three-storey house Archives - LIVING ASEAN - Inspiring Tropical Lifestyle //

A Modern Tropical House Perfect for Indonesia’s Hot, Humid Climate

By kangsadank
November 4, 2025
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Jakarta, Indonesia /

/ English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Apinine Thassanopas /

Indonesia, a nation straddling the equator, enjoys a tropical monsoon climate with two distinct seasons: the dry season (April to September) and the rainy season (October to March). Unsurprisingly, homes in this region often contend with year-round warmth and humidity, influenced by both climate and urban living conditions. Creating a home that remains comfortable in such an environment presents an ongoing challenge. Nora’s Residence is a thoughtfully designed, three-story, single-detached modern tropical house. Purposefully built for hot and humid weather, it integrates seamlessly into its urban surroundings in Jakarta, Indonesia.

The design concept for Nora’s Residence is rooted in the principles of tropical architecture, specifically using an understanding of local climate to make the home more comfortable. At its core, the design aims to achieve indoor thermal comfort by minimizing heat buildup and promoting cross ventilation throughout the interior spaces. Additional strategies include the use of locally sourced building materials to foster a healthier living environment, along with exterior aesthetics that harmonize with the surrounding landscape. More than anything, it’s a design that thoughtfully responds to the lifestyle needs of those living in the warm, humid climate of the Indonesian archipelago. Join us as we discover the latest innovations in air conditioning technology perfectly crafted and installed by professionals. It’s a great opportunity to stay up to date with state-of-the-art systems for home use, now on view at DAIKIN PROSHOP INDONESIA. All of this is part of the ASEAN HOME TOUR series broadcast by Baan Lae Suan TV in collaboration with Living ASEAN and supported by DAIKIN.

Modern Tropical — Light, Airy, Simply Brilliant

This modern tropical house is located in Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia that is known for its high humidity, warm temperatures and vibrant city life. Named Nora’s Residence, it demonstrates how thoughtful planning can make all the difference in cultivating a cozy and livable atmosphere. The design is tailored to the specific needs of a family of four: mom and dad, and their two children, and is also well-suited to hosting relatives who frequently drop by for a chat. The style of the house is inspired by the homeowners’ love of tropical architecture, reimagined for modern living. The result is a layout that prioritizes privacy, pleasing appearances, and indoor thermal comfort, even in the face of extreme weather.

Tropical architecture is renowned for its ability to promote natural ventilation and keep the home cool throughout the year. In a harsh climate, a well-ventilated space is essential and enduring. Open floor plans and strategically placed openings, such as windows and vents, help create airflow patterns that expel hot air, while a high-pitched roof design reduces humidity buildup. Meanwhile, long eave overhangs protect the home from storms, shielding the walls and foundations from rain and sun’s heat. The tropical house floor is also elevated well above ground level to prevent flooding, a time-tested technique passed down through generations. Adding to its charm, the home is finished with locally sourced materials such as timber and bamboo, which harmonize beautifully with the natural surroundings.

Nora’s Residence is, at its core, about putting the principles of tropical architecture into practical use, something the design firm Nataneka Arsitek is both highly skilled in and deeply passionate about. The house stands as the epitome of balanced home design, perfectly suited to the hot, humid and rainy weather of Jakarta. Thanks to their deep understanding of Indonesia’s unique geography and climate challenges, the design team no doubt has succeeded in crafting a home that is both beautifully executed and highly functional. A place that nurtures well-being while delivering strong aesthetic appeal.

Jeffry Sandy, lead architect and co-founder of Nataneka Arsitek, shared that the initial brief was to design a simple, functional home tailored to the lifestyle of a family of four. However, after considering the homeowners’ traditional values which emphasize close connections with relatives, the plan changed. The layout was expanded to include more bedrooms and larger communal areas, with integrated amenities to accommodate visiting relatives from out of town.

“As the need for space and amenities grew, so did the size of the new home. Yet the design team remained committed to the core principles of tropical architecture by prioritizing passive design strategies that promote natural ventilation, create a relaxing atmosphere, and maximize thermal comfort throughout the home.”

Designed According to the Principles of Tropical Architecture

For this reason, the house is designed to stand tall, creating a distinctive architectural presence with a light and airy ambiance. Interestingly, the low-lying land has been filled to slightly raise the ground level above the road surface. As a result, the primary living areas are located on the second and third floors, while the first or ground floor serves as a service zone, complete with ample space for a car garage.

From the front gate, the driveway gently slopes upward, the change in elevation from one end to the other is so subtle it’s barely unnoticeable. Nearby, a tranquil fish pond nestled under a canopy of lush trees adds to the calm and relaxing atmosphere. Head upstairs and you will find living areas designed for both habitation and leisure, similar to the common spaces typically found on the ground floor in most homes. The house features a warm, earthy colour palette that blends beautifully with its surroundings. To foster a cozy atmosphere, locally sourced timber is used extensively for ceiling, wall finishes, slatted wood paneling and decorative accents. Thanks to its open-plan layout, the home enjoys excellent air circulation between the interior and exterior, a smart passive design strategy that brings in fresh air and reduces heat and humidity buildup in the interior.

By design, Nora’s Residence makes excellent use of open-concept spaces, high ceilings, and glass doors on all sides. This allows the home to maximize natural light and airflow, while the interior is thoughtfully zoned into distinct living, dining, and kitchen areas. Bi-fold doors with clear glass panels can open fully from end to end, seamlessly connecting the indoors with the surrounding lawn and nearby swimming pool. In short, it’s a space designed for activity and family gatherings.

Sharing his insights from the project, Sukendro Sukendar Priyoso, another lead architect and cofounder of Nataneka Arsitek, explained that the proportion between the house and its lot was carefully considered to create a sense of balance and harmony. To enhance the overall environment, the design team left adequate spaces on the left and right sides of the building. These side yards, working in tandem with strategically placed windows, allow for generous natural light and effective cross ventilation. Meanwhile, long eave overhangs and wooden slat wall panels shield the interior from direct sunlight, helping to reduce heat gain, lower energy costs, and improve the efficiency of the tropical home’s air conditioning system.

