/ Story: Baralee P. / English version: Bob Pitakwong /
/ Photographs: Apinine Thassanopas /
Here is a 30+ year old townhouse in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia that has been renovated to provide a healthy environment ideally suited to consistent warm weather year-round. It’s the story of a tropical style house being updated to enhance comfort and enjoyment, ultimately resulting in an open plan layout where different areas flow into each other and connect with outdoor spaces nearby. Thanks to proper ventilation and the presence of natural illumination, the home feels more uplifting with greater overall satisfaction.
This is achieved by taking down dividing walls to create large, unified spaces in the interior. Plus, being an end-of-block unit makes it possible to install large openings in walls to bring in cool air and drive out heat. Where appropriate, old roofing materials are replaced by corrugated transparent sheets creating a skylight system equipped with blower fans to expel hot and humid air from the building. In the meantime, more plants are put in strategically to create natural façades in all directions. The vertical green spaces provide protection from sun’s heat making the home comfortable without relying on air conditioning.
Courtesy of OTCQ Architects
This vibrant townhouse is in Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia which is located just north of the equator. The region is known for being hot and humid year-round, not to mention heavy rainfall brought on by two monsoon seasons. Who would have thought? A simple but clever idea can make such a difference in creating a comfortable living environment. Thanks to meticulous planning, there is almost no need for air conditioning. The AC is turned on only twice a year, max.
Here the journey begins. A townhouse that’s over 30 years old in Peninsular Malaysia has been tastefully renovated as a German expat’s dream home providing ample space for his adorable pet dogs. OTCQ Architects undertook the remodeling project, successfully transforming it into a house with a peaceful yard. Precisely, it’s about redefining tropical design along more practical lines by integrating the home into its natural surroundings to maximize comfort and functionality.
Architecturally speaking, end-unit townhouses offer many benefits typically associated with detached homes. In this specific case, the team of architects at OTCQ think it wise to move the main entryway from under the triangular gable façade and position it on the wide side of the rectangular house plan.
By embracing the concept of adaptive reuse, they make certain that all essential structural components, including pillars, beams and the entire roofing system, remain intact. Where appropriate, non-load-bearing walls are removed to create a fluid, open-concept space that maximizes natural light, improves ventilation and fosters social interaction. Meanwhile, large windows provide an unobstructed view of the outdoors, blurring the boundaries between living spaces and the surroundings ultimately creating healthier, more pleasant living.
The original roof system remains intact. Where appropriate, corrugated clear polycarbonate panels are installed to maximize natural daylight in the interior living space. At the same time, rooftop exhaust fans help dissipate heat quickly keeping the home cool and comfortable year-round.
The new façade not only defines the home’s character through a wide horizontal presence but also allows for an open floor plan that makes indoor and outdoor rooms feel spacious, well lit, and well ventilated. As the architects intended, generous exterior wall openings, such as wide sliding doors and floor-to-ceiling windows, bring in natural light and fresh air to make the home feel cozy and inviting. Proper ventilation is highly effective in dissipating heat quickly, while strategically placed clear polycarbonate roof panels keep the interior dry by preventing condensation and moisture buildup. They work alongside the exhaust fans installed in the rooftop to create indoor thermal comfort.
Mr. Sebastian, the homeowner, (left) and Mr. Oscar Tan of OTCQ Architects (right) enjoy conversations in the kitchen dominated by a cast-in-place concrete counter. The open-plan living room, dining room and kitchen area act as the heart of a home, a place for bonding and sharing meals with friends and loved ones.
The open-plan ground floor gives the townhouse a more spacious and airy atmosphere creating a visual flow where all areas feel connected from the living room to dining room and kitchen. A long dining table with a cast-in-place concrete countertop nearby is immediately visible upon entering. It acts as the heart of a home functioning as a vital space for bonding and sharing meals with friends and loved ones. There is a kitchen counter nearby for preparing and cooking food. As to be expected of well-designed tropical homes, brick flooring provides a warm, textured aesthetic creating a seamless indoor-outdoor living space.
Open plan design combines the living area, dining room and kitchen into one cohesive space, a clever hack to make the home feel more spacious, well lit, and well ventilated.
