The same applies to pictures mounted on the wall and the antique hanging lamps.
This stylishly chic bathtub is custom-made. The rim comes wrapped in genuine leather for firm grips and safety precautions.
This stylishly chic bathtub is custom-made. The rim comes wrapped in genuine leather for firm grips and safety precautions.

Sharing his slice of paradise, Friedman said: “Living the best of life is not necessarily about being in a well-appointed home, rich in elaborate design and expensive décor. To me, a happy home is one in which you feel relaxed. It is nice to wake up fully rested and enjoy tranquil sounds of Old Bangkok, its lifestyle, and a culture that is so unique.”

Twin antique bathroom mirrors come in wood frames adorned with Chinese calligraphy. Its traditional look complements the natural finishes on the wooden dressing table.
Twin antique bathroom mirrors come in wood frames adorned with Chinese calligraphy. Its traditional look complements the natural finishes on the wooden dressing table.

Owner/Decorator: Jason M. Friedman


Visit the original Thai version…

Rustic Industrial ผสมผสานในสไตล์ไทยและตะวันออก


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Reuse, Repair, Upcycle

Reuse, Repair, Upcycle

As a child he liked designs connecting old traditions with environmental awareness. This found expression in this straw-covered cubical building reminiscent of a farmer’s paddy hut.

/// Thailand ///

Story: Nutt /// Photography: Chaiyaphon Sodabanlu

Design: Ronachai  Khanbanya, Mae Khaning Creative Co., Ltd

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A single large pane is expensive, so smaller ones are set into a metal frame, economical and also tasteful, reflecting the framework of the building.

Ronachai “Art” Khanbanya, architect from Mae Khaning Creative Co., Ltd, has redesigned a lot of old offices and developed a preference expressed in the slogan “reuse, repair, recycle.”

Reuse” is putting things that are still usable back to work again.

Repair” is fixing broken or abandoned things and making them useful once more.

Upcycle” is designing discarded materials for new use.

“Our old office near the city moat was small and inconvenient. We relocated here for the pleasant atmosphere. Having to rent, we designed a structure we could easily dismantle and reassemble. Budget was important in choosing building materials.”

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The structure is tent-like: a frame of 6-meter-long box steel beams supports a high gabled structure. The entrance gable has glass panes set in a metal framework. Outside walls are thatched with cogon grass, effective heat insulation that helps save energy and is also excellent soundproofing. Sheet metal lines the inner walls.

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An old door panel transformed into a sliding counter for a multipurpose table: adaptable to work desk, dining table, or for kitchen use.

“Easy-to-use materials like cogon grass are locally available, and give the building a distinctive look. I wanted to show that cheap materials could be not only effective, but also beautiful. We’ve had pretty good success without having to use expensive imports. The new generation of designers should get aware of what’s here already.”

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Metal wall, second floor heat insulation, creating intra-wall space for good air circulation. /// Cogon grass roofing, effective use of local materials for good heat insulation and soundproofing.

Furniture and décor here is quite simple, as seen in the particleboard shelving and the use of an old door to create a sliding counter. Art was aiming for a universal space, with furniture adaptable for work, eating, or food preparation.

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The tabletop is made from an old unused pane of glass attached to make a new table using shims and pegs.

“I’m thinking a completely new lifestyle, not like old office designs, more an arrangement of work tables in a relaxing environment, like working at home or chilling at a café. We find comfortable work environments work for other sides of life, too.”

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A shelf is crafted of simple materials such as unpainted particleboard. /// A stepladder: When not in use, it can be used as shelving.

The garden outside is a comfortable space where you can drink coffee at a table made from a cable spool. Landscaping features fountain grass, which doesn’t require a lot of care and fits in with the “paddy hut” theme. The walkway curves around before shortcutting into the building, evoking the image of paddy dikes. “Everyone wants to live in the country. In Chiangmai these days you see only buildings, not many plants. The plants here make it fun to come to work.”