“This house is designed around the concept of balance between indoors and outdoors, opening up interior spaces to allow more natural light and enhance comfort and well-being. The first floor houses the service areas, along with a nearby garage that accommodates four cars. The ground level has been elevated to create ideal conditions for planting and to offer the homeowners the opportunity to enjoy a lush, manicured landscape. We also added a backyard swimming pool complete with essential support facilities. It’s the ground floor that truly connects us to the land,” said Sukendro.

Balance between Indoors and Outdoors

This tropical house has defining characteristics that set it apart from others. In essence, it’s designed to bring nature indoors, with large windows that allow ample daylight and natural breezes to flow through the interior. When electromechanical air conditioning is not needed, simply opening the windows enables cross ventilation, keeping the home cool and comfortable. It’s an effective way to create a tropical living environment, supported by well-maintained gardens and strategically planted trees in the home’s open spaces.

The primary focus of this house design is functionality, specifically, a ventilation system that performs well in hot, humid weather. All doors leading into and out of the living room can be fully opened to connect the interior with the surrounding landscape. Built during the COVID-19 pandemic, Nora’s Residence clearly prioritizes good air circulation, an essential feature in modern home design. Open floor plan also plays a key role, seamlessly merging functional areas into one expansive space. Surrounded by wide-opening glass doors, the interior evokes feelings of peace, joy and belonging. These doors not only blur the boundaries between inside and out but also allow fresh air to enter and flow freely through the trpoical home, keeping the home cool and comfortable.

Innovations for Cozy Living, Ways to Save Energy

In addition to good ventilation and the right amount of sun exposure, the house feels cozy and welcoming thanks to an air conditioning system that is neatly and discreetly concealed. As the architects intended, it is a thoughtfully designed, beautifully crafted home that is both contemporary and aligned with the latest technologies. The entire house is cooled by an air conditioning system called VRV (Variable Refrigerant Volume) from DAIKIN. Hidden from view and achieved through careful planning, the system delivers efficient climate control without disrupting the clean, cohesive aesthetics of the interior.

The VRV air conditioning system is a centralized A/C system that incorporates innovative technology. What sets it apart is its ability to be installed in extended ceiling space, making it an ideal fit for open-concept living areas where rooms seamlessly connect with the garden. Everything is arranged in a neat and orderly manner, allowing the system to remain virtually invisible while enhancing the interior’s overall aesthetics. With the unit concealed above the ceiling, the only visible elements are the discreet air grilles through which cooled air is distributed—creating a comfortable atmosphere without any unsightly distractions.

The VRV system features a single condensing unit connected to multiple evaporators, making it ideal for large spaces with high ceilings. It saves space and reduces the complexity typically associated with installing multiple outdoor units. Thoughtfully integrated into the home’s design, the VRV system enhances interior aesthetics while maintaining a balanced and comfortable atmosphere, and it contributes to lower energy costs as well.

DAIKIN PROSHOP INDONESIA, Pioneering Innovation For Tropical Living

The decision to install an advanced air conditioning system, such as the VRV from DAIKIN, in this modern tropical home reflects a desire that goes beyond simply maintaining a cool temperature. It’s about creating a balanced atmosphere: a sense of calm and contentment that enhances well-being throughout the home.

Thanks to its deep understanding of the challenges facing the ASEAN region, DAIKIN is well aware of the problems caused by rising air pollution, increasing temperatures, and high humidity, all of which contribute to discomfort in daily life. This is particularly true in Indonesia, where the impacts of extreme weather are compounded by a lack of consumer awareness when it comes to choosing the right air conditioning product for their needs.

Jimmy, DAIKIN senior sales supervisor for Indonesia’s Central Region, explained that for a long time, Indonesian consumers have been accustomed to just one type of air conditioner: the wall-mounted unit. Many still prefer older installation methods. This is where DAIKIN steps in, turning challenges into opportunities by understanding consumer needs as well as introducing new ideas, products and services to support better living

“This issue is particularly common among a specific segment of consumers—namely, homeowners. It’s especially true for those living in single-detached houses who aren’t necessarily interested in making additional efforts to protect their homes from heat. All they want is for air conditioners to be installed in an easy way and to keep their indoor spaces cool, and that’s enough for them. To start with, DAIKIN Indonesia saw that this market sector had potential to grow. That’s why we focused on delivering high-quality products and services tailored to Indonesian consumers. This commitment led to the launch of DAIKIN PROSHOP in 2016, a one-stop solution shop offering expert consultation and professional installation services,” said Jimmy.

Committed to delivering high-quality products and services, DAIKIN PROSHOP offers home air conditioning systems customized to create pleasant and enjoyable living spaces. Renowned for solutions that improve indoor air quality and for technological innovations tailored to individual needs, DAIKIN PROSHOP functions as a one-stop solution shop providing expert recommendations to identify the best air conditioning options for each home. Designed primarily for mid-level to high-end residential, DAIKIN PROSHOP’s products and services are supported by teams of specialists who collaborate closely with interior designers and architects throughout every stage of a project, from planning to execution. Ultimately, it’s about understanding homeowners’ needs and offering the best possible advice.

DAIKIN PROSHOP: Excellence in Strength and Service

Timmy Anggara Arthawardhana is the director of DAIKIN PROSHOP PT Usara Sinergi Pandega, one of 44 authorized DAIKIN dealerships in Indonesia. Introducing the services of DAIKIN PROSHOP, Timmy emphasized that it is more than just a store selling air conditioning systems. It is also a specialized shop dedicated to providing expert advice and inspiration. Its true strength lies in delivering superior after-sales service.

“We want customers to understand that, while DAIKIN products are of the highest quality, proper installation is essential to ensure maximum efficiency. That’s why we bring in expert teams from DAIKIN PROSHOP to carefully assess and complete each installation thoroughly and professionally. This gives us confidence that our products perform at their best and meet the highest installation standards,” said Timmy.