The second floor feels like a mezzanine, rather than a completely enclosed, separate level. It has a sitting room with a productive home work area nearby. At the far end lies an open-concept bedroom with an open bathroom en suite offering an airy, expansive feel. An S-shaped privacy wall separates wet and dry areas, while the wash basin is slightly elevated to a comfort height. At the same time, brick flooring creates a vintage, rustic feel that goes hand in hand with the floor below.
A large window floods the upstairs work area with natural light. It opens to improve ventilation as the need arises.
With regard to interior decoration, the overall effect is impressive yet simple keeping only necessary furniture to reduce clutter. Natural, imperfect elements speak volumes for the homeowner’s passion for a raw feel in interior decoration. The same is true of the townhouse exterior that’s adorned with healthy trees and climbing vines offering aesthetic, environmental and practical benefits.
Climbing vines on the front façade create a living privacy screen protecting the home from the dangers of extreme heat.
Together they serve as natural privacy screens while providing year-round noise reduction and protecting the townhouse from heavy rain, wind, harsh sun and extreme temperatures. In short, all of these factors combine to establish the character of tropical design that relies on passive cooling, proper ventilation and blurring indoor-outdoor boundaries to create healthier, more pleasant living.
Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is a densely populated, diverse metropolis renowned for being active and bustling with energy happening around the clock. Residential areas within the city itself are experiencing challenges including heavy traffic, the heat and noise, and increased air pollution to name a few. Many people are caught off guard by new construction projects and high-rise buildings mushrooming in their neighborhood.
The “Earth and Sky House” is a thoughtfully designed, beautifully built family home offering an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s energy efficient and has access to outdoor space and recreational facilities to enhance comfort and convenience. Thanks to its relaxed atmosphere, the house becomes a favorite hangout for friends and family. Plus, there is a dedicated space within the property for the owner to operate a business from home.
It all started with the owner wanting a home with a view of the landscape and sky. At the same time, he wanted a design that prioritized privacy without closing off his space. The architects responded with a three-story house plan, a single detached home built on 1 Rai of land. It offers 3,000 square meters of usable space. Aptly named “Earth and Sky House”, it’s a work of outstanding artistry by greenbox Design in collaboration with Poonsook Architects. Interior design is done by EKAR Architects. Together they succeeded in overcoming site constraints, framing them as opportunities for innovative design solutions. The result is a family home that is physically and psychologically relaxing, achieved by combining a natural ventilation system and advances in air conditioning technologies from DAIKIN, the world’s largest air conditioner manufacturer.
Come join us as we explore cutting-edge innovations shaping our world at DAIKIN Solution Plaza fuha: Siam. This experience allows a profound understanding of air, discovering every detail with true expertise and moving toward perfecting the air beyond what you’ve ever known.The show is part of the ASEAN HOME TOUR series, a weekly program on Baan Lae Suan TV.
Earth and Sky Home
The house with three levels of living space and an office is built on 1 Rai of land, offering a 3,000-square-meter total usable area. Nestled in a busy neighborhood of Bangkok, it offers a sense of privacy, a peaceful place to live, work and meet up with friends. The name “Earth and Sky House” conveys a great deal about the homeowner’s belief that human lives are enriched by relationships with the environment. It’s a concept he learned from experience working as a photographer. From his perspective, “a home doesn’t have to look like a home in the traditional sense”. Instead, it can be an expression of personal taste and value and, in this particular instance, a private world that has something for everyone in his family.
The above concept provides a seed from which new ideas grow, giving the architects means to translate creative thoughts into tangible results. In this case, the construction site has limitations that affect planning and execution. To build on a trapezoidal piece of land, first they assess the relationships between the physical location and its immediate environment. Only then can they start work on spatial planning, distributing people and activities to see how well it serves daily needs. Take for example the private office and a cozy space where family members can relax and enjoy quiet time together are secluded in a quiet, isolated spot away from the high-traffic zone that include guest reception areas. The overall effect is impressive with an emphasis on clearly defined open spaces that are visually pleasing, well ventilated and well lit by natural daylight.
