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The Mix of Traditional and Modern Design in a Thai Stilt House

By livingasean
September 22, 2016
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Bangkok, Thailand /

/ Photography: Rithirong Chanthongsuk, Sitthisak Namkham /

This Modern Thai stilt house incorporates traditional wisdom into its modern design. All aspects of the environment are taken into account, including air circulation, calmness and comfort.

*This Modern Thai stilt house is a product of mixing traditional Thai elements into the design scheme that emphasizes eco-friendly materials and modern technologies.*

The couple incorporated traditional Thai wisdom with the best in modern design to create this modern Thai delightful home. The Thai stilt house of Panupong and Busakorn Hiranrak inspired by changing the design.

Obviously, some of the imported concepts didn’t seem to go together well with the kind of climate we have in Southeast Asia.

*Modern symmetrical design enhances the house’s tranquil details. Crisp, clean lines and calm hues go together well with unornamented concrete walls.*

Located in Bangkok’s Bangplad District, the house sits on a plot that was once part of a lush agricultural landscape. Architect Bundhit Kanitakhon explains:

“The land for many years used to be a thriving fruit orchard served by a well-planned irrigation system. House design was honest and straightforward, taking into account directions of the winds, the sun, and seasonal flooding. The result was a simple home with a modern edge and comfy atmosphere.”

On the outside, this Modern Thai stilt house was made of concrete masonry, for the most part unornamented. Closer examinations revealed elements of a true Thai style personality – ideal house orientation, suspended ground floor, and the so-called breathing wall design.

*The master bedroom on the second floor boasts high ceilings in peaceful cream tones. Sloped ceilings and cool bed cover design add to the overall appeal of the room.*

Ideal building orientation

There is a sense of auspicious energetic flow and comfort. The main log axis of the building runs East-West, allowing it to capitalize on natural air movement and effectively reduce heat.

Protection against sun, winds and rain /// Steeply sloped roofs with long overhangs protect the house from scorching sunlight and throw rainwater clear of the wall. Air blocks that form the exterior walls also allow for good air circulation and keep the house cool.

Suspended ground floor

Its stilt house design provides for effective under-floor air circulation, which is a form of the passive cooling characteristic of homes in Southeast Asia.

The stilts raise the house one meter above the surface of the soil to protect from seasonal flooding, ventilate air underneath the suspended ground floor, and effectively reduce humidity.

*Antique chinoiserie furniture adds appeal to the dining area adjacent to the show kitchen. The dark-colored long table and bench pull out cultural influences in the décor details.*

High ceilings make the hallway light and airy. Lit by a trio of suspended fixtures, the area is clearly visible from the bedroom on the second floor. Vivid color ceramic tiles add interesting effects to the design scheme.

Breathing wall design

This Thai stilt house is all about creating one seamless transition from the inside to the outside. Indoors living spaces are light and airy thanks to an array of 26 windows that stand 3.6 meters tall. They open up to bring in the outdoors. The teak wood shutters are the work of master builders from the old capital Ayuthaya.

Meanwhile, walls are composed of air blocks. The so-called breathing walls not only promote good air ventilation but also add to the overall curb appeal.

The house’s other distinctive features include a large central terrace, steep roofs arching upwards, and lush green surroundings.

*The wood terrace provides easy access to all functional areas. During the day, all 26 teak wood shutters that stand 3.6 meters tall open up to bring in the outdoors.*

Central terrace

The central court is the largest open space that connects with and supplies fresh air to other parts of the house. A form of cooling strategies, it ensures the occupants are thermally comfortable all year round.

*Utilizing natural light, the lofty stairway is big and tall by any standard. Even the platform half way to the top is large enough for a small art gallery.*

[left] Natural light illuminates the second-floor bathroom through a skylight and sliding glass windows. The amount of light on the side is controlled by Venetian blinds. [right] Vanity lights illuminate the countertop area. For better vision, choose the right bulbs that emit near natural light.

Steep roofs design

The house boasts steeply sloping tile roofs that arch upwards about 40 degrees to allow for rapid rainwater run-off.

On the edges, the eaves from an overhang that not only protects the building from scorching midday sun but also throw storm water clear of the walls. The steep roof design also serves as a natural cooling strategy.

*Roof shingles are made of kiln fired earth known for its ability to not only dissipate heat* quickly, *but also prevent radiation from reaching the interior living spaces.*

Natural surroundings

Thanks to the creative design, the house blends well with the green surroundings. Nearby, mango, banana, and jackfruit trees thrive alongside other vegetation that provides a crisp, cool canopy keeping the occupants comfortable all year round.

