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Siri House: From Ordinary Shophouses to a Charming Family Co-living Space

By livingasean
October 4, 2016
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Bangkok, Thailand /

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

/ Photographs: Rithirong Chanthongsuk /

Who would have thought a pair of shophouses lacking interest and imagination could turn into a pleasant family co-living home? Only recently the shophouse duo located on Surawong Road in the heart of Bangkok’s downtown was tastefully renovated as a shared residential community model. The result is a co-living space and place of business integration that’s well designed, full of life and energy.

The place of residence aptly named “Siri House” is the brainchild of the Bangkok-based architectural firm IDIN Architects Co., Ltd. Architect Jeravej Hongsakul is the driving force behind the design and renovation project. He attributed the firm’s success to its ability to reinterpret co-living spaces from entirely different perspectives.

Co-living space — The building’s diamond-shape façade bears the distinctive hallmarks of the family’s jewelry business. Plus, it highlights the three design considerations that create an effective and attractive composition – the qualities of being direct, clean and outstanding.

Flashback. The early stage before the renovation project takes physical form.

“There’s a solution to every challenge,” said Jiravej. When horizontal living is no longer the suitable choice in an urban setting, the idea of vertical living comes in handy so as to combine residential and social areas in one coherent whole. And in this particular case, the only way to build is upwards.

In essence, it’s about creating a happy, healthy and thriving home, and hence the name “Siri House” meaning the place of prosperity.

The family living space on the top floor consists of a dining room and nearby sitting area holding a home theater and spaces for relaxation.

A new landmark on Surawong, the building with a distinctive facade belongs to Suree Sirivatjanangkun who shares the co-living space with her siblings.

On the emotional bonds between the people and the place, she said, “We figured it should also be an office for our family business. It’s better to live and work together as one extended family, a big family in the business neighborhood.”

“We wanted a living space that is warm and welcoming, the kind that provides a modern living atmosphere in which family members interact and socialize with one another. Everyone needs a place and time to unwind and still wants to see and care for each other. To me, that’s co-living.” Suree continued.

“Precisely, we wanted a design that’s inclusive, in which every one live together sharing a co-living space, not the type that’s divided into different floors, one floor per person. That would be no different than living separately.”

With this in mind, Jeravej came up with a solution. “I designed each residential unit to be able to stand alone and is fully functional. I paid attention to detail in each component, from the living room, bedroom and workspace, to the double volume leisure room, bathroom and kitchen, and made sure they fitted together in an effective and practical way.

“Because it’s a good-sized place with lots of functions, I needed to manage them very carefully. To improve traffic flow in the home, each residential unit is accessible via the main hallway that allows plenty of natural light into the interior. And by design, each unit is unique in its own special way.”

The homeowner wrapped it up nicely. Siri House will always be home to the close-knit siblings who live and work here. To them, it doesn’t matter it’s built for horizontal or vertical living arrangements. More so than anything else, it’s about living a lifestyle centered around family relationship, a good quality of life, and being in a location that’s great for doing business.

Bottom line, the mid-city co-living space is named “Siri House” for obvious reasons. To do business, you need Siri. It’s a word meaning prosperity and the quality conducive to success. You get the idea.

Architect: IDIN Architects Co.,Ltd. (www.idinarchitects.com)

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A Hybrid Timber and Concrete Home in the Enchanted Countryside

By livingasean
September 28, 2016
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Ratchaburi, Thailand /

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

/ Photographs: Soopakorn Srisakul /

A striking trio of wood shingle roofs emerged as we took a turn onto a rustic country road in Ratchaburi, a province an hour’s drive from Bangkok. The hybrid home built of a mix of timber and concrete sits gracefully amid the rice fields.

Ratchaburi Home — An aerial view of the center courtyard with a sundeck that looks as if it were floating in midair. Lush foliage adds natural touches to the home and serves as a privacy screen.

Nantapong Yindeekhun and his family sojourned in this part of Ratchaburi after massive flooding hit Bangkok and the immediate vicinity in 2011. It was the love for the pleasant aspects of the countryside that eventually led to the decision to put in a home here.