The earth is portrayed through various elements, such as the choice of building materials, colors and textures that connect with nature. Seen here, volcanic rocks adorn a stone wall while the bathroom floor is covered in pebbles juxtaposed with smooth pavers in natural sandstone. Vertically stacked lava rock creates an atmosphere of harmony with the physical world. It makes unique outdoor decorations and doubles as a privacy screen for the home.
The sky is represented by open concept design that gives the home a more spacious feel and a sense of tranquility. The center courtyard under blue skies brings more natural light, fresh air and views inside, meantime, providing a dynamic connection to the outdoors.
The design duo who created the Earth and Sky House, from left, architects Surat Pongsupan of greenbox Design and Supat Vongruttana of Poonsook Architects. Sharing the vision that guided this project, they said:
Surat Pongsupan of greenbox Design (left) and Supat Vongruttana of Poonsook Architects, the two architects who make the homeowner’s wish come true.
“The idea of the earth is portrayed through stone surfaces and the use of vertically stacked lava rocks and travertine, which is a type of limestone, in various parts of the building. They include stone wall cladding that protects home privacy and fosters a sense of connections with nature.”
“The concept of the sky is integrated into the design through openings in walls, connecting interior and exterior spaces and creating visual flow. Like so, the wild blue yonder can be seen from every living space in the house. Take for example the living room enclosed by an eight-meter high glass wall and a spiral staircase that gives the feeling of walking to the sky.”
“The most outstanding feature is the center courtyard adorned with a well-tended small garden nicknamed the Pocket Park. Healthy foliage seems to come up at every turn, evoking a sense of a vibrant environment. There’s a lap pool nearby that’s built flush with the house wall. Windows fitted with glass in the rooftop allows light and fresh air in, turning the courtyard into a private outdoor space that opens to the sky.”
Making a good first impression with private living space design
Because the house is in a busy area where new high-rise buildings are expected to increase in the near future, the architects responded with an effective layout that prioritizes privacy. From a distance, the house facade built of stacked stone enhances privacy and curb appeal while reducing noise and protecting from the elements. Step inside, and you come to an impressive entrance hall providing access to various parts of the home.
The three-story house is divided into two wings to create distinct zones, typically separating private living spaces and areas for hosting guests. By design, the reception hall is brilliant with a modern touch to it, offering a relaxed, social environment. The net result is remarkable, thanks to natural stone wall cladding on one side of the room and the eight-meter high glass wall on the other. At the center of the room, light colored furniture paired with double-height ceilings creates a sense of spaciousness and opens the room to garden views, fresh air and sunshine.
A double-height ceiling paired with bookmatched marble wall coverings make the reception room feel bright and airy. Not far away, a pedestrian bridge flies overhead connecting two wings on the second floor. Graphic design using light effects on the underside of the footbridge, adding a curvy touch to interior decor. Furniture is neatly arranged to achieve a sense of balance, harmony and order. There is a long rectangular table that can seat ten people, flanked by a large sofa set on one side and a pantry table with a marble top on the other. Open concept design eliminates interior walls to create one large, unified space connecting different areas and improving natural light and air flow. In the fewest possible words, the room is party ready.
Taken as a whole, it’s a specially large house with many outstanding features for comfortable living. It’s evident that the team of architects has succeeded in creating a home that’s functional and aesthetically pleasing both inside and outside, yet there’s no compromise on privacy. A design with an enormous richness of light and airy spaces is a good case in point. As architects Surat and Supat put it, integrating nature into house design is just the right move that brings many benefits. In their words:
“The most fundamental idea that we further developed has led to a perfect fusion of natural materials and architecture, plus it’s about maximizing natural daylight indoors, letting it bounce back from surfaces, ultimately creating a tropical feel in the home.”
“The parts of the house dedicated to living are protected by walls made of vertically stacked rocks that double as privacy screens preventing outsiders from seeing in. Meanwhile, the west-facing wall is a different story. It’s intentionally constructed with gaps to allow air and moisture to pass through, a clever hack to keep the home cool and comfortable year-round. At sunset, rays of light shine through gaps in the wall, creating visual effects that enhance the home’s aesthetics.”
Interior decorating focuses on original and unique styles
Apart from the areas for receiving guests, the house also has ample relaxing spaces set aside for the family, including a sitting room that balances aesthetic appeal with comfortable furniture and modern amenities enhancing quality of life. As might be expected, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming thanks to a thoughtful layout that evokes a sense of ease and tranquility.