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The outside area in front of the building is used as a living and relaxation space for drinking coffee. A cable spool is used for a table. Landscaping is fountain grass, easy to care for and evoking thoughts of a life in the fields.

This office is comfortable. It has complete functionality, and saves on materials, construction, and energy. Good for the environment, good for the folks working there. “The more you think, the more you save” should be the credo of a good designer. The evidence is here: as Art says, it’s a great place to work.

link: https://www.facebook.com/MKNCOLD/

The Commons / It’s Anything But Common

The Commons / It’s Anything But Common

The Commons, a new community mall, describes itself as one that stands for a “common” concept. Shops here offer a variety of consumer goods that are necessary for healthy living and meeting daily needs. Open every day from 08:00 to midnight, the new-fashioned building is located in the posh Thonglor neighborhood of Bangkok.

/// Thailand ///

Story: Fernkul /// Photos: Suppakorn Srisakul

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Enjoying a social space status, the Commons is open and accessible to the public. People are welcome to visit for business or pleasure as often as they like. Psychologically speaking, the modern complex is designed to focus on a sense of community, promoting the bonds of friendship that members of the public have for one another. Its purpose is slightly different from what is generally referred to as the “Commons” in other countries. Out there it’s more about public spaces that are open and being used by the public at any time for any reason. Ammata Lupaiboon of the Department of Architecture designed this ultramodern four-storey mall.

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The Commons’ interior is stylishly chic thanks to the ingenious choice of raw concrete finishes that bring out a warm industrial loft look. Softly white shades on the walls help reduce the harshness of bold patterns and textures, making the interior feel friendly and very inviting. Meantime, the lower section boasts wide-open spaces with steps and slopes nicely designed to extend a warm welcome. The third and fourth floors are different. They feature box-shaped design adorned with windows crafted of steel frames, resulting in a light and airy atmosphere. Up here thermal comfort comes from cool breezes that flow in for much of the day. As a precaution, electric fans come in handy to boost natural air circulation if need be.

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The trendy mall is designed to offer lots of clear spaces. “Visual continuity is very important. Almost all of the upper floors can be seen in full view from down here,” said Ammata. “Apart from that, our concept has always been about creating a place that thrives on a sense of community. It’s the sense of belonging that will keep people coming back.” To facilitate temperature moderation and natural daylight, the designer put in plenty of leafy trees both in and around the building. Meantime, good orientation helps to maximize certain aspects of the surroundings. As he put it, the project relies on those patches of greenery to connect the built environment to nature.

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The Commons is divided into 4 zones, namely; the Marketplace that offers a variety of foods and beverages, and the Village zone, which is a retail area specializing in daily consumer products. The other two include the Courtyard capable of hosting all kinds of activities for both children and adult populations, and the Rooftop zone, which offers rental venues for social gatherings, workshops, and private parties.

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Designed to meet urban lifestyle needs, the ultramodern mall is anything but common. It offers plenty of spaces for social gatherings, where people meet for business or just sit back and relax in the company of friends and loved ones. In the shortest possible word, it’s a new kind of urban community center, one that offers much more than just shopping experience.

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The Commons is located at No. 335 Thonglor Road, one of the hot spots in Khlongton Nue, Wattana District of Bangkok. It’s open daily from 08:00 to 24:00 hours.

link: https://www.facebook.com/thecommonsbkk/

A Concrete House Embraces the Charms of Oriental Culture

A Concrete House Embraces the Charms of Oriental Culture

/ Bangkok, Thailand /

/ Story: Ekkarach Laksanasamrit / English version: Peter Montalbano /

/ Photographs: Sitthisak Namkham / Styliing: Phakhawadi Phahulo /

The architect and owner of Volume Matrix Studio Co., Ltd., Kasin Sornsri, and his wife Maiko Ishimoto have agreed to live in Thailand. Together, they incorporate Thai and Japanese influences in the design. The result is a calm and peaceful orchard home that embraces the charms of Oriental culture.