To accommodate the needs of every family member, the new house took up a large space. For privacy, all the rooms are quite separate from one another, and yet easily accessible via a system of sheltered corridors.

On the whole, the outdoor living room is cool and comfortable, thanks to a rock garden in the center courtyard canopied by overhanging trees. Viewed from above, lush foliage act as a curtain for privacy adding a calm and peaceful atmosphere to a home office on the ground floor.

The interior wall has textured concrete finishes in subdued greens.

The mezzanine cabin bedroom comes adequately sized and boasts the rustic feel of an attic-style living space.

One of the upstairs rooms has a bench seat by the balcony. Nearby, a flight of stairs leads to a sleeping room on the mezzanine.

Ratchaburi — The center courtyard hemmed in by the passage lies within easy reach, while long roof overhangs protect the walkway and exterior walls from the elements.

The sheltered corridor and balcony systems rest firmly on cantilever beams, a rigid body supported at one end and extends out over open space. It’s a cost-effective building strategy and makes good architectural sense.

A peaceful rock garden is accessible via the entry area on the ground floor. Trees planted at a good distance from one another keep the courtyard in shade for much of the day.

The designer explained: “I think cantilever beams are like bonuses that the main structure has to offer. They eliminate the need for extra foundations and save time. Supported by the main structure, the balconies and corridors are 1.50-meters wide. At the same time, the building envelope boasts the beautiful rustic appeal of the rice granary in former times.”

A private library offers plenty of reference materials and tools needed to pursue a career in design and technology. The book collection is protected by a wood shingle roof, while glass walls allow abundant natural light.

According to Nantapong, the house is built for the most part of untreated lumber for the simple reason. It’s less expensive than treated wood, and there’s no exposure to harmful chemicals. Its durability relies on the quality of the wood itself.

Take for example Takhian-thong timber (scientific name: Hopea odorata) that’s mainly used in this project. This kind of timber has stood the test of time. It’s widely used in building boat piers and can tolerate years of rain and sunshine.

The spacious kitchen makes use of a clean design to showcase the natural texture of bare concrete finishes. Floor tiles in shades of black add interest to the well-ventilated space designed to make pungent odor go away quickly.

“For the time being, I am commuting between my home in the city and this country hideaway. One day, should I grow tired of living in the city, this is definitely the place I want to be. It is beautiful living out here. In the cold season, natural daylight is just about right, warm and comfortable. You just have to see it yourself,” said the homeowner/designer.

In the fewest possible words, it is where the modern meets the charm of rustic life, which gives this hybrid timber and concrete home in Ratchaburi a warm and humble feel like no other.

Owner/Designer: Nantapong Yindeekhun

Visit the original Thai article…

บ้านที่มีลมหายใจ…และกำไรของชีวิต

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A Chiang Mai Modern House with Cantilevered Steel Frame

By livingasean
September 27, 2016
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Chiang Mai, Thailand /

/ Story: Otto Otto / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Sungwan Phratem /

Concrete slabs and naked walls are commonplace in contemporary architecture. Here’s a modern house in Chiang Mai that illustrates this. The structure is built strong, using concrete columns and load bearing walls supporting a concrete slab floor on a framework of steel. What arouses one’s curiosity is the rigid structure and cantilevered steel frame integration that gives the home huge visual curb appeal plus the vintage nude wall texture.

Measuring 8 meters from front to back, the box-shape structure is built on the east-west alignment. Unusually long in relation to its width, the unyielding steel girder is fixed at only one end projecting into the open air, forming the upper covering of a carport situated directly below.

Next to the parking garage, a naked load bearing concrete wall shelters a storage room, a kitchen and private living space from the glare of afternoon sun.

Chiang Mai Modern House — The rigid cantilevered steel frame 8 meters in length forms the upper covering of the carport right underneath it.

The interior of the house features a spacious rectangular-shaped room that runs parallel to the poolside veranda, separated only by a clear glass wall.

The platform along the outside of the building is protected by a concrete slab jutting out about 2 meters from the exterior wall. The semi-outdoor room has plenty of space for a pantry, living area and workroom overlooking a lush green landscape.