DAIKIN PROSHOP prioritizes a positive customer experience by actively promoting consumer understanding of how its air conditioning systems work. Designed for mid-level to premium homes, DAIKIN products are showcased through regular in-store events that feature product displays and curated items of interest. In this way, customers have a chance to experience the products and services firsthand as well as envision how they would integrate into their own living spaces.

The showroom also includes mock-up rooms equipped with DAIKIN’s air conditioning units. These setups feature open-concept layouts, such as dining areas that flow seamlessly into living spaces, allowing customers to see how each component, from the main air conditioning unit to the air ducts and ceiling grilles works together as a complete system. Also on display are insulation techniques and materials that help shield the home from external heat, which is crucial to maintaining system efficiency and keeping energy costs down.

To meet the needs of homeowners and strike a balance between form and function, DAIKIN PROSHOP works closely with leading architects and interior designers throughout every stage of the project. This collaboration ensures that the selected air conditioning systems not only meet end-user expectations in terms of comfort, health, and wellness, but also align aesthetically with the home environment. With careful planning and discreet design, there’s nothing bulky or visually intrusive to disrupt the beauty of the interior. These thoughtful design elements are what set DAIKIN apart from other brands.

“We consult with both architects and homeowners early in the process, before construction even begins, to provide informed recommendations. Our role includes system design and installation, ensuring the solution fits the size of the home and is visually cohesive. Once approved, we provide cost estimates and manage the full installation. After that, we focus on after-sales service and ongoing customer support to build long-term trust in our products and services.,” Timmy explained.

DAIKIN PROSHOP currently has 44 dealerships and 42 showrooms across Indonesia, strategically located in areas with growing mid-level and high-end property development. To build strong customer relationships, the company actively shares information about the latest innovations in air conditioning technology. By keeping consumers well-informed about its offerings, DAIKIN PROSHOP empowers them to make confident, informed decisions when selecting the air conditioning systems best suited to their needs.

All of this demonstrates that at its core, DAIKIN PROSHOP is more than just a provider of physical products. Rather, it is a purpose-driven company committed to enhancing the quality of living spaces and offering practical solutions to real customer needs. In tropical climates, where high temperatures and humidity are the norm, homeowners require highly efficient air conditioning systems—ideally, ones that integrate seamlessly with interior design to create a sustainable, tranquil living environment.

For more updates on design, stay tuned to the ASEAN Home Tour series, a Baan Lae Suan TV program supported by DAIKIN, on air every Sunday at 10.15 a.m. Amarin TV HD, Channel 34.

Architect: Nataneka Arsitek

You may also like…

A Contemporary Luxury Condo Embraces the Beauty of Heritage, Clean Air and Balanced Lifestyle

A Wood Façade House Nestled in the Beauty of a Tropical Garden

Vom House: A Nature-Embracing Urban Home Made Attractive by Curved Design

By livingasean
July 20, 2024
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam /

/ Story: Lily J. / English Version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Hiroyuki Oki /

This three-story urban home belonging to a nuclear family is located in Binh Thanh, a district of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Needless to say, it’s an urban neighborhood characterized by overcrowding and lack of green spaces. That’s where architect Sanuki Daisuke comes into play and turns environmental challenges into a solution. The result is a home tailored to the small family’s specific needs, one that’s comfortable, well-lit and well-ventilated despite the problem of limited space.

urban home Ho Chi Minh City Vom House — A massive curved ceiling of raw concrete has the most prominent position in the entryway holding a semi-outdoor sitting room. It’s separated from the front yard by a façade of decorative metalwork.

By design, the house’s public spaces are placed on the first and second floors. They consist of a semi-outdoor communal space that’s shared by all members of the family. There is a dining room, with reading nooks and green spaces nearby that open to bring natural daylight and fresh air into the home.

Meanwhile, the private spaces holding only two bedrooms are perfectly adequate for family needs. They are tucked away on the third floor that’s quiet and secluded. The rooms are made somewhat smaller than usual so as to increase the size of empty spaces in the home. For the most parts, Vietnamese homes tend to have more bedrooms as a way to accommodate visiting houseguests.

Drawings of the house plan illustrate space utilization ideas on every level, including the rooftop. / Courtesy of Sanuki Daisuke Architects

A trio of front elevation drawings shows how curved designs are integrated in different parts of the building. / Courtesy of Sanuki Daisuke Architects

A side elevation drawing illustrates space utilization in relation to openings in the wall and rooftop designed to admit daylight and provide natural ventilation. / Courtesy of Sanuki Daisuke Architects

A perspective drawing in cross section shows the integration of curved ceilings in the design of the second floor. / Courtesy of Sanuki Daisuke Architects

An open floor plan makes the first floor feel larger, giving a feeling of comfort, warmth and relaxation.

Up front, the first floor holds a sunlit courtyard beneath a distinct curvature that bears some resemblance to an underground chamber in a hillside. At the same time, high ceiling design makes the entry area look so inviting.

The rounded contour, also known as “vom” in Vietnamese, serves a dual purpose. It creates good visual flow between the first and second floors, while providing a passage leading to rooms and functional spaces in the home.

Small openings in various sizes at the top of a wall keep the second floor well-lit and well-ventilated.

Curving contours, or “vom” in Vietnamese, take pride of place in the sitting room and reading nook on the second floor. Together they create good visual flow connecting all the rooms in the home.

An ample amount of space on the second floor and nearby stairway promotes natural ventilation in the house.

Extending directly beneath the curving contour, the house façade of perforated metalwork separates the front yard from a sitting room at the front. It’s designed to admit daylight and provide controlled natural ventilation to the home.

The sitting room is connected to a kitchen and dining room nearby via a folding door system that opens wide from one end to the other. From here, the reading nook on the second floor is clearly visible under the double height curved ceiling. Taken as a whole, the interior is cool and comfortable thanks to fresh, outdoor air coming in through the front door.