Oriental Appeal House
The house-on-stilts design is ideally suited for coastal areas in tropical climates. Situated on a piling foundation, the Oriental-style home provides outstanding outdoor space, good natural ventilation and precautions against flooding.

Blending two cultures together may seem to be hard, but good communication and understanding guide them through. “If you look closely, you’ll notice a hint of Japanese atmosphere mixing in the house,” Kasin said.

“The stilt floor is open, making it suitable to sit and relax on traditional Japanese furniture with a square latticework in the background. The floor is lower down on the side and covered with pebbles like a Zen garden. A 7-tatami-sized Japanese room is on the second floor.”

Oriental Appeal House
Decorative items come in warm earth tones. Fabric décor makes the overall look even more compelling.
Oriental Appeal House
There are many large trees around the house. Looking out from the second or third floor, the view is of green trees and cool shades.

Kasin continued, “For comfort and utility, we use concrete flooring in some areas. It is easier to clean than a mat floor. I also designed some spare rooms for my wife’s relatives. Most are empty, equipped only with a bathroom, in case there are many guests at the same time.”

Poured concrete window frames that extend outward add artistry to the building both inside and out.
Poured concrete window frames that extend outward add artistry to the building both inside and out.

The house is situated in a tiny peaceful street on a property of nearly 16 acres. It once had four small houses surrounded by a mango orchard. The owner kept most of the orchard and didn’t cut any tree down.

The posts of this concrete balustrade alternate with gaps in between to keep them from being opaque. The stairway design is simple and strong.
The posts of this concrete balustrade alternate with gaps in between to keep them from being opaque. The stairway design is simple and strong.

This house with Oriental appeal was built right up against the fence to avoid disturbing the orchard. It has three levels that collectively act as a fortress hiding the orchard from the outside and enhancing privacy.

Each component of the house is humble and harmonizes with the natural surroundings. To accomplish a simple and uncomplicated look, the owner used pillars and beams and, at the same time, tried to keep equal thickness for all beams to cut the cost of wood.

An interesting surface of a building can be created by pressing faux wood against the wall. But make sure to choose a beautiful grain for this.
An interesting surface of a building can be created by pressing faux wood against the wall. But make sure to choose a beautiful grain for this.

Most floors were constructed of prefabricated concrete, except bathrooms, balconies, and decks, which used poured concrete. Polished concrete walls were chosen because the material was easy to work with, suited for environmental conditions, and easy to find.

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“I used foamed blocks instead of red bricks. The material is lighter, anti-heat, easier to construct and lowering overall weight for the house.” Kasin explained.

“Normal glass is preferred, not UV-filtered ones. So, natural light can enter. Box-like flaps were added to screen the light. They also act as ventilation pipes to draw fresh outdoor air into the home.

“For a little differentiation, I added a small amount of black color into polished concrete walls. It also blends well with mango trees in the orchard.”

Oriental Appeal House

Oriental Appeal House

Overall, the appeals of the Orient are in the details. Some parts of concrete walls are marked with patterns made by pressing a faux wood against the wall while the concrete was setting. Exterior walls are alternating between rough and smooth surfaces. With such attention to detail, the house is undoubtedly in a good hand.

Oriental Appeal House
The three-story house is not too obtrusive, as the design features unequal extension parts and uses a variety of materials.

Owner: Kasin Sornsri and Maiko Ishimoto

Architect: Kasin Sornsri of Volume Matrix Studio Co., Ltd.


Visit the original Thai article…

บ้านคอนกรีต ผสมกลิ่นอายสไตล์ญี่ปุ่น


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Living ASEAN’s Picks / Baanlaesuan Fair 2016

Living ASEAN’s Picks / Baanlaesuan Fair 2016

The Baanlaesuan Fair 2016 takes pride in being your one-stop home expo offering a full array of quality goods, services, and solutions to your home improvement needs. Here you will find everything, from cool furniture to exquisite decor items to gorgeous selections of plants, and the list goes on.