An uncluttered multifunctional space looks out over the veranda and, beyond, the swimming pool.

The entrance area boasts a light and airy open space with the doorway set aside to the left, unseen from this angle. The foyer on the right side opens to a poolside veranda.

A few steps away from the general purpose room, you find a sharp 90-degree turn leading to a small bedroom with bathroom en suite tucked away in a quiet corner. At the farthest end lies a master bedroom, also with a poolside view.

From a technical perspective, it requires meticulous planning, great care and attention to detail to create a beautiful modern home like this one. And this house is a perfect example of that — a contemporary home that’s light, airy and comfortable plus a cantilevered steel frame that boosts its curb appeal.

In a nutshell, it’s a design that sends out a strong message. Human ingenuity has the power to overcome any obstacle, be it in life, design or engineering.

Architect: Plankrich (www.plankrich.com)

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Chinoiserie Chic / Timeless Wood Décor Charm

By livingasean
September 27, 2016
HOUSE,LIVING

Chinoiserie style brings out the charm of wood crafted panel and East Asian traditional décor.

/// Thailand ///

Story: Attavanti /// Photo: Rithirong Chanthongsuk /// Architect: Kanit Tantiwong /// Interior Designer: Suwannee Chanthai

We have seen many Chinese-style homes built on ground level. This one sits on higher ground. Naturally, it is more difficult to build a home on a slope. But the homeowner decided to give it a go to this land in Phuket.

One of the hallway walls is covered in Chinese calligraphic tiles imported from China. The pieces demonstrate the evolution of one word – “Fu” meaning wealth.

The property spans across a land of almost an acre. The 5-unit complex is based on an O-shaped plan with the main villa at the center surrounded by single-story annexes scattered across the landscape. Inspired by arcade designs, a garden pathway runs along the edges of the roof providing access to all units.

According to Voranuch Saencharoen who owns the place, a grassy hill at the center court reflect traditional Chinese wisdom. “The house was originally belonged to a Western gentleman and his wife. At that time, the land was half an acre. When we bought the place, a Feng Shui master recommended us to expand the space to an adjacent land.”

The main villa on the hilltop looks out over the contoured landscape with the bedroom annex for children to the left. The lush courtyard with tall trees descends slightly to other parts of the residential complex.

Kanit Tantiwong, a friend of the family, was responsible for the design. He initially came up with a beautiful Modern Balinese design, but the owner insisted on going the Sino-Portuguese style. Most of Sino-Portugese buildings are shophouses, not detached house. As a result, the designer and the homeowner had to do a lot of research.

As the construction got underway, Voranuch was seeking for materials from both inbound and abroad. “To me, building this house is also an experience to learn new things. For example, I learned that white plaster was used in the old days to cover wall cracks but it’s sensitive to humidity. So, I had to search for a solution and finally found one.”

Voranuch took care of the décor, while her other half, Thanawat Surachetkhomson was responsible for the structural enhancement and construction. Antique Chinese-style door panels were assembled from various origins, including Phuket, Bangkok, and Chiang Mai. The roof was inspired by ancient Korean homes, which in turn was influenced by Chinese architecture. The roof tiles were custom made in Thailand, with some tweaks in design. A vintage-looking charcoal stove was inspired by one of Voranuch’s trip to Phuket Museum. Only this one is using gas instead of charcoal.

A floor-to-ceiling glass opening allows natural light into the workspace. The office door is an old Chinese-style panel.

Equipped with modern furniture, the living room differs from other interior spaces. Running-bond brick walls add a vintage feel.

Above all, seems like the charm of chinoiserie-style lies in the house’s old-fashioned doors and window. Ceiling-height windows were equipped with plantation shutters at the top and ventilation grids were added where necessary, creating a good balance between the old and the new.

A sundeck and a veranda stretching from the main villa surrounded by an infinity pool in the backyard.