*In the backyard, a fruit orchard keeps the house well supplied all year round.*

On the inside, ample living spaces boast Asian inspired décor. Airy rooms are decked out with classic Thai and Chinese furniture from years gone by. Old cabinets, tables, and a Chinese style daybed are carefully placed to ensure they don’t clash with new sofas and trendy modern shelves. There is a seamless transition from one area to another.

Modest design concepts also pull in the natural earth tones seen throughout the house, from wood to kiln fired ceramic tiles and the air blocks.

On the inside, old eco-friendly furniture adorns the ample living room. Traditional and Oriental elements add some cultural flair to a cozy atmosphere. The exterior walls are composed of air blocks for privacy and good ventilation.

*Adding harmonious proportions of handicrafts to the decor brings a strong cultural element to the limelight. A stage is set for story telling.*

[left] Floors made of ceramic tiles are ideal for keeping homes cool in hot climates. [right] Window shutters are crafted of teak wood known for durability. Some of the shutters are equipped with small awning windows. They are ideal for areas that need privacy, but still let some light and breeze into the room.

Architect: Bundit Kanisthakhon, Natee Suphavilai

Interior Designer: Sirirat Ketphol

Rooftop Oasis in the Heart of Bangkok

By livingasean
September 22, 2016
GARDEN,LIVING

Welcome to another side of Phetchaburi Road. Leave traffic jam behind and step into the rooftop oasis garden of Vikrom Kromadit, the famous Thai author as well as creator and CEO of Amata Corporation.

/// Thailand ///

Story : Panchat Changchan /// Photos : Sitthisak Namkham

*Surrounded by groups of office and residential buildings, an oasis in the cramped confusion of the metropolis*

The concrete and river-pebble pathway winds around under native Thai trees such as gold apple, white sandalwood, and bauhinia standing among taller ones, with sweet fragrances of lignum vitae and gardenia wafting from dazzling blossoms on elegantly formed branches. Nearer to the ground were ferns, arrowroot, konjac, elephant ear, ground orchid, bromeliads, and moss displayed verdant greens. It’s unbelievable that this garden exists high on the rooftop of a big building in the heart of Bangkok. The soil is only about 15cm thick, so what secret techniques did they use to get this perfection?

*First view out outside theKromadit Building elevator: an arboreal tunnel arched with cape jasmine and climbing ylang-ylang*

*Vikrom Kromadit, the businessman and famous author, enjoying the garden atmosphere he created*

Vikrom tells us, “A garden isn’t something you create and are suddenly finished with. A garden is a living thing. This all happened in stages over 8 – 9 years. At first, we experimented. After we got moss and ferns growing well, we added a lot of improvements. By the time we had it looking good, we’d perfected our knowledge of cultivation and maintenance. The last stage has been the most enjoyable, but it’s all about constant change and adaptation.

*Garden entrance gate, engraved with ancient symbols and set in an arbor of crepe gardenia and other gorgeous plants*

*Cape jasmine gardenias amid perennials and other tall shrubs, growing on rocky mounds with moss for slow growth similar to bonsai*

*Besides shade-givers such as gardenias, tall bushes such as the climbing ylang-ylang refresh the garden with beautiful forms and fragrant flowers*

“There’s nothing temporary here, so maintenance is the most important factor, ensuring plants grow strong and adapt to the environment. The trees are hardy, slow-growing domestic species. They’re planted at intervals on mounds of earth in line with primary building columns and beams, as the roof was not designed to hold a garden’s weight. We worked on a look as natural as possible, even using cement tree supports formed into natural root and vine shapes. Nature is nature. Some things we think of as natural are actually not. In the real forest there’s nothing artificial, but here we have to use certain techniques to make it look like the real thing.”

*Behind the beautiful garden and green lawn is Vikrom’s residence, its Thai architecture a perfect fit for the selected Thai vegetation*

*Trees planted on rocky mounds with wooden supports overgrown with climbing vines – clinging to roots are small plants such as button orchid and moss*

I walked around in admiration. This space of less than half an acre contains a waterfall, grass lawn, and a wooden deck that can hold 400 people and is used for various events.