/// Thailand ///

Story: Bundaree Deewong /// Photo: Sungwan Phratem

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Whether you are in the market for home and gardening supplies or electrical appliances or building materials, the 2016 event has it all. For easy shopping, each zone is clearly defined, offering distinctive arrays of new ideas that best suit your every need. Living ASEAN is on hand to highlight the information that will pique your interest.

Craftsmanship and modern design are inextricably linked. It is up to the designer to incorporate them in both planning and production stages. And it shows in the marketplace.

91. Made for everyday use, this set of ceramic crockery by Dek-Din is bewitchingly beautiful.

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2. Nothing goes to waste. These ingenious gadgets by Dog Dream are among fantastic decor items made from recycled materials.

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3. For those enthusiastic about frames, there are plenty of creative ideas from Ease.

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4. Inspired by wrought iron designs, these earthenware pieces are beautifully handcrafted by Srinlim.

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5. Communicating meanings through shapes, colors, and textures, this “College Art Framework” is by Element Eden.

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6. Created by Citrus Limetta Fabric, these cute throw pillows and a matching tote bag are inspired by native flowers of Thailand.

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7. Known as “Metallic 3D Wall Modular,” these pyramid-shaped décor ideas are from 3D Surface.

"Anu" lamp made of cassava fiber, designed by Anon Pairot, from eqologist

8. “Anu” lamp made of cassava fiber, designed by Anon Pairot, by Eqologist

Photo: Eqologist

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9. If rope knitting and woven fabrics are for you, these handcrafted chairs from Corner 43 are just awesome.

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10. Steel Outdoor Chair with Rope Knitting by Corner 43

Garden of Enchanted Mist / Baanlaesuan Fair 2016

Garden of Enchanted Mist / Baanlaesuan Fair 2016

There is an inspiring garden covered in enchanted mist. It is on display right now at the Baanlaesuan Fair 2016 Garden Zone. Come by and be amazed by a plethora of ideas for using plants in everything you do, be it nurseries, gardening, or landscape design. Now is the best time to pay us a visit if you are looking for gorgeous selections of plants, gardening tools, outdoor furniture, landscape supplies, and much more.

/// Thailand /// 

Story: Bundaree Deewong /// Photo: Sitthisak Namkham

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The marquee event is set under the theme “Enchanted Mist / Stories in the Fog.” Inspired by His Majesty the King’s sufficiency economy philosophy, the green space features new tricks in growing vegetables, from traditional raised beds to vertical gardening. So, step in to the world of imagination, explore plenty of green ideas, and take home complimentary vegetable seeds. Here are some of the highlights.

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Living Zone    

The welcome area showcases a beautiful water garden adorned with a lion head sculpture. Tired of walking? Then drop into the counter bar corner to rejuvenate your body and mind.

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Shelter Terrace  

In the story garden, there is a big moving cage for those who love adventures. Constructed of raw materials, it is there to provide protection during a journey through the woods.

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Exciting Catwalk

Take a walk through a forest of cacti and succulents that make great landscaping plants.

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Herbal Beds

The backyard garden is there to impress you with many herbs and vegetables.

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Swing Patio

There is a big swing on the wooden terrace. From here a big lion cage can be seen through a hole in the rock cliff face.

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Mark your calendar. The annual BaanLaeSuan Fair is going on until November 9, 2016. Follow us on Living ASEAN, where we keep you posted on latest developments at the exhibition. As always, we hope that you find your visit an enchanting one. Be there.

 

link: http://www.baanlaesuan.com/

Durian: The Irresistible King of Fruit

Durian: The Irresistible King of Fruit

/ ASEAN /

/ Story: Samutcha Viraporn / Photograph: Sitthisak Namkham, Samutcha Viraporn /

LivingASEAN proudly presents different durian cultures unique to the ASEAN region. Perhaps it’s something you have never heard of, including five interesting ways of making eating the spiky fruit more fun than you would ever imagine.