The bedroom on the third floor is breezy, uncluttered and illuminated by natural daylight.

Because it’s such a clean, well-lighted place, the homeowner couple sees potential in it developing into a house-cum-café in the future. The idea comes in handy since the family’s private living spaces are hidden away on the third floor. Plus, the open concept house plan provides many benefits, among them improved traffic flow, adequate daylight and good air circulation at every turn.

Concrete surfaces are left unfinished by design after being cast using bamboo strips, creating shadows that change throughout the day.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of life in Ho Chi Minh City, the house feels comfortable, light and airy thanks to great attention to detail. By design, it’s an urban living space that seeks reconnections with nature, a house made attractive by curved design just like the architect intended.

Join us for insights on creating urban homes that maximize quality of life. The room Books X Living ASEAN Design Talk 2024 on the theme of “(Re)Thinking inside the Box: Vol. 1 Living in Small Urban Spaces” is a discussion event in English focusing on urban living opportunities and design challenges that need to be resolved. It’s aimed at creating an awareness and knowledge among the general public about the importance of design in residential development within the context of city life across Southeast Asia.

The discussion will be in English. It’s open to everyone who is interested. There is no admission fee. Seats are limited. Please preregister at https://cooll.ink/DesigntalkLA/

Looking forward to seeing you all at Hall MR 214-216, Second Floor, BITEC Bang Na on August 4, 2024 from 1300 to 1530 hours. It’s happening as part of the Baan Lae Suan Fair Midyear 2024.

Architects: Sanuki Daisuke Architects

You may also like…

A Renovated Shophouse with a Hidden Gem, Simply Delightful

Floating House in Thu Duc: A Home under the Canopy That Fits Right in Nature

W39 House: A Hillside Home Renovation That Brings the Outdoors in

By livingasean
February 21, 2024
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Ampang Jaya, Malaysia /

/ Story: Sarayut Sreetip-ard / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Soopakorn Srisakul /

Built on a slope, this three-story home renovation project sits beautifully ensconced by a vast expanse of lush vegetation. The front façade opens to the east to take in panoramic views of the rolling hills as the sun rises over the horizon. The back of the house facing the hillside holds a quiet, secluded area for living rooms and bedrooms.

Originally purchased as part of a development project back in 1980, it has gone through several improvements to maintain a good state of repair. After the children had grown up and moved out to start a family of their own, the home was last renovated from 2015 to 2018.

Among other things, the upper floors were tailored to meet the needs of aging Mom and Dad while rooms downstairs are reserved for accommodations for visiting children.

Drawings of floor plans for all three levels. / Courtesy of Zlg Design

A cross-section drawing shows the side elevation of the home renovation project built on the hillside. / Courtesy of Zlg Design

Back in the day when the kids were young, the interior of the house was divided into smaller rooms. Things have changed and hence all the room dividers were torn down to create a larger, more light and airy interior that’s compatible with the Tropical climate.

The result is a complete home renovation that brings elements of the outdoors into the home. They include rays of sunshine that stream in through openings in brick walls and skylights, plus fresh air and the smell of flowers in the room.

W39 House Home Renovation — The bedroom wall is fitted with plantation shutters designed for good ventilation. It opens to connect with the entrance hall and center court.

The first floor contains a studio apartment complete with bedroom, bathroom, laundry space and a front yard landscape. The second floor holds sitting room with a kitchen island and dining space that opens to the terrace overlooking the backyard.

To ensure safety, the backyard is made secure by retaining wall systems that protect against flooding and erosion as well as create usable land for plants to thrive, a setting that conjures up images of being in the great outdoors.

The third floor is accessible via a spiral staircase. It’s a quiet, secluded living space with sitting room, home office and bedroom set apart by divider curtains for easy updates. Open to the outdoors, it conveys a great deal about the inextricable connection between humans and nature.

A spiral staircase connects to third floor. It’s enclosed in perforated walls built of light mass brick that’s inexpensive, plus there’s no need for cement plastering. During the daytime, rays of sunshine streaming inside add interesting dimension to the room.

In terms of value it’s a good home renovation that stands the test of time thanks in part to quality materials that perform well despite the weather. Meantime, bare concrete surfaces and brick masonry walls blend perfectly into their surroundings.

The front façade has since been adapted to go well with metal window and door casings. For good looks, they are fitted with vintage hinges recycled from old homes.

There’s a part of the wall that’s made using light mass bricks without cement plastering. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to find locally. Where appropriate, openings are made in the brick walls to let fresh air and natural light stream into the home creating abstract reflections on the wall. It’s a way to keep the interior cool and comfortable without air conditioning.

The bathroom is enclosed in perforated brickwork for good ventilation. Nearby solid sliding doors and walls add privacy protection while the gap at the top lets air pass through.

The natural surroundings play a crucial role in making a home renovation full of life and energy. This place is no exception. It’s a happy home built on a good understanding of the environment and the humble nature of human and non-human elements in nature.

So it’s good to let nature take its course for a change. Let lichens grow. Leave those little mud stains on the wall alone. Let climbers thrive on the trellis and the wall. They are there for good reason.

The same applies to those unkempt ground covering weeds here and there. There is beauty in imperfections too, especially those semi-outdoor decks made of wood planks. They may be worn by exposure to the air.

Unpleasant, perhaps? But they serve the purpose as place to enjoy a good cup of tea, have a conversation, even prepare food and wash dishes, or just sit back and relax in the early morning quiet. That’s the secret to living a memorable life.

Owner: Susanne Zeidler, Huat Lim

Architect: Zlg Design (zlgdesign.wordpress.com) by Susanne Zeidler, Huat Lim

This house appears in the Special Bilingual Edition (English and Thai) of Baan Lae Suan and Living Asean, titled “Tropical Suburban and Country Homes”. It focuses on designs for cozy living in harmony with nature.