*Trees planted all along the curving garden path, each with differently shaped supports, offering contrasting garden views*

*Below two guayacan trees are large, well-cared-for golden chicken ferns, plus tree ferns, davallia, Royal Project fern, birds-nest fern, and arrowroot*

Sun and shade are important factors for a forest garden, requiring both long-lived shade trees and shade-tolerant plants. In front, savanna grass, bromeliads, and arrowroot; further in, golden chicken fern, Royal Project fern, and Teysmannia palm

*In front of the main door grow Cape jessamine and guayacan, showing flowers and spreading sweet fragrances to passers by*

Birds and other creatures roam freely, a unique sight in the heart of the city. Saying this is heavenly is really not an exaggeration: it has the look of one of nature perfect jungle gardens. Clearly, the owner and creator here loves and understands nature and has created his own heaven, where all things live together in happiness.

link: http://www.baanlaesuan.com/category/garden

Tropical Rainforest with Zen Accent

By livingasean
September 22, 2016
GARDEN,LIVING

Relaxing shades of green dotted with colorful flowers amid the misty coolness of the tropical rainforest in a Zen-inspired garden. Such is the dreamy garden of Chokchai Ratanaparadorn.

/// Thailand ///

Story : Apasri Meemana /// Photos : Rithirong Chanthongsuk /// Landscape : Warawut Kaewsuk

*Artificial tree roots and boulders mix with plants to give a realistic impression of a jungle environment.*

“We lived in a condo for decades and missed being close to nature. Meeting Warawut Kaewsuk I got to see the kind of tropical garden design I loved, with a forest, waterfall and stream. After buying the house, he even helped to organize it according to feng shui principles. The property we bought already had nearly an acre of the garden already, but the framework needed a lot of adaptation. My wife liked it as it was, but agreed we could make the changes we wanted.”

Warawut described his design concept for the front area as “a peaceful, open modern Zen garden, coordinating shade and cool water to create a tropical jungle, and continued, “we dropped support pilings to create a framework above. We avoided having a lot of weight to support by using artificial rocks and tree roots. The filtration system was efficiently hidden under the wood deck. The concepts came from my experience with natural ecology.

*Designer hid the pond filtration system under the deck: a space-saver.*

*Placing the pond in the shade on the north side of the house keeps the water cool enough for the plants and fish.*

“Choosing the right plants was very important. Types, colors, forms, and leaf shapes create the moods. We used varietals with simple forms, detailed surfaces, and peaceful colors. Lichens, monkey grass, whites of crepe gardenia. For the tropical zone, we used varieties with glossy leaves: mango pine and brush cherry. Glochidion and water croton gave a lush damp look. Free form lines added elegance. Around the carport, we used plants of different heights. Plant selection and placement take a lot of expertise. A lot of care is needed, including weeding and raking. There’s a sprinkler system for moisturization.”

*Bare cement and simple indoor furnishings add to the modern Zen feeling of the surrounding watery garden.*

Work inside the house with a pleasing waterfall view.

The nighttime lighting design creates intriguing dimensions and moods. Before we leave, Chohkchai tells us how pleased he is with the end result:

“This is just what the whole family wanted. Here we can read, work, have parties, or just relax, feed the fish, relax and enjoy nature. This fulfills a ten-year happy dream.”

*Lamps shining both from above and below at night create dimension and a sense of motion as they highlight plants and tree limbs.*

link: http://www.baanlaesuan.com/category/garden

Mandalay Beach Villas / A Three-Unit Beachfront Home

By livingasean
September 22, 2016
CULTURE,DESIGN

A beachfront home is built based on a simple exterior design, yet it is a perfect hideaway to relax in a tranquil environment.

/// Thailand ///

Story : Atla Otto /// Photos : Sungwan Phratem

*The seaside landscape features a wood pergola with white drapes and a canopy. Lush sun-loving shrubs provide a pop of color to the beachfront.*

Here is a simple home designed for easy coastal living. It is nestled on the peaceful western shore of Samui Island. The neighborhood is known for envy-inducing outdoor spaces and stunning sea views.

*The space between buildings allows for ventilation and abundant natural light, keeping the entire home clean and cool.*

*Outdoor tiles in complementing tones line the walkway between buildings. Grass growing in between pea gravel tiles help reduce the effects of sun glare on eyes.*

The waterfront home sits on a rectangular plot of land large enough for building a good-sized house. But the property owner is not looking for a design that is twice longer than wide. Because a rectangular floor plan may be lacking in variety, he opts for something else more interesting. The result is a neatly planned vacation home comprising three detached units. All of their front rooms are positioned to take advantage of the waterfront’s views and breezes.