The wood-crafted door and windows with elaborate details of Sino-Portuguese characters.

link: http://tantiwong-architect.com/

A Trendsetting Row House Renovation in Chiang Mai

By livingasean
September 27, 2016
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Chiang Mai, Thailand /

/ Story: Atta Otto / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Sungwan Phratem /

The Plankrich Co., Ltd, led by Kwanchai Suthamsao, is known for being at the forefront of trends in row house design and renovation. Only recently when the firm undertook the restoration of a row house trio in Chiang Mai, many design aficionados were expecting to see exciting new innovations and exquisite materials. As it turns out, the redesigned homes boast a beautiful mix of simplicity and vintage charm with design for practical modern living. Especially for his own end unit, Kwanchai’s main goal is to create a place of abode that best answers his urban lifestyle. The three-unit row house block is conveniently located in a central neighborhood of Chiang Mai.

The newly designed front façade boasts an interesting mix of lightweight materials. Weathered boards in varying shades complement the pastel gray of fine-ribbed, corrugated sheet metal.

On reasons to invest in a row house, Kwanchai said: “A single, detached home is out of the question; land has become very expensive. The only option is a row house. After a survey, I chose this three-unit shophouse block. The size is about right; the price is fair and not too high. This way I am able to give it a complete makeover.”

For good ventilation, the old staircase was removed to make room for a new set of stairs without risers between the treads. It’s supported by an I-shaped steel beam.

Kwanchai had practically everything inside removed, including the old bulky staircase so as to make room for a new flight of stairs without risers between the treads for better ventilation. The only things remaining were pillars and beams.

The floor plans for all three units were completely redesigned. He wanted each one of them to have its own unique character, but space was limited. So, he only focused on making his end unit look different instead, at least for the time being.

A small guest room with a shelf-like bunk is tucked away at the rear of the first floor.

To accommodate visitors from time to time, there’s a compact guest room at the far end of the first floor. Custom-designed double bunks make it suitable for sleeping two guests. In all three units the mezzanines were taken out, while the omnipresence of reclaimed timber beams and long planks making up parts of the wooden floors brings back vintage charms.

A bulky upholstered sofa adds warm, cozy feelings to the interior. Window treatment ideas with wooden slat blinds allow natural light into the home.

The second floor is neatly planned for multiple uses. There’s a sitting room in the front section, dining space in the middle, and the kitchen and bathroom at the rear of the building. The dining area is made a bit small to make room for the stairway.

Overall, the furnishing and decoration of the interior conveys a great deal about the owner’s love for vintage collectables. Oblique-aligned wooden walls and floorboards give a warm, homey feeling.

The second floor holds a dining room. The floorboard and walls are covered in reclaimed wood from the homeowner’s collection.

An L-shaped kitchen counter creates an easy flow workspace. Cabinet doors in light shades of beige make the room look clean and bright.

Microwave and convection ovens are on one side of the aisle, with the washer and dryer on the other. The door at the end opens to the dining room.

The third floor holds a bedroom in the front section that’s kept clean and uncluttered, with the wardrobe and bathroom nearby separated by a sliding door. The overall effect is impressive; the interior boasts a clean neutral shade for relaxation. There’s a minimal amount of decoration while furniture is reduced to bare essentials.

The bedroom is kept clean and uncluttered to provide a balance for limited spaces. The walls are covered in beech boards. Large sliding doors open to the cube-shaped glass enclosure that adorns the front façade.

The changing room-cum-walk-in closet offers wardrobes on both sides of the aisle, which connects to the bathroom at the far end.

Taken as a whole, the secret to success lies in constancy of purpose and using reclaimed wood as the material of choice. The interior living space is cozy and comfortable, thanks to large windows that allow plenty of natural daylight. The result is a bright and breezy place of abode that’s small but has everything for a vibrant city lifestyle.

A glass wall with sliding door allows diffuse light into the sitting room at the rear of the house.

The staircase landing [left] provides access to a neat built-in cabinet made of reclaimed wood. The staircase without risers between the treads [right] offers niches for shoe storage.

Marks on the wall and concrete structural framing tell stories of a recent home makeover. The homeowner intentionally left them as a personal reminder. [right] A rusty sconce attached to the wall adds rustic charm to a bare concrete wall. Beneath it is a wood box storage for home improvement tools.