To be more specific, the sitting room is elegantly furnished and rich with warm tones creating a positive home atmosphere. It’s enclosed by the house walls glazed with wave textured glass that gleams when touched by light. Look up, and you find the ceiling with a wavy graphic pattern that evokes pleasant visual movement from one end of the room to the other. Needless to say, the extra long deep sofa is soft and cozy, flanked by a dining table set and a dream kitchen pantry that comes complete with modern conveniences.
The principal bedroom embraces a minimalist design approach, emphasizing the beauty of simplicity and uncluttered space with only a few pieces of furniture. A calming atmosphere is created by removing distractions in the bedroom. The only focal point is a platform bed with its low profile that gives the room a sleek and modern look. On one side of the room, window coverings improve comfort by regulating temperature, while a pair of bedside table lamps provides the ideal soft lighting. On the ceiling, curved design incorporating arched elements add a gentle touch to bedroom vibes.
Wave textured translucent glass creates a relaxing atmosphere, evoking the feeling of walking underwater. Other than that, the room is well-lit, spacious and cooled by an air conditioning system that blends with interior design.
Equally impressive is the principal bedroom that has an ensuite bathroom with a Jacuzzi and an oversized bathroom sink. As expected, the bathroom comes in a cool white shade that’s associated with cleanliness, clarity and calm plus it makes the room appear larger and brighter. On one side of the room, the wall curves upward for aesthetic reasons, creating a sense of fluidity and dynamism. A window installed in the roof increases natural daylight and improves ventilation. As time passes, changing light creates a wide range of visual effects in the room. Interestingly, the floor with smooth tiles and natural pebble stones speaks volumes for a connection with the earth and sky.
Every corner of the house is a journey, a living space full of memories
Apart from the two distinct zones for family living and receiving visitors, the house also has an office that the owner uses for work. For this reason, it makes perfect sense to establish a dedicated workspace with good lighting and a comfortable atmosphere. In this particular instance, a raised office space with large windows comes in handy to minimize distractions and set clear boundaries between life and work.
By design, other parts of the home can be seen in full view. From his vantage point the owner can see into the courtyard adorned with a pocket park, the guest reception area and the swimming pool nearby. For easy access, the home office has doors on both sides, a clever hack to improve natural ventilation, plus a paved outdoor area to take a break, prevent burnout and improve productivity.
Ekaphap Duangkaew of EKAR Architects
Ekaphap Duangkaew ofEKAR Architects is responsible for creating and overseeing the implementation of interior design plans. Sharing his ideal and perfect place of joy with us, he said the house design got its inspiration from a diverse range of the homeowner’s experience as a photographer and globetrotter. Precisely, it conveys a great deal about the concept that home is always a journey. It’s about creating dynamic spatial sequences showcasing elements marking the passage of time. Yet it never digresses from the original notion about human relationships with the earth and sky. This is evident in the design of a spiral staircase that’s in and of itself an architectural sculpture. Illuminated by a rooftop skylight system, the staircase and its surrounding walls evoke a feeling as if one is walking up toward the sky, a journey of aspiration so to speak.
“A work of interior design must have a definite wow factor. In this particular case, it’s about creating funky, futuristic looks that speak volumes for the homeowner’s experience as a photographer who has traveled the world. Every part of the house has a story to tell. And the designer is obliged to do exactly that – telling stories of journeys to new places across the globe. It’s quite a challenge for large house plans.”
“The architects and interior designers must stay focused on reducing overall energy consumption. They have to determine which part of the house can open to fresh air and sunshine and which part will require an air conditioning system to keep the interior cool and comfortable year-round. In the meantime, lighting is important. Sustainable design can be achieved by finding balance between natural light and the amount of sun’s heat passing through openings in walls. This is especially true in homes with double-height ceilings such as this one. There are parts of the house that will require air conditioning to create indoor thermal comfort. Plus, it’s reasonable to make sure an air conditioning system can be integrated with interior design, thereby becoming a perfect complement to the existing decor.”