*The sundeck extends from the multiple function building to connect with the infinity pool.*

Because the property ascends slightly from the beach, a retaining wall is built to mark the perimeter. The sun deck featuring a concrete vessel is crafted of pea gravel concrete. Behind it, a set of stairs leads to the beach below.

The three shed-roof buildings sit facing one another and come in different sizes. Their floors are raised 50 cm above the ground. The largest unit features a semi-open design to serve multiple purposes, incorporating a seating area, dining room and pantry. Next to it stands the second building with master bedroom with ocean views. An infinity pool, lush greenery and the beach lie between the two buildings and the open sea. The third building, which is set further back, features two en suite bedrooms. It is the first to be accessible from the street. The three-unit home boasts clean line exterior design with an emphasis on relaxing hues, such as white, gray and beige. Wood accents come in natural color and finish design to never go out of style.

*The multiple-purpose unit, which is the largest of the three, features generous seating spaces and a pantry. Open design ensures the rooms get abundant natural light and fresh air.*

*For a vacation home, the pantry comes in handy for quick meal preparations.*

*The dining area next to the pantry boasts a set of teakwood table and clear chairs. Rock wall adds texture and an intimate feel to space.*

*The master bedroom boasts sweeping sea views, thanks to large glass paneling on two sides. Wood flooring adds a pop of color and warmth to the intimate space.*

*The dual-sink countertop in the master bathroom features polished stone finishes in soft white.*

*Translucent laminated glass siding separates the bathroom from the master bedroom. Plenty of natural light ensures the bathroom is well lit despite its dark color effects.*

Open design allows an abundance of natural light and breezes to flow easily through the three buildings. Genius landscaping ideas help keep the interior spaces cool naturally, while lush foliage provides for comfortable outdoor rooms just steps away from the sparkling blue waters.

*The passageway separates the fishpond from the two-bedroom unit in the rear of the property.*

*The house is accessible from the parking area via a revolving door. Sounds of water circulating in the fishpond communicate a warm welcome.*

link: http://mandalaybeachvillas.com/

Twin Houses for Twins Strike the Right Balance

By livingasean
September 22, 2016
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Bangkok, Thailand /

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

/ Photographs: Soopakorn Srisakul /

Here are twin houses designed for twins. They stand separated, physically at least, by a lively green courtyard garden. In a subtle way, the small outdoor room serves to strengthen the unbreakable bond between the two sisters. It stands for cordial relationships and passion in the form of a shared space that gets used every day. Taken as a whole, it’s about finding the right balance in life, creating harmony between preserving family traditions and bringing joy to the home.

The homeowner twins, Chutima Bunnumkitsawat and Chutimon Siriwithayarat, are now married. They live in separate households that share the same compound. As may be expected, the twin residences look amazingly alike. But they are two distinct entities. So we asked, and they answered.

“Originally, we had planned on renovating the property to suit the lifestyle needs of an extended family. By chance, my husband came across one of the designs by the architect and contacted him right away. We got down to the business of planning in earnest while the city was hit by a big flood in 2011.” Chutima said.

Three families meet in the center court separating the two homes.

She said that her family has lived on this property for three generations now, meaning those of Mom and Dad, the twin sisters themselves, and now the little ones.

Asked about design inspirations, Chutima said: “We both have kids roughly the same age. So family living spaces have got to be clearly defined. Simply put, we are two separate households now.

“The new twin houses are set on the same compound. Mom and Dad can be with the kids here or there. Bottom line, our children will get to grow up together.”

Viewed from the outside, the twin residences boast architectural features typical of simple clean line design. A center court separates the two while striking similarities keep them very much together.

Chutimon said that despite being two separate entities, the twin houses are subtly tied to each other in so many ways.

The playroom-cum-recreational space features a raised wood deck. It serves as children playground and has since become the family’s favorite hangout place.

Behind the perceived sameness, there exist a fair amount of differences. With their permission, we took a look around and found some different details “in the fine print”.

First, their lifestyles subtly differ. Chutima’s home features a design with an emphasis on vertical treatments that embrace the value of the family’s intimate living spaces. Patches of greenery in the vertical garden protect the privacy of the living room and nearby patio. Lush foliage makes for comfortable interior living spaces.

Then, on the other side of the courtyard, Chutimon’s home boasts open and light interior design featuring ample horizontal spaces. Reminiscent of traditional Thai houses in former times, the family interior living spaces look out over the center courtyard. The bedroom has a spacious balcony that has become the family’s favorite relaxing spot.

The spacious balcony outside the bedroom.