Owner/Architect: Kwanchai Suthamsao of Plankrich Co.,Ltd. (www.plankrich.com)

Visit the original Thai article…

Chiang Mai City วิถีชน (ใน) เมือง

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L2 Residence: House on the Rock with Spectacular Ocean Views in Samui

By livingasean
September 26, 2016
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Surat Thani, Thailand /

/ Story: Ottomaan / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Sungwan Phratem /

If relaxing on the seafront is your idea of paradise, here’s a house overlooking a quiet stretch of sand away from the crowds. It is not often that we come across a home perched on a pristine hillside. This captivating house on the rock stands out amid lush greenery in Samui, a popular resort island in the Gulf of Thailand.

A well-rounded balcony juts out from the master bedroom and comes to rest on a big boulder in complementary shape.

The house sits tight on a slope just shy of an acre in extent, hemmed by huge rock faces and views of exuberant vegetation. From afar, it’s hard to tell the shape of the building as it’s situated at a lower level than the road in front of it.

The landscape strewn with large boulders forces the home to be built in multiple separate units, each anchored to a rock face to secure its place. Overall, it’s a crisp, clean and modern design, with neat exteriors under a shed roof.

Because of conditions that cannot be changed, asymmetrical shapes are used, while the typical rectangular shapes are avoided so as to achieve the form, color and texture that blend well with the natural surroundings.

The second floor connects to a sundeck with al fresco dining room and panoramic ocean views.

The main entryway appears light and airy. Where appropriate, the walls are made of strips of timber evenly spaced to allow light and ventilation.

The separate units of construction are set at slightly different levels depending on ground conditions. The shed roof above the main villa creates a wide open façade looking out over the ocean. To arouse visual interest, diagonal lines are applied to the exteriors, a clever hack that gives the home a friendly, warm and welcoming appeal.

The semi-outdoor sitting room holds a modern sectional sofa with wood and upholstered furniture in complementary colors.

The dining room boasts the beauty of a long dining table crafted of slab timber resting on tree stumps. A zebra graphic pattern at the far end adds a touch of nature to the interior.

The main villa has two levels. The upstairs living room is bright and breezy with panoramic ocean views. For indoor thermal comfort, the exterior walls are covered in timber strips evenly spaced to create gaps in between for air passing through.

Where appropriate, parts of the building envelope are built of bricks covered with plaster for a neat appearance, while windows are glazed using transparent glass to get a better view. The upper floor also extends to connect with a spacious sundeck used as al fresco dining room.

A manicured garden with stepping-stone pathway connects three buildings. To the left, patches of greenery paired with a building façade made of timber strips in earth-toned color help soften the harsh appearance of nearby cliff faces.

The ground floor connects to a lush lawn, with trees and foliage plants growing luxuriantly on one side. Nearby, floor-to-ceiling windows fill the home with light and remove anything standing in the way between indoors and outdoors. There’s also a lounge where people can sit and relax a short distance away from a semi-formal dining room and contemporary-style pantry.

Viewed from the opposite side of the lawn, the main villa boasts the beauty of striking trapezoidal roof design.

Opposite from the main villa stand two outbuildings accessible via a stepping-stone garden pathway. One is a single-story unit holding a bedroom with a semi-outdoor bathroom en suite, while the other sits slightly lower than the rest. At a glance, the floor plans and general appearances are reminiscent of sundecks on a cruise ship.

An open-concept floor plan gives more natural light, better traffic flow and flexible use of space.

The master bedroom lies in a smaller building, separated from the main villa.

The master bedroom is comfortably ensconced in the smaller building anchored to a huge boulder. The edge of the building can be seen projecting outward to soak up the sea view.

For safe walking from one building to the other, areas with uneven ground are smoothed out to make room for a lawn with garden pathway. With the passage of time, nature gives the large boulder and nearby rocks the perfect weather-beaten faces that blend with the house and surrounding landscapes.

In another building, another bedroom quietly enjoys the soothing glow of soft, natural light.

Taken as a whole, it’s an intriguing amalgam of natural touches and well-thought-out planning that makes this house on the rock a perfect place to be.