A cozy living design thanks to good ventilation and knowledge of a tropical climate
The interior living space is cozy and comfortably cool thanks to a large air conditioning system known as VRV, or Variable Refrigerant Volume. It’s an advanced innovation developed by DAIKIN, the world’s largest air conditioner manufacturer. The VRV system connects outdoor and indoor units through a smart refrigerant network, supporting up to 64 indoor units within a single system.
The evaporator coil and blower fan are discreetly hidden, circulating cool air throughout the home’s ductwork. Daikin offers a variety of indoor unit designs to complement any interior style, and this home beautifully features two of them: the Duct Type, which delivers air through concealed vents, and the Cassette Type, which integrates seamlessly into the ceiling to create a refined, harmonious look.
According to Ekaphap Duangkaew ofEKAR Architects, “The VRV system provides benefits beyond just cooling. It operates quietly to create thermal comfort throughout the entire house, plus there’s nothing unsightly or visually jarring that can create an eyesore. The secret lies in concealing the home’s ductwork, indoor evaporator units and blower fans behind walls and ceilings, leaving only wall vent covers and ceiling cassettes visible to the naked eye. In this way, it’s possible to create large windows and doors to let natural daylight in, giving the home a bright and airy feel.”
There is much more to new air conditioning technologies than smart design integration. Rather, it’s about enhancing comfort and well-being by improving indoor air quality. Above all, it has to do with removing allergens and dust, especially PM 2.5 or inhalable particulate matter that’s considered a serious health threat. Because homes can easily become contaminated with dust, pollen and unpleasant odors, the design team chose to give the Earth and Sky House an extra layer of protection by installing the DAIKIN Streamer, an air purifying system that helps filter out allergens and keeping indoor air clean and safe from pollution.
Large by any standard, the Earth and Sky House looks the epitome of architectural design best fit for a tropical climate. It offers a whopping 3,000 square meters of usable space distributed across the three floors. A fully functional home, it’s clean and fresh thanks to correct building orientation that optimizes passive ventilation in response to wind direction, shade, and sunshine.
It proves that privacy can be achieved despite being in a busy urban neighborhood. The key is to create buffer zones, such as green space in a center courtyard that increases natural light and air circulation in the interior. In a few words, it’s an improvement in physical and mental well-being that comes from using architectural strategies in combination with modern technology.
Learn more about air quality and technology at DAIKIN Solution Plaza fuha: SIAM.
After touring the Earth and Sky House, it’s time to visit another interesting place in the heart of Bangkok to explore the essence of air quality and stay informed about the latest advances in air conditioning technology. Let’s stop by an ongoing exhibition that offers a deeper insight into the world of air — an experience that allows a profound understanding of every detail, moving toward perfecting the air beyond what you’ve ever known.
This is DAIKIN Solution Plaza fuha: SIAM, located on the fifth floor of Siam Pathuwan House. Stop by an exhibition to learn more about the “secret to clean air”. Admission is free. The exhibition showcasing new innovations in air conditioning technology is presented by DAIKIN, the world’s largest air conditioner manufacturer. The show titled “Perfecting the Air for All” is about keeping the air fresh and clean for everyone.
Prayut Thalerngnavachart, Assistant General Manager – Consulting, at Siam DAIKIN Sales Co, Ltd.
Prayut Thalerngnavachart is assistant general manager for consulting at Siam DAIKIN Sales Co, Ltd. He’ll tell us about Thailand’s first learning center dedicated to clean air, learning resources and latest innovations in air conditioning technology. In his words:
“Not only is DAIKIN a leader in air conditioner manufacturing, but it’s also an expert in air quality science. Because of that, we are in the best position to offer the highest quality products and services.”
The exhibitions are thematically divided into six zones, each featuring a distinct field of knowledge. Among other things, visitors will get to learn more about components of the air and technologies for air movement. It’s a show that conforms to the concept of “fuha”, a word arising by anomatopoeia –“fu” being the sound of cold airflow, whereas “ha” refers to the vibrations caused by warm gusts of wind. Together they inspire this exhibition, which is aimed at promoting an understanding of different aspects of global air movement and creating conditions conducive to physical and mental well-being.