The semi-outdoor space by Chutimon’s bedroom has an array tall windows that afford a cityscape panorama when opened. When closed, the swing shutters serve as privacy curtains protecting the intimate living space. People inside can see out through vertical wood strips in the window treatmens, while outsiders cannot see in.

The awesome twin-house complex is the brainchild of designers Natasas Jeenphund and Yupayong Chaikachornt, of Poetic Space Studio.

As they put it: “The two homes highlight simple, clean line design. I want them to appear as two distinct entities. It is kind of like two well-pruned trees thriving side by side.

“In the meantime, it’s not about being totally separated. Basically, the plan is based on a design principle that aims to keep the two families very much together.”

In a nutshell, it’s a design that strikes the perfect balance between smart land use planning and architectural styles. More importantly for the twin sisters, it’s testimony to passion and the longing to be together and cherish the relationships made in heaven.

An outdoor area adjoining Chutima’s house lies protected by a lively green vertical wall garden shielding the home from too much sun and prying eyes.

Owner: Chutima Bunnumkitsawat, Chutimon Siriwithayarat

Architect: Poetic Space Studio

Natasas Jeenphund and Yupayong Chaikachorntat

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แบบบ้านแฝด สวย น่าอยู่ สไตล์โมเดิร์น

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Baan Bang-Gru: An Enchanting House on Stilts on the Outskirts of Bangkok

By livingasean
September 22, 2016
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Bangkok, Thailand /

/ Story: Supachart Boontang / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Sitthisak Namkham /

This house on stilts in a riparian neighborhood just off of Rama 2 Road represents a confluence of ideas between traditional craftsmanship and modern technology. There is timeless elegance and beauty in traditional design that provides an ample relaxation space on the open lower floor. The second floor features a wood balcony large enough to be used for several purposes, while the third holds a quiet, more secluded living space.

House on Stilts bangkok — The three-story wood and concrete home features a mix of traditional and contemporary designs highlighting simple, clean lines that are easy on the eye.

On the outside, long eaves overhanging the walls of the building protect the interior from the elements, while solid walls shield the home from intense glare of the sun. The result of all this is a comfortable indoor environment.

Nanthapong Lertmaneethaweesap, of the Arsom Silp Institute of the Arts, designed this home as part of an affordable housing program for the institute’s most valuable assets — their teachers. The program has aided the teaching staff in owning a home of their dream, hence the name “Baan Bang-Gru”, meaning houses for the teachers.

He said that for the most part a house plan based on simple design is the most comfortable to live in. That has a lot to do with finding the right balance between functionality and the house’s overall dimensions – or how big it is. Easy living can be achieved without spending a fortune on sophisticated decorative details.

Inspired by the rice granary in former times, the house’s exterior wall features upright studs on the outside and wood paneling on the inside. The hardest part is making reclaimed wood panels fit in with the new design.

Our documentary crew visited this house in the waterside area just off of Rama 2 Road that was famous for its simple lifestyle. We witnessed people go about their business in ways that were distinctive to a riparian community. We also noticed that change was just around the corner.

Overall, the design and build quality of the house represented the combination of ideas between traditional knowledge and technology of the modern era. Interestingly, it was like is a journey through time.

Charatsri Sribumrungkiat, the homeowner, said: “I acquired this piece of land thanks to assistance from the Arsom Silp Institute of the Arts. It was part of an effort to provide affordable housing for the institute’s instructors. The program has aided the teaching staff in buying a piece of real estate at cost price, hence the name “Baan Bang-Gru”, which means the teacher’s home.”

Nanthapong added: “In my opinion, this piece of land has great potential. It affords good views both of the lake and the waterway that runs past the rear of the property.

“The house’s front façade rises facing south, and the building is oriented along the east-west axis. This enables it to reap the health benefits that come with southerly winds.

“The house plan in itself fits in very well with the waterside setting. Its house-on-stilts design provides an ample relaxation space on the open lower floor. The second floor features a wood balcony large enough for multiple functions, while the third holds a quiet, more secluded living space.”

Occupying 120 tarang wah (480 sq. m.) of land, this house on stilts boasts high quality craftsmanship, albeit built on a small budget. This is possible because as much as 90 percent of lumber supplies came from reclaimed wood and other recyclables. New lumber used in the project accounted for only about 10 percent.

The homeowner attributed the success to his sister, who was good at finding recyclable ideas and putting them to good use around the house. This not only saved a lot of money, but it also filled the home with cool pieces of furniture.