Lacy shades provided by overhanging trees keep the open-plan bathroom and shower room nice and dry all day long.

Architect: Kusol Im Erbsin

Visit the original Thai article…

บ้านโมเดิร์น ทรงเหลี่ยมๆ บนหินทรงกลม ๆ

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Raw Concrete House with an Idyllic View of Rice Fields in Chiang Mai

By livingasean
September 26, 2016
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Chiang Mai, Thailand /

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

/ Photographs: Sitthisak Namkham /

Amid the relaxed ambience of the countryside stands a two-story raw concrete house with a view of rice fields and a beautiful blue sky. Here at Baan Mae Ann in Chiang Mai’s Mae Rim District, life is simple, morning dew lingers on flowers and paddy fields, and the scenic view seems to stretch farther than the eye can see. The house stands among teak trees. Unmistakably paradise!

chiang mai — The ground floor evokes pleasant memories of a traditional Thai-style home. Here, a covered loggia that forms part of the house is made for entertaining guests, dining, and semi-outdoor workspace.

The house design is the idea and creation of Seksan Silpwatananukul. There is beauty in imperfections and natural flaws in cement walls that tell the story of the patterns and seams imprinted on them by handheld trowels and scrub brushes.

Sharing his design experience, Seksan said: “At first, the land had been left unattended for some time before the owner decided to put in a home here. I managed to change the whole look of the property by incorporating raw concrete finishes in the overall design. Every little detail was thought about very carefully.

“I took my time to look around in no hurry. After a meeting with the homeowner, we decided that multiple-level design would best fit into the idyllic setting in this part of Chiang Mai’s landscapes. We didn’t really stick to any particular style. But I would say Tropical modern was the best definition for it.”

The courtyard enclosed by raw concrete terraces feels bright and breezy all day long, courtesy of generous openings in the exterior walls.

The relaxed atmosphere of a sitting room where timeless elegance meets modern flair. Overhead, the sloped ceiling in vibrant shades of reddish-browns is slanted to match the shape of the roof.

Designer: Seksan Silpwatananukul

Visit the original Thai version.

บ้านในฝันกลางป่าและนาผืนพอดี จังหวัดเชียงใหม่

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Eclectic Style with Blue Shade of Living

By livingasean
September 26, 2016
HOUSE,LIVING

Eclectic style is the right definition of this blue-shade living space. The unique color attracts all eyes at first sight.

/// Thailand ///

Photo: Soopakorn Srisakul /// Interior Designer: Balance Interior & Contractor

The posh condominium room offers a generous 78-square meters space. Obviously, Pavis Simakulthorn, the homeowner’s favorite color is blue and his other passion are ceramic collections. As a result, these are among the first things he requested to Watana Kowatanabhorn, the designer.

“I wanted shelves, lots of them. They had to be in blue or indigo, which are my favorites.”

Pavis bought the room years ago, before meeting Watana and selected him to design the place. Recognizing the preferences of the homeowner, Watana designed an eye-catching European style pantry. The pantry’s function is to show off ceramic and glassware collections. Tray ceiling is enhanced by decorative trim molding.

A reading room next to the pantry is full of bookshelves. Shelves are filled with books in Thai and foreign languages. A priceless antique bead necklace collection is also shown on the shelf. Another interesting feature is a wallpaper, which Pavis discovered from a trip to Paris.

“While visiting a friend. I came across a wallpaper store that design wallpapers for Hermes and other world-class brands. I ordered custom-made one for the room. Three month later, the ocean blue wallpaper arrived. I just love it.”

*The eye-catching pantry offers a luxurious touch in shades of indigo.*

Outside, the balcony is adorned with a Cupid statue, which Pavis cherished, while the bedroom interior mainly use purple. “I’m very impressed by the designer’s choice. The color is warm and relaxing. Deep shades represents complexity and is the last color on usually sees before going to sleep at night.”

The bedroom features DM Home wrought iron bed. The headboard is designed by the homeowner to match with the pillows. A wooden built-in cabinet is used to store collectibles and photographs. Wooden strips overhead keeps the air-conditioning machine hidden. The décor scream out eclectic tones with fur, antique pieces and stuffed animals.