We have handpicked ten houses for this special edition that serve as the perfect example of design innovations in sync with the natural world. Front and center, it’s about the pursuit of ways to live more sustainably and create a better future for all. Looking for inspiration? Perhaps a glimpse into nature-inspired “Tropical Suburban and Country Homes” is a good place to start.

Delve into the new book today. It’s hitting Thailand shelves now. For more details, visit https://www.naiin.com/product/detail/592504

For bulk ordering, contact livingasean.bkk@gmail.com

You may also like…

Small Houses in Cambodia: Lack of Space Is Nicely Compensated for by a Cozy Garden Ambience

Huamark 09: A Concrete Block House Stands the Test of Time

The Hiên House: Creative Design Takes Balconies and Terraces to the Next Level

By livingasean
November 2, 2023
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Da Nang, Vietnam /

/ Story: Kanamon Najaroen / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Quang Dam /

Here’s a Tropical-style home located in Da Nang, a coastal city in central Vietnam famous for its gleaming sand beaches, Buddhist shrines and the Marble Mountains. The beautiful Han River runs through it. The hybrid timber and concrete home is appropriately named “The Hiên House” for its lively green façades, Hiên being Vietnamese for semi-outdoor room along the outside of the building. Overall, it’s a design that comes from thinking outside the box to create a relaxing space in the open air.

The house’s external envelope is simple yet contemporary in style enhanced by verdant balconies and terraces symbolic of homes in the Tropics. Plus, there’s a unique Vietnamese flair to it. As the architects intended, it’s a layout that speaks volumes for a lifestyle that seeks reconnections with nature.

The concept is manifested in the way the ordinary balconies and terraces transform into the proverbial “breathing space” for nature to recover from disruptions. That said, it makes perfect sense to live more sustainably in this day and age.

Wood and Concrete House

Situated away from a densely populated urban area, the wood and concrete house occupies the full extent of a long and narrow lot sandwiched between two roads. It’s home to three generations of a family highly skilled in traditional carpentry living in one household.

There are four stories of living spaces, excluding a rooftop deck. By design, the floor plans cater to the needs of different generations and hence vary in size and appearance from one level to the next. To celebrate the family’s distinguished career in carpentry, the architects made woodworking front-and-center concerns in house design and interior decoration.

During construction, the homeowners were also on hand to provide technical expertise at various stages in the process, especially where traditional Vietnamese woodworking skill was needed.

THE HIÊN HOUSE concrete home — The light and airy front entrance is visible from the driveway covered in stone pavers.

To help protect the environment, the design team at WINHOUSE Architecture, a design atelier headquartered in Da Nang, chose to use reclaimed wood instead of newly cut timber from the lumberyard. The recycled building materials used in this project included parts of the staircase, such as treads and risers taken from old homes that had been torn down previously.

Other parts were adapted from old decking, post sleeves, balusters and handrails as well as wooden fascia. They were made suitable for a new use or purpose. And, importantly, they were easy to transport and repair without using specialized tools.

Timber is durable even as it ages. It’s safe to handle and capable of withstanding heat and humidity in the air over a long period of time. Old and weathered wood has a natural appearance that’s beautiful and needs no preservative chemicals to prolong its lifecycle, which translates into big savings and convenience.

Using reclaimed wood in combination with local knowledge and modern techniques add a new dimension to construction technology.

Balconies and Terraces for Free Air Circulation

What sets the four-story house apart from the rest is its surprising room ideas and lively green balconies that fill up the entire front façade. They are integral to a design that brings natural light and fresh outdoor air into the home. At the same time, they help dissipate heat from the building keeping the interior cool during the daytime.

Elements of design common for Southeast Asian architecture, the roofed open-air platforms along the outside of the building, be it the balcony or the terrace, perform many useful functions. Among other things, they expand the living areas, protect against the elements, and provide space for sitting rooms and passages for walking along.

First Floor Plan / Courtesy of WINHOUSE Architecture

Second Floor Plan / Courtesy of WINHOUSE Architecture

Third Floor Plan / Courtesy of WINHOUSE Architecture

In cross section, a side elevation drawing shows space planning decorated with plants working in tandem with wall openings to admit natural light and fresh outdoor air into the home. / Courtesy of WINHOUSE Architecture

Isometric visuals show reclaimed building materials being adapted to suit new purposes on all four levels of the new home. The message is clear: save the Earth and cut costs. / Courtesy of WINHOUSE Architecture

As is often the case with most houses, the elements of design such as balconies and terraces are built on the outside of the house. But in this particular case, the architects think it wise to incorporate them in the interior as well, sort of like going in the reverse direction. First they put in an inner courtyard at the center of the ground floor plan.

Then, by disposing the rooms around the courtyard, the areas with a faint light, such as the sitting room and workspaces, suddenly become well-lit and well-ventilated. It’s a clever hack to bring the outdoors into the home. The result is a comfortable living space filled with natural light and fresh air that contributes to feelings of relaxation.

Taking as a whole, the traffic patterns and space design make the long and narrow house plan feel roomy inside. Walk in the front door and you come to a hallway that’s light and airy, thanks to a rooftop skylight illuminating the stairs connected to a foot bridge over the nearby inner courtyard. There is no need to turn on electric lights during the daytime, which translates into big savings.

Climb a flight of stairs to the second floor, and surprise! It’s divided into two separate parts, the front room and the back room linked by a foot bridge that spans the void above the inner courtyard.

The same space planning applies to the third floor, except for one thing. The next staircase leading to the fourth floor is positioned further toward the back of the building. The front part holds a bedroom with a balcony decorated with lush greenery.

Cross over the foot bridge, and you come to the back room containing a workspace and sitting room. The fourth floor contains a quiet, more secluded reading room with a bright and breezy small garden for relaxation. It’s a comfortable living space and the light is more diffuse under the canopy of trees.