Reclaimed wood left over from other projects is used in making a covered gateway separating the serene courtyard and the car park.

The house elevated on concrete piles provides ample multi-use spaces on the open lower floor.

By design, the open lower floor is a feature that makes life less stressful. It provides easy access to practically everything, from the little lake in front of the property, to the peaceful waterway behind it.

It is the area that is used all day every day for relaxation, dining, tending plants and pruning trees in the garden. Plus, correct building orientation ensures the home receives the full benefits of natural ventilation especially during summer months.

Originally the homeowners had intended to build a normal two-story house, but later decided to raise it on concrete piles instead. The change of plan resulted in the first floor becoming second, and the old second becoming third.

The main kitchen is on the ground floor. There is a good-sized sitting space with a small kitchen and dining room on the second floor that’s reserved for use in the event the ground floor is flooded. The third floor holds three bedrooms and a Buddha room.

The exterior walls are inspired by the rice granary in former times, in which vertical studs are installed on the outside and horizontal wood palettes on the inside. The edge joint technique that has existed for a long time ensures the wall is water impermeable during rains.

A beautiful array of windows opens to take in the view and plenty of fresh air. Narrow window design is used instead of side railing as protection against falling.

On the whole, it’s a beautifully crafted house on stilts, one that fits in perfectly with the peaceful riparian landscape on the outskirts of Bangkok. The interior living spaces are uncluttered in keeping with the minimalist style, while the exterior showcases the architecture, waterfront lifestyles and experiences unique to this part of Central Thailand.

Architect: Nanthapong Lertmaneethaweesap of Arsom Silp Institute of the Arts

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“บ้านบางครุ” สัดสวนที่เหมาะสมของ บ้านไม้

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Perfect Combination of a Classic and Retro Style House Makeover

By livingasean
September 22, 2016
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Thailand /

The classic and retro style of the three-story, 750-square-meter rowhouse is an awesome makeover from what was once a printing facility owned by the family.

Much of the structure of this classic and retro style house is kept intact, except some parts of the wall that are removed to make way for optimal space utilization. In the process, the main entryway is relocated for added convenience. As the owners, Worapong and Sukanya Suwatpim put it:

“We built this row house duplex ourselves. The design is based on slightly different dimensions compared to those standard-sized row buildings. Our rectangular-shaped plot happens to be much longer than it is wide. In remodeling the living spaces, the main entrance that used to be on the front is relocated to the long side. It is more convenient that way.”

The ground floor offers parking spaces for classic cars that make parts of his collections. There are areas for hobbies and creative workspace surrounded by unadorned concrete finishes and hand-hewn, bare brick walls. Metal detailing is painted black, paired with cool retro-style furniture. The well-conceived combination adorns the interior spaces that obviously speak to retro-Industrial style.

The second floor features ample seating spaces, dining area, kitchen and a bedroom, which comes in cool classic style, and yet not too sweet.

Plans are afoot to turn the third-floor spaces into a gallery of many antique clocks that the homeowners have collected over many years.

The couple has preferences for different interior decorating in classic and retro styles. This is where the designer, Paisal Chongprasobtham, comes in to create a welcome contrast in the interior living spaces, ones that are aesthetically pleasing despite different natures, luminance and color.

Sharing his thoughts, Paisal said:

“Worapong prefers the raw rustic look that is the way of men, while Sukanya wants her design simple, and yet appealing by its very nature. So I give the ground floor unsophisticated look by incorporating features that are attractive, and yet unrefined. The interior walls show steel and bare bricks after plaster covering has been removed.

“I try to make the two interior styles of the classic and retro style go hand in hand by using dark shades like black and gray as connecting agents. Meantime, wood furniture comes in natural tones with an emphasis on simplicity, and yet cool. The kitchen counter is adorned with classic woodcarving patterns, making the atmosphere highly agreeable. The bedroom is given to luxury, no doubt the most comfortable and relaxing in every sense of the word.”

Being a much-traveled person, Sukanya is the one who chooses all of the decorating items. The job as a flight attendant has taken her to Europe often. And she particularly likes going to the flea market, out outdoor events selling secondhand goods.

“Both of us want a home with the Western appeal, but not to the extent of Louis style. And it must not be too sweet. With this job, I get to see and stay in nice hotels. I collect décor items that I like and adapt them to best suit our home.