*A shelf is set flush with structural support posts in complementing hues.*

Little details go well with the whole design. Built-in accessories storages features trim molding similar to Roman pillars. The bathroom at the far end includes a subtle, luxurious elements. Floor tiles are custom-made to complement the elegant rug.

*Pastel purple shades make the bedroom peaceful and warm. Window treatments made of mesh wire protect the privacy of the intimate space while allowing natural light in.*

The bedroom features a wrought iron bed in black by DM Home. The homeowner designs headboard treatments herself by emulating pillow patterns. The bed cover is one of a kind. To the right stands a built-in wood cabinet used for storing collectibles and photographs. Over the head, decorative strips keep the air-conditioning unit hidden in plain sight. The walls are painted a light shade of pastel purple with whit accents. Decorating details speak to the Eclectic style including fur, antique collectibles, and stuffed animals.

*Purple walls with white accents add a welcome contrast to the interior living spaces.*

The homeowner’s personal eclectic style is clearly expressed in the place. Just as Pavis’s conclusion. “I believe the room was left in a good hand. The designer’s understanding and ideas are as expected. The chemistry is right, I guess.”

*“All of the items here are stylishly unique. No sprucing up is needed.”*

*The bathroom boasts simple design with a luxurious, updated look. Recessed lights built into the sink cabinet make the interior space seem large and well-lit.*

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

Baan Somjai: Where Time Seems to Stand Still on Pha-Ngan Island

By livingasean
September 26, 2016
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Surat Thani, Thailand /

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

/ Photographs: Sitthisak Namkham /

Peacefully ensconced in a coconut grove by the sea, “Baan Somjai” is both a vacation destination and private residence located on beautiful Pha-Ngan Island. Everything goes by slowly on this side of the world, so slow it feels like time is standing still.

Pha-ngan Island — Nature’s A/C system at work. A water pond runs the entire stretch of the building, lowering indoor temperatures as winds carry water vapor into the room.

The seaside resort is the brainchild of Nattawut Piriyaprakob, of the architectural practice NPDA Studio. He’s both the designer and son of landowners Banjob and Somjai Piriyaprakob. The property on Pha-Ngan Island is an inheritance from Nattawut’s grandmother.

Back in the day, it was nothing but a family-owned coconut orchard. Nattawut could still recall traveling back and forth often to tend trees on the property. Nowadays travel to and from Pha-Ngan has become more convenient. That’s reason enough for the family to put in a home here.

As Nattawut put it: “Mom and Dad had worked in other provinces for a period of time. They returned home to Pha-Ngan after retirement and started out with a homestay called Coconut and Noom Resort.

“The hospitality business had welcomed all kinds of tourists, from backpackers attending the famous Full Moon Party, to well-to-do European families looking for peace and quiet on an island paradise. As luck would have it, Mom and Dad decided to put in a permanent home here, and the rest was history. They enjoyed meeting new people every day.”

Nattawut said that he designed the buildings on Pha-Ngan Island from experience, memories and knowledge of indigenous building materials. “The homes are built by local builders using local materials and wisdom. Together, they culminate in a unique design that stands out.

“Take for example eco-friendly bamboo items and paneling that are easy to find. The walls are crafted of red brick and flooring is made of polished concrete finishes.”

The designer intentionally added vivid colors into the work. He said: “As you can see, I chose bold colors for the building, such as the bright external envelope. The shadow cast by coconut trees makes the landscape even more interesting.”

The sundeck that is Banjob’s vantage point offers a 360-degree view of the coconut grove and the sea to the further side.

Benefiting from the sea breeze, the rooms are nice and cozy. Solid walls facing west shield them from the afternoon sun, while the cooling pond helps disperse the heat. Together, they go to work creating a light and airy atmosphere even when the weather is hot.