The first exhibition is aptly named “Four Elements Zone”. It’s an interactive video presentation with a wide range of public displays showcasing the relationships between sun’s heat, humidity, clean air and global air circulation patterns – the key factor regulating the planet’s temperature.
Area 2 of the exhibition, named “Core Technology Zone”, reiterates the point that good, clean air can be achieved through a whole new approach. Presented by DAIKIN, it lays the foundation for air conditioning technology of the future, meantime, allowing viewers to experience the inner workings of an air conditioning system firsthand.
Area 3, named “Flagship Product Theater Zone”, sends a message that “good, clean air is not restricted to a single, specific location”. It’s a theater-style event showcasing the history of air conditioning system development by DAIKIN and cutting-edge technologies for clean air that can be put to good use in all kinds of space, ranging from homes to condominiums to offices and large business establishments such as hotels and shopping malls.
The fourth exhibition, named “New Value Zone”, communicates a concept that there is much more to good, clean air than just breathing. It’s an installation event showcasing the health benefits of pure, unpolluted air and a positive atmosphere that’s the key factor in improving the quality of life. The focal point of the show is a spherical balloon that reminds us of the amount of air a person breathes in an hour. There’s a daybed nearby set aside for relaxation and comfort that comes with the aroma of fresh, clean air.
Other attractions in Zone 4 include new innovations for keeping outdoor spaces cool. It’s a cutting-edge solution that was put to good use at Khalifa Stadium when Qatar was the host nation for the 2022 FIFA World Cup tournament. Because the stadium was located in the middle of a desert, DAIKIN was able to overcome the challenge of extreme temperature by inventing a large-scale cooling system that worked by blowing hot air out and replacing it with fresh, clean air to make the stadium more comfortable and free of disease.
Area 5, named “Current Products and Solutions Zone”, demonstrates that “good, clean air can be achieved through design”. It’s a show about creating solutions by using DAIKIN air conditioning systems that are capable of meeting consumer needs across all sectors, whether it be for homes or for large business establishments such as hotels and manufacturing facilities.
DAIKIN VRV air conditioning systems work by distributing variable amounts of refrigerant to multiple indoor evaporator units, meantime, regulating refrigerant flow to create a cooling effect at precise temperature. Equipped with inverter technology, the system is highly energy efficient, plus installation is flexible. One outdoor condenser unit can distribute variable refrigerant volumes to a variety of indoor units.
That’s not all. The company also has developed an advanced control system called “Reiri for Home” that works with DAIKIN air conditioners and other devices to achieve a smart home integration. They include air conditioners, ventilation systems, air purifiers, and a variety of home automation devices. All of them can be controlled from anywhere on earth via cellphones connected to WIFI and the Internet.
“Reiri for Home” technology works with IAQ (indoor air quality) sensors to monitor and provide a visual display of air quality index, PM 2.5 index, TVOC (total volatile organic compounds) index, humidity reading and temperature. Together they create a cozy home environment conducive to physical and mental well-being.
We now arrive at Zone 6, or “Co-Working Space Zone”. The theme of the venue is “good, clean air is for sharing”. It’s the last zone curated by DAIKIN Solution Plaza fuha: SIAM. Just a friendly reminder. Admission is free and the atmosphere is relaxing yet informative. Swing by next time you’re in the area. Sit back and relax, do some work, meet up and do a tutorial with friends. There are tables and chairs available for meetings, even TV screens to work with. Come experience a good atmosphere together.
In short, it’s about reaching out to connect with consumers across all sectors. As Prayut Thalerngnavachart puts it, “DAIKIN’s vision is to provide new value. Like so, fuha: SIAM is much more than a showroom for promoting products and services. Rather, it’s a strategy to open up spaces conducive to learning and inspiring people about the benefits of good, clean air that gives meaning to everyday life.”
Mark your calendar. The exhibition is open Monday through Friday from 08.00 to 17.00 hours. It’s located on the fifth floor of Siam Patumwan House. Click here for more details fuhasiam.daikin.co.th.
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.
In the middle of a crowded urban neighborhood and slow travels caused by snarled-up downtown traffic, a yearning for the peaceful countryside enters one’s mind. In this particular instance, it gives rise to a desire to create a home office in Petaling Jaya, a city 20 minutes by car to the west of Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia.