Story: Ajchara Jeenkram

Photograph: Soopakorn Srisakul

Interior Designer: Paisal Chongprasobtham

Baan Gongsi: A Perfect Fusion of Chinese and Thai Cultural Heritage

By livingasean
September 22, 2016
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Bangkok, Thailand /

/ Story: Supachart Boontang / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Soopakorn Srisakul and Arsom Arch Community and Environment Co., Ltd. A division of the Arsom Silp Institute of the Arts /

This urban home named “Baan Gongsi” is beautifully crafted in keeping with Chinese heritage in architecture mixed with defining features that are characteristic of the traditional Thai-style home. The perfect visual blend is the brainchild of Pongsakorn Tumprueksa and Nattanan Pokinpitak of the Arsom Silp Institute of the Arts.

Architecturally, it’s a well-thought-out design that seeks reconnections with nature at home and, at the same time, keeps family heritage alive. Homeowners Thianchai and Noree Niyom, both of them of Chinese descent, want to live simply and traditionally, embracing a lifestyle that values a culture of sharing and caring.

Thianchai’s sister also lives nearby in the same compound, which explains the concept of Baan Gongsi, a colloquialism for extended family living arrangements.

At the same time, it’s a design that embraces elegance in architectural aesthetics. There’s a courtyard with swimming pool at the center of the house topped by tiled roofs with curved sides. A striking feature of Chinese style, the unroofed area enclosed by the buildings doubles as engine that drives natural air circulation keeping the home cool and comfortable round the clock.

The well-conceived design also ensures the building fits in well with the hot and humid climate prevailing in this region. Speaking of a fusion between two cultures, there’s a large open-air platform that provides easy access to all the rooms, a layout quintessential of Thai-style cluster homes in the past. The Thais call it a “chaan” meaning a gallery or semi-outdoor room overlooking the garden.

The main villa and nearby annexes are disposed around the center courtyard. The sprawling design allows a healthy dose of morning sun to pour into the interior living spaces. In the nighttime the courtyard is aglow under the moonlight.

The center courtyard has been the heart of family life and one of the most important elements of cluster home design since time immemorial. It brings joy to the family and supplies every part of the home with fresh air.

Here, everything exists for a good reason. Among others, a stone paver patio adjacent to the family’s ancestral home serves as a venue for morning tea. Nearby, the swimming pool brings the health benefits of good exercise. They’re there for the taking. Overall, it is a piece of architecture designed for the salubrious lifestyle of an extended family.

Baan Gongsi is a well-crafted home, one made with attention to detail and quality to provide safety and protection against external disturbances. The floor plan offers smooth transition from one area to another. There’s a welcome room with patches of greenery connected to a stone paver patio leading to the Moon Door that’s the house’s main entrance.

From there, a stone paver garden pathway provides access to the main villa and nearby annexes. The center courtyard itself lies protected by a lacy canopy of mature trees making every day an enchanting experience. Because it’s situated amid the bustle of the city center, the home relies on plenty of lush vegetation to protect against noises and air pollution.

As for build quality, real wood is the material of choice and one of the most outstanding features of the house. What makes it aesthetically pleasing is the slightly curved eaves characteristic of Chinese architecture. Needless to say, it’s a wholesome place where nature and culture coexist in peaceful harmony, a home beaming with pride.

A stand-alone house of Buddha serves as a reminder of Thai architecture in earlier times. — The Moon Door, adapted to sport a more contemporary look, provides access to the cluster home environment that lies beyond.

Owner: Thianchai and Noree Niyom

Architect: Arsom Arch Community and Environment Co., Ltd. A division of the Arsom Silp Institute of the Arts

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Modern Exterior Lath

By livingasean
September 22, 2016
IDEA,LIVING

Exterior Lath of the building is another smart idea to filter strong sunlight. It’s the easiest solution for a hot and humid country. We proudly introduce various lath designs to highlight your home character with easy-to-find local materials.

/// Thailand ///

The accordion window lath for the exterior will help filter the morning sunlight in your bedroom. When you open or close the window to one side, it will help expand a more seaside view.

Design-Decorate: Bee Vithayathawornwong, Beautbureau Co.,Ltd.

link: http://www.beautbureau.com/

Decorate your façade with diagonal lath panels, it can be opened or closed and also provide you the privacy with the exquisite work. When it’s afternoon time, the wall will reflect lath lines and change the degree of light depending on each time of the day.

Design: IDIN Architects

link: http://www.idinarchitects.com/

The vertical wooden lath is ideal for lessening the sunlight. You can also open or close it up to 90 degrees to shade the light in any direction.