Remembered for its good design, warmth and southern hospitality, Baan Somjai Seaside Resort on Pha-Ngan is welcoming visitors to their home. It’s not only the home to the Piriyaprakob family. It’s also a dream destination for travelers from across the globe

Architect: NPDA Studio (www.npdastudio.com)

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A Marvelous Beach House on Ko Pha-Ngan Mountains, Shady Trees and a Riverside Home

Four Tropical Houses Combined into a Resort in Tranquil Living

By livingasean
September 22, 2016
CULTURE,DESIGN

/ Uthai Thani, Thailand /

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

/ Photographs: Damrong Leeviroj, Xaroj Phrawong /

“Saving every tree on the property” is the motto from this resort owner. Studio Miti designed these tropical houses that blend in with the forest, as architecture that fuses modern and traditional Thai tropical living styles.

*The house-on-stilts design allows nature to permeate and ensures good air circulation. Plenty of under-floor spaces allow small vegetation to thrive.*

At a glance, the houses conjure up images of little houses in the big woods. Four beautiful and tranquil tropical houses are nestled in a surrounding forestland of northwestern Uthai Thani.

This house-becomes-hotel is the brainchild of the owner, Chantita and Paisan Kusonwatthan. They started re-growing and restoring the area some thirty years ago. Later when development began in earnest in 1996, the area was meant to be their retirement home.

Through hard work and dedication, the property grew to become a lush woodland full of vitality. It gave rise to the idea of opening it to the public.

Now the post-retirement project becomes a resort, appropriately named “Bansuan Chantita.” Bansuan is Thai for garden home.

The architect of the project, Prakij Kanha of Studio Miti, explains:

“First and foremost, we set out to save every tree on the property. It is our duty and responsibility to find common ground between nature and architecture.”

In the design process, the architect took great pains to measure every space among the trees. The average area was then used as the basis for designing homes on the property.

Only after that did the design team begin work on the design concept. The project took the form of a “plus” symbol as its layout.

The tropical living house design and remain Thai lifestyle by design terrace in front of the house.

“The plus symbol plans fit in well amongst the trees. The result was perfect harmony between architecture and the existing natural environment. The design scheme was about putting together five rooms, all of which are easily accessible from the central court,” explained Prakij.

“The four homes come complete with wood decks, seating spaces, bedrooms, and bathrooms. The house-on-stilts design keeps them elevated from the forest floor.

“Each home is set at a different level to promote good air circulation through the hotel property. It is the different level design that creates an enchanting aesthetic.”

*All living spaces are designed to be proportionate with one another in size, amount, and frequency of use. Different spaces are designed with different needs in mind.*

The design scheme calls for the four tropical houses to be conveniently linked by a system of wood passageways winding through the lush botanical garden setting. From the outside in, the resort looks and feels like it is an inextricable part of the forest in the backdrop.

By emulating the Thai-style design, the architect ensures that no space goes to waste. Small vegetation thrives on the forest floor below. Crisp, cool breezes are ever present, and nature permeates everywhere.

*Inspired by the Thai-style house design, the wood deck provides a lot of nature at the doorsteps and easy access to all parts of the hotel.*

The house’s exterior walls and outdoor decks are made of recycled wood. The preference was based on two reasons.

First, it was a smart move because the price was right. Second, it creates a warm and enchanting atmosphere in the midst of nature.

Recycled wood still shows signs of use, while painted surfaces in a variety of colors serve as camouflage clothing that blends in with the surroundings.

*The owners, Paisan and Chantita, on the wood deck of their little homes in the big tropical woods*

Somehow it is the roofing made of steel sheets that often go unnoticed. Asked why he chose steel over other roofing materials, the architect said:

“If boats made of steel can float on water, likewise roofs crafted of steel can effectively keep the weather out.

“Steel construction is expedient especially where roofing is composed of multiple parts. Such is the case here.”

What makes these tropical houses stand out is the understanding of nature and the knowledge to incorporate it into the design scheme. The garden paradise is an escape into nature.

Owner: Chantita and Paisan Kusonwatthan.

Architect: Prakij Kanha of Studio Miti (www.studiomiti.com)

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“Saving every tree on the property” is the motto from this resort owner. Studio Miti designed these tropical houses that blend in with the forest, as architecture that fuses modern and traditional Thai tropical living styles.

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