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A wall is covered with durian graffiti in Kuala Lumpur.

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The majority of durians are grown in Thailand and Malaysia with other varieties available in Indonesia. Some are also grown in the Philippines, southern Vietnam and other Southeast Asia countries.

 

Thailand
Out of more than 200 varieties of durians in Thailand, the three most sought-after are Mon Thong, Chanee, and Kan Yao.

Mon Thong (meaning “golden pillow”) comes with a sweet taste and a firm texture. Chanee is smaller in size but less sweet, softer and creamier. And Kan Yao has mild, not-so-sharp sweetness.

 

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The quality that most Thais look for in the fruit is its firmness. Durian aficionados can tell a good fruit apart from plain ones simply by knocking on the spiky skin and judging the sounds. Hollow sounds tend to indicate the fruit is too soft. In contrary, solid sounds indicate the fruit is a firm one.

Due to their pungent odor, the spiky fruits are not allowed in many places including aboard the BTS Skytrain and the MRT.

 

Malaysia
Malaysians prefer their durians to be soft and buttery. In Malaysia, the fruit is eaten within the day they are ripe and drop from the trees to the ground. It is said that the best ones are the ones that fall down in the morning.

Malaysia seems to have it all from Musang King durian puree to Musang King durian mochi to durian flavored popsicle sticks.
Malaysia seems to have it all from Musang King durian puree to Musang King durian mochi to durian flavored popsicle sticks.

 

Durian flavored cheesecakes come in the guise of a simple cupcake appearance.
Durian flavored cheesecakes come in the guise of a simple cupcake appearance.

 

There are many products made from the fruit in different, perhaps quirky, ways that are available in Malaysia. They include durian-flavored ice creams, candies, cakes, pastes, freeze-dried snacks, and a wide variety of parfaits.

 

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Indonesia
The keyword for getting a nice durian experience here is “Kampung”. In Malaysia and Indonesia, the word means “village.” So, when you visit a fruit stall, make sure to look for the “Kampung” sign. It means that the fruits are products of indigenous durian trees grown in the villages, and not from any genetically modified tree.

 

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Often you will come across durians that are either too ripe or too raw. So, one useful thing to know is not to buy a fruit that had been cut open. It is a normal practice that a “Takung Duren” (durian seller) will always select the fruit, cut it open and pass on an amount of its creamy flesh for you to taste. After that it’s your turn to decide whether to take the fruit or ask for a new one.

Well, choose wisely. We hope you all have a chance to meet your fruit soul mate!

A little note to the fruit lovers: In an unfortunate case, you may encounter an unscrupulous vendor trying to sell you a rotten or spoiled durian for high prices. No need to overreact like a buyer did in this hyperlink: http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/unhappy-with-quality-of-durians-malaysian-man-stabs-fruit-seller-to-death. Just keep calm and buy from other stall instead.

 

Creative Ways to Eat Durian

 

Crispy freeze-dried durian makes a perfect snack. It's light and also full of nutrients. /// Malaysia
Crispy freeze-dried durian makes a perfect snack. It’s light and also full of nutrients.

 

This Hello-Kitty durian ice cream is a combination of cute and cool. /// Malaysia
This Hello-Kitty ice cream is a combination of cute and cool.

 

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Dubbed “durian pancake” or “durian crepe,” this bite-size sweet pack has loads of fresh cream wrapped inside a thin layer of durian crepe like a little golden treasure box.
Flexible Stone Veneer / The New Innovation of Natural Stone

Flexible Stone Veneer / The New Innovation of Natural Stone

Flexx Stone – Flexible Stone Veneer // Light, Thin and Flexible to apply

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A project in Thailand, designed by Studio B
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Flexx 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.

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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

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Columns which was covered by Flexx Stone at PLATO X Mobella Showroom Ekamai, Sukhumvit
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The project in Canada

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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.

Distributor: Plan X, Thailand – https://www.facebook.com/Plan-X-668377643313198/

 

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