Design: Autchawin Thongthawat and Thanapol Janewattanawit

Interior Design: Vorakit Srithimakun and Ratchanee Pakdeepanichapong

The Japanese tea room can reflect the Japanese way with tatami rug and Japanese set of table. The sliding double-layer door is also made of lath, it perfectly overlaps from the sliding glass door so that you can open the door to take fresh air and admire the garden view.

Design: Hypothesis

link: http://www.hypothesis.co.th/

Add a little gimmick to your home with trendy lath and adapt the lath’s direction to the light to filter the sunlight. This lath will not only give you privacy but also protect you from the strong sunlight.

Design: Materior Studio

Renovate your window screen with the steel screen and spray it with colors. Or you can also adhere it with plywood panels onto the hardwood frame in the same color to playing with the light. This way can create the prominent view when the light shines through the wall.

link: http://hubbathailand.com/

link: http://www.roommag.com/home-ideas-1/scoop/12671/daily-idea-wood-facade/

Baan Nai Suan / Tropical Garden in the Coffee Shop

By livingasean
September 22, 2016
GARDEN,LIVING

The sun is scorching hot this afternoon but inside Baan Nai Suan, a cozy tropical garden in the coffee shop. It’s cool and refreshing . Warisa Sinlapakun, the owner who designed and landscaped this garden on her own has a lot to tell us.

/// Thailand ///

Story: Apasri Mimana /// Photography: Sitthisak Namkham /// Landscape Designer: Warisa Sinlapakun

“I’ve always liked the shade and growing plants. When this coffee shop project came along, I knew right away it had to have a garden. Before this, I was a yoga teacher in a club, but one day I decided to branch out. Closer to nature it’s more relaxing, and our spiritual health benefits.”

Garden in the coffee shop: The shop is a step up from the street. In front are planted creeping woodsorrel ground cover among decorative stones bought at Bang Bua Thong. An arboreal wooden door leads inside.

Baan Nai Suan, on Hua Mak Street, has two main sections. The first is the coffee shop, restaurant, a wood structure with food and drink service on the lower floor and a high-ceilinged yoga studio with big picture windows upstairs. The second section is a beautiful tropical-style garden.

*Long shady wooden walkway to the shop inside passes under the arbor eaves.*

*Stairway up to the second floor, with the added interest of potted plants here and there.*

“The garden started as just dirt, not a single plant. I don’t have a degree in garden design, but do have ideas, and love the tropical style. I used pencil and paper to draw details, spots to put trees, dig a pond, sketched in a waterfall, brook, and places to sit.

*Areca palm and a bamboo wall, plants and materials that fit the tropical style.*

*Fragrant pandan is not only a beautiful plant, but it is for its oil or cooked in various treats.*

“Then I went looking for ornamental things to buy and found some cute plants at the Decorative Plants Center. Big trees I got from Prajinburi and Nakhon Nayok. I used leftover construction wood to build furniture and a garden path. We needed shade, so I planted some big trees, like this super-shady 10-meter banyan from Nakhon Nayok. I’ve added on little by little over the last 6 years until it’s the Baan Nai Suan you see today.”

*Unusual furniture: wrought-iron table converted from a sewing machine, a set of unmatched lawn chairs, perfect for outdoor use.*

Every morning her helpers water plants, rake fallen leaves and add fertilizer, a maintenance system She has down pat. But improvements are ongoing. New plants must be shade-tolerant, since very little light reaches the garden floor here, which is why even in the middle of the day it’s cool and comfortable.

*A misting system adds to the refreshing cool of the garden.*

“I spend most of my time in the shop. If our workplace has a good feeling, we ourselves feel good, and the more enjoyable things we do, the happier we feel. I pick plants I like, like Alexandrian laurel and perfume flower tree, that give out a lot of sweet fragrance, or tree jasmine, which I really love: its white flowers hang down in the cutest way! Indian oak is cool in a different way: in full blossom, the garden is full of red flowers, the garden looks fresh, even if there are a lot of petals to rake up.”

Blog : thailand

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Modern Exterior Lath

Exterior Lath of the building is another smart idea to filter strong sunlight. It’s the easiest solution for a hot and humid country. We proudly introduce various lath designs to highlight your home character with easy-to-find local materials.

Baan Nai Suan / Tropical Garden in the Coffee Shop

The sun is scorching hot this afternoon but inside Baan Nai Suan, a cozy tropical garden in the coffee shop. It’s cool and refreshing . Warisa Sinlapakun, the owner who designed and landscaped this garden on her own has a lot to tell us.

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