In conclusion, the wood and concrete home called “The Hiên House” lives up to its name. All the elements of good judgement in design go to work turning it into an oasis of calm. Everything works out as it should, from a well-lit, well-aired inner courtyard to the plants, trees and small gardens thriving luxuriantly on the balconies and terraces. Perhaps, one word describes it all, salubrious!

Architects: WINHOUSE Architecture

Structural Engineers: Bim City

You may also like…

NHA BE HOUSE: A Brick Home Infused with Memories of the Good Old Days

HUAMARK 09: An Architect’s Charming Concrete Block House

Three-Storey Townhouse That Makes Space for Nature

By livingasean
November 22, 2019
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Bangkok, Thailand /

/ Story: Sarayut Sreetip-ard / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Sitthisak Namkham / Styling: Jeedwonder /

Before moving into this three-storey townhouse, architect and university instructor Bhradon Kukiatnun really put his heart into the design and décor to bring about a conversation among people, animals, and things, partly intentional, partly by impulse. Here are imperfections that are either blemishes or beauty marks, depending on our viewpoint.

Bhradon’s business is booming, but designing his own house raised a tremendous number of new questions, not the least of which was how the new living space of a three-storey townhouse would accommodate his eleven cats!

“Three years ago, I bought this place new, and it took two years to fix up,” explained Bradon.

“First problem: organize storage space to hold the tremendous amount of personal stuff needed in my life while still keeping the house orderly. Then, I didn’t want a typical townhouse atmosphere, but neither should it be jarringly different.

“Part of the answer is this new façade, using a type of latticework found elsewhere in the project that fits my personal lifestyle.”

As most townhouses add a roofed-over carport in front, Bhradon also applied his design idea to this requirement.

“There’s more than meets the eye in that front view: a lot of the functions are hidden,” said the architect.

“To really express myself, I had to go back and look at fundamentals with flexibility and an open mind.

“The space in front is limited. Would I rather have a carport there, or a garden? OK, garden: so I designed a garden where I could park the car! Quite different from having a carport decorated with plants.”

The design of this three-storey townhouse called for no structural alterations, but space was apportioned differently. The ground floor holds the living room, dining area, and pantry; second floor, a small bedroom and a workroom; third floor, the master bedroom.

“Inside, you might mistake a door for a wall, or vice versa: my overall concept was to focus on highlighting specific points, making them fit in by hiding some element,” Bhradon explained.

“In the living room, the TV wall is highlighted by hiding its functionality in a wall; the use of covering elements gives the feeling of being in a cave.”

During our conversation Ando, Bhradon’s first adopted cat snuggled up as if to join the group.

“I learned a lot from raising cats,” he said blissfully.

“They don’t think like people. Sometimes our human knowledge drowns out our instincts. But a cat! It wants to sit, lie wherever, just does what it wants.

“This allows single things to have more than one function: TV cabinet or sitting place? Or, for us, a storage spot. Think outside the box.”

We urban dwellers all long for nature. Bhradon answered this with a garden area in the rear of this three-storey townhouse, as he put it: “I think gardens nourish the psyche, so I put a little green in the house, along with a small guppy pond, and it’s a perfect spirit-refresher.

“I like the ‘wabi-sabi’ way of design; the beauty of imperfection, of real life,” he implied. “Real life involves rust; it involves injuries. Can’t eliminate these, right?”

As Bhradon’s speaking voice gradually softened, an unspoken conversation brought into focus the future of the house, the man, the cats, and whatever might lie ahead for them.

“Recently, my cat Kuma died, and I miss her every day. But through the sorrow of loss we see the beauty of living. Being natural is to be incomplete, and we have to live with the things that happen.”

Owner/Architect: Bhradon Kukiatnun

You may also like…

The Perfect Townhouse Makeover in Bangkok

Mash-up: Industrial Design and Green Space of Walllasia

A Modern Steel Framed Home at the Water’s Edge

By livingasean
July 18, 2018
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Ayutthaya, Thailand /

/ Story: Samutcha Viraporn / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Sitthisak Namkham /

This steel framed waterfront home rises above a tall “tai thun”, an open underfloor space perfect for socializing, especially for large family gatherings. Thoughtfully crafted to give a sense of peace, it blends modernity with the surrounding natural landscape. And it has some surprises inside, too. There was already a residence built here, but it wasn’t designed with the evolving needs of such a big family in mind. So, a new space was created: a new home at the water’s edge where everyone could come together and guests could spend the night.

The steel used for columns, beams, stairs, and balconies is surplus material left over from a large construction business belonging to the owner himself.

“I had to scale the entire house to fit all that material,” said architect Kasin Sonsri of Volume Matrix Studio commenting on the design challenges.

The new home is put together to give a feel of the traditional house of former times. Its high “tai thun” underfloor space serves as a multifunctional courtyard. Broad eaves that overhang the walls reach out to protect the home from inclement weather, while living spaces are open and inviting to the outside breeze. The building is raised up to catch views of the river and the garden below.

There’s a wide porch, an add-on projecting in front of the building facade. Massive posts and beams are designed to showcase their structural utility as a part of the house, as do the steps up into the dining room, the walkways, the porch, and the rain gutters spilling water through a steel grate.

All these elements combine to give a unique contemporary look to this house of steel and wood. The interior décor is simple. The second floor features an “open plan” separation of usable space: walls open up, connecting the kitchen to a large dining nook and from there into the living room area.

Step up onto the third floor, and surprise! The décor completely changes and it’s as if you’ve suddenly dropped into a Japanese home, where the style of mats, windows, and doors all tell you why the owner named the house “Sala Zen.”

In this room is a built-in cabinet where bedding is stored so that guests can easily come spend the night. Outside is a roof deck garden highlighted by an Onsen hot tub in an outdoor private spot that can’t be seen from the garden below.

The house is composed of many elements, but they all blend to make it a true home for Thai residents.

Taken as a whole, the steel-framed waterfront house is warm and familial. It fits perfectly into its context and offers the experience of comfortable living with natural light, cool breezes and great views all around. It’s situated in Ko Rian Sub-district, Ayutthaya Province.

Architect: Volume Matrix Studio (www.facebook.com/volumematrixstudio)

Visit Thai original content…

ชีวิตริมน้ำใน บ้านใต้ถุนสูง

You may also like…

A Modern Home That is Quintessentially Thai

RUPU HOUSE: White Geometric Design Bespeaks a Close Family Bond and Privacy at Home

A Clean Crisp White House for the Couple Who Love to Cook

By livingasean
May 20, 2017
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Bangkok, Thailand /

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

/ Photographs: Soopakorn Srisakul, Nantiya Bussabong, and Spaceshift Studio /

This modern cube house design inspires great admiration. It has a crisp elegance of cool-toned whites. From the outside, the building looks like three boxes stacked one on top of the other. Inside, it has everything this chef couple could want.

On first stepping into this white box house, you don’t see the expected living room complete with a sofa and TV console. Rather, it has a dining table long enough to seat 8-10 people. The owner couple, Nanthaphon Lilainukul and Thirayuth Khongdee, have a Facebook page called “The Dish Whisperer” for cooking aficionados.

They told us that when their daughter was born, at the time condo living didn’t lend itself to cooking, so they started looking around for a new home.

“I’ve lived in this neighborhood since I was three. My mother lives just three doors down, which is why we came back to this area. Outside the village, there’s that confused urban hustle and bustle, but here it’s quiet and peaceful,” said Nanthaphon.

Thirayuth said that the three-story design made good use of vertical space. It has all the necessary features neatly fitted into a small piece of land.

To prevent flooding, the plinth level that makes the first floor is built one meter above the ground. There is a cellar that’s used for storing preserved organic vegetables that Nanthaphon made herself.

The first floor contains a studio featuring that long table which – besides dining – is used for receiving guests and holding cooking workshops: Nanthaphon is a certified chef with a specialty in French pastries, while Thirayuth is a master of Thai food. Between the kitchen and the studio is a stairway to the second floor and a storage room for Nanthaphon’s ceramic dinnerware.

Sharing her piece of paradise, Nanthapon said: “Actually I graduated in engineering, but cooking has always been my thing.

“Each time I went to Japan, I got more hooked on its food culture. Eventually I decided to follow my passion and do what I loved — cooking and collecting beautiful dinnerware sets. I’ve found some really beautiful ceramic stuff in second-hand stores, but some I bought from abroad,”

The second floor holds a multipurpose family room made comfortable by a cool breeze that enters and circulates all day. Meanwhile, rough wood texture on the doors and windows adds rustic charm to the warm and intimate interior.

From the minimalist façade, outswing windows open to reach towards Nanthaphon’s mother’s house, conjuring up the image of social and family life in former times.

For more privacy, the bedroom is tucked away behind the multifunctional area. Their little girl still sleeps in the same room as Mom and Dad at least for now, but a separate room has been set aside for her future use on the third floor.

By design, this white box house is more than a place of residence: Nanthaphon’s cooking workshops are held here, too. Her focus here is less on preparation of dishes than on understanding how raw ingredients can be used in various culinary purposes.

Her food creations are straightforward and easy to follow, and they inspire visitors to try them at home.

Architect: Sook Architects Co.,Ltd.

You may also like…

RUPU HOUSE: White Geometric Design Bespeaks a Close Family Bond and Privacy at Home

The Synergy between Architecture and Landscape Design

Box-Shaped House with the Texture of Memory

By livingasean
March 17, 2017
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Petaling Jaya, Malaysia /

/ Story: Wuthikorn Sut / English version: Peter Montalbano /

/ Photographs: Sitthisak Namkham /

This box-shaped house uses architecture and coordinated interior design to tell stories of the present and the past.

The house is located in the Petaling Jaya district of Selangor, Malaysia. This is a district of single homes, but with little space to put up a large house.

Still, architect Dr Tan Loke Mun rose to the challenge of house owner Kenneth Koh and tore down the former structure here to build a new 3-storey box-shaped house in its place.

“Ground space was limited, so we built upward,” the architect told us. Building vertically involved careful division of space. The lower floors hold common areas: parlor/living room, dining area, kitchen, and conference/chat room. The 3rd floor is an attic, holding hidden utility systems next to a small living room.

The designers brought an “outdoors” mood to each part of this box-shaped house: there’s a “double volume” high, open space on the first floor; glass windows open to the garden atmosphere, and potted shade-loving plants bring it inside.

Gentle sunlight shining into the living space combined with a light breeze from a ceiling fan gives the feeling of sitting in a garden.

An effective play of space combines with the interior décor to bring out a timeless feeling that reflects its Malaccan legacy. The Chinese-style furniture, both traditional and contemporary, was made by Malaccan artisans. Paintings tell of a land that lives on in the memory of the owner.

For architectural reasons, the stairway is in the middle of the house. The folded steel balusters look light, and the red banister is at once tremendously chic and reminiscent of the row houses of yesteryear.

Significantly, the prominent terra-cotta tile facade is remarkable.

“In tearing down the old house, we discovered that the roof tiles were handcrafted, imported from Calcutta, India, so we set them aside to use this way for privacy and heat insulation,” added the architect.

“Their texture connects nicely with the other materials used here. This original house tile is long-lasting, looks great, has a timeless quality, and is a good choice in combination with the other main structural components of brick, concrete, and steel.”

The decorative outer house wall uses a suspended steel framework to hold the terracotta roof tiles and red brick.

The outer surface of this box-shaped house structure shows a wall of terracotta roof tiles that open and close to catch the light. The metal support structures reach out from the main building to form a pleasing pattern of connections between the inside and outside.

The look and ambience here remind us of a Malaccan row house, but in a modern context.

Effective combination of old materials and new in textures that suit its owner’s heritage gives this house a sense of being outside of time, and its memories will be passed on to the next generations who live here.

Ultimately, we don’t often find a big-city house that feels so bright, natural, and full of narrative.

Owner: Kenneth Koh

Architect: Dr Tan Loke Mun

You may also like…

Designers’ Eco-friendly Dream Home in Vietnam

Termitary House: Good Sunshine, Fresh Air, and Brick Walls

BAAN MOOM: Box Style House at the Forefront of a Modern Trend

By livingasean
March 9, 2017
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Bangkok, Thailand /

/ Story: Sara / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Nantiya Bussabong, Prachya Jankong, Wison Tungthunya /

/ Styling: Wanassanan Teerawitoon /

This box-shaped modern house takes relaxation to a whole new level. Incorporating triangles in the detail, the home with edgy design comes to light with all the charm and character.

“I wanted a house with both common and private corners on each floor,” said Sorakit Kitcharoenroj, the owner and architect. And with good reason, he called it “Baan Moom,” which is Thai for a house with nooks offering seclusion and security.

Sorakit had the fulfillment of his family’s needs for the highest priority. He translated it into this three-story, three-bedroom house complete with living room, dining room, kitchen, workspace and home theater.

A focus on function didn’t necessarily mean that he had to abandon all the charm and poise. Rather, in a unique fashion he incorporated the concept of living room corner or recess ideas in the detail. That pretty much explains the ever-presence of triangular-shaped design everywhere inside and out.

Even on the rooftop, a triangular-shaped skylight glazed using insulated glass panels stays open to let a shaft of natural light pour into the interior via the stairwell.

The stunning design took several months in the making, during which the contractor adjusted the staircases many times until everything was perfectly aligned.

Sorakit designs the bedrooms in ways that best suit each person’s lifestyle. For his parents, he chooses to highlight the elegance of the oriental-modern style.

His own bedroom is a bit different. It’s the most playful corner in the house. He sleeps on the mezzanine above the workspace that is tucked away on the lower floor.

The bedchamber is accessible via stepladders. Right next to it, a hammock floor is there to take relaxation to a whole new level.

The house is without a doubt an awesome intersection of function and design, and “Baan Moom” comes in handy as the perfect name for it.

Owner/Architect: Sorakit Kitcharoenroj

Visit the original Thai version…

BAAN MOOM ท่องไปในบ้านมุม

You may also like…

RUPU HOUSE: White Geometric Design Bespeaks a Close Family Bond and Privacy at Home

Envelope House: Big Family Makes a Modern Space Feel Cozy

A Wooden Home Embraces the Enduring Appeal of Traditional Style Architecture

By livingasean
February 27, 2017
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Bangkok, Thailand /

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

/ Photographs: Chaiyapruk Podang /

Created by a master architect, this contemporary wooden home in a suburb of Bangkok bespeaks the timeless elegance of traditional style residential architecture.

“It’s my intention to build this house out of wood because our country has strengths in wooden architecture,” said Chatree Ladalalitsakul, a nationally renowned architect. “Use of wood is the root of our wisdom and culture. It has made us self-sufficient in residential design and construction.”

The three-story home is crafted mainly of wood and structural concrete in beautiful flatwork finishes. Its uncluttered interior space is evidence of a minimalist style, combining aesthetics and functionality in ways that allow materials to show off their unique character.

Because the owner wanted his home to be perfect in every way, he gave the builders all the time it took to do it once and do it right. The resulting unsurpassed craftsmanship took three years in the making. The house emerged as a magnum opus in Thai residential architecture as he intended.

Striking the right balance, the interior showcases just enough pieces of magnificent woodwork, some of which are rare in this day and age.

The house plan is divided into two zones according to needs and activities. There’s a 10-meter-wide open space that clearly separates the private residential area from the office zone. The in-between space provides semi-outdoor room to chill out in the cool breeze looking out over the pool.

The first floor of the residential wing has plenty of room for dining, an open kitchen and piano room. The second floor holds a bedroom with private workspace, while the third contains a multi-use area for rest and recreation plus the owner’s favorite hobby, painting.

Sharing his work experience and a passion for wood, Chatri said: “A culture of wood construction that for centuries has benefited from the wisdom of our predecessors is on the decline. If it’s gone, our next generations will lose it forever.”

Overall, it’s a contemporary wooden home of outstanding merit. This is one that bespeaks the homeowner’s energy and enthusiasm to keep inspiring young architects to do their parts in preserving traditional-style wooden house design and architecture for years to come.

Owner/Architect: Chatri Ladalalitsakul of Tonsilp Studio

You may also like…

Turning a Cold 20-Year-Old House into a Bright and Airy Tropical Home Country Villa Breathes in the Energy of Nature

Blog : three-storey house

A Modern Tropical House Perfect for Indonesia’s Hot, Humid Climate

Vom House: A Nature-Embracing Urban Home Made Attractive by Curved Design

W39 House: A Hillside Home Renovation That Brings the Outdoors in

The Hiên House: Creative Design Takes Balconies and Terraces to the Next Level

Three-Storey Townhouse That Makes Space for Nature

A Modern Steel Framed Home at the Water’s Edge

A Clean Crisp White House for the Couple Who Love to Cook

This modern cube house design inspires great admiration. It has a crisp elegance of cool-toned whites. From the outside, the building looks like three boxes stacked one on top of the other. Inside, it has everything this chef couple could want.

Box-Shaped House with the Texture of Memory

This box-shaped house uses architecture and coordinated interior design to tell stories of the present and the past.

BAAN MOOM: Box Style House at the Forefront of a Modern Trend

This box-shaped modern house takes relaxation to a whole new level. Incorporating triangles in the detail, the home with edgy design comes to light with all the charm and character.

A Wooden Home Embraces the Enduring Appeal of Traditional Style Architecture

Created by a master architect, this contemporary wooden home in a suburb of Bangkok bespeaks the timeless elegance of traditional style residential architecture.

SITE MAP

CONTACT US

Address

Email

Phone / Fax

Contact us to report issues or complaints.