The gable front building boasts the simplicity of bare concrete walls and glass windows strategically placed to let natural daylight stream into the interior workspace.
Beautiful in its austere simplicity, the building represents the coming together of puzzle pieces about the memories of childhood and the unblemished charm of life in the country. For the homeowner, it’s an experience that has prepared him well on a journey to become a designer. It’s a place to enjoy the little things in life, from water droplets on leaves to views of the landscape from the living room window.
Together they tell the story of how the elements of nature can be integrated in design that merges into the visible features of the land. More than anything else, it’s a residence with space designated for business purposes set amid fresh air and lush trees native to the Tropical climate prevailing in Malaysia.
Floor plan / Courtesy of OTCQ Architects
The building stands out from other homes in the neighborhood, thanks to the box-shaped office space under a gable roof made entirely out of concrete. The premises are hemmed in by brown brick walls left exposed to the elements. In the courtyard garden, shade trees grow vigorously providing a calming environment and keeping temperatures cooler. On the walls and courtyard floor, carpets of mosses thrive creating damp habitats resembling the rainforest.
Built on sloped ground, the meeting hall adjacent to the home office has amphitheater style seats extending downward to the center space.
There is plenty of vegetation, yet overhanging tree branches leave enough room for sunlight to stream into the office interior. The building itself lies adjacent to a meeting hall with amphitheater style seating, which is expedient for the structure built on a slope. The overall effect is impressive as a result of high ceiling design and rooftop skylight systems providing natural light and good ventilation.
The meeting hall feels spacious, light and refreshing thanks to high ceiling design.
Next to the home office lies the main residential building accessible via a courtyard covered with decorative beach pebbles in shades of grayish white. It provides a green oasis for plants to thrive, showing the way to the two-story house mostly enclosed by glass walls.
A semi-outdoor walkway runs through a courtyard giving access to the home office and the residential area.
Everything about it serves as a testament to the architect’s attention to detail. No doubt the atmosphere is light and refreshing with tree branches casting shadows on brick walls. Together they bring the rustic style into the home. Inside, a steel staircase painted black for a lightweight look gives access to the second floor with balconies made for connecting with the outdoors and breathing fresh air.
The dining room enclosed with a glass wall affords the view of a side yard filled with green plants.Cocooned in the warmth and texture of bare brick walls, the upstairs living room is well-lit by sunlight shining through glass windows and rooftop skylights.The principal bedroom opens to a gallery that forms part of the house to take in fresh air and views of the landscape.
The most important element of design lies in planning airflow patterns in a way that improves ventilation in and around the home. Limited space and sloped ground notwithstanding, the architect has succeeded in overcoming site constraints by leaving one-meter-wide spaces on both sides of the building. The left holds a staircase built flush against the wall, while the right side contains a green space.
The stairway under rooftop skylights turns upstairs room into a well-lit, well-ventilated living space.
It’s thoughtful spatial design that drives natural air circulation throughout the premises. The result is a home office made for comfortable and simple living in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the big city.
This house appears in the special Baan Lae Suan issue on the theme of “Cozy Living in Urban Homes” is out now. Design lovers, this one is for you. It’s the latest in the ongoing “ASEAN Tropical House Series”.
The exciting new bilingual edition (Thai-English) is a nice little collab between the Baan Lae Suan Press and its English language media arm Living ASEAN. It’s the coming together of ideas for dealing with the problem of limited space, turning site constraints into solutions. Precisely, it looks at problem solving techniques, ultimately creating small urban homes that are right within the context of Southeast Asia. In this issue, ten houses are chosen for their exemplary designs that inspire. It’s meant for architects, designers, and homeowners searching out new ideas for creating a living space that’s cozy and comfortable plus it blends in beautifully with the environment.
/ Story: Kangsadan K. / English version: Bob Pitakwong /
/ Photographs: Apinine Thassanopas /
A home in an elongated rectangle performs a dual role as a multigenerational residence and an architectural office in the middle of a densely populated area in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Needless to say, there were site constraints that limited the design of the building. Some of the challenges were just inevitable, but an architect homeowner has found a way to deal with them, turning the hot and stuffy home into a clean, well-lighted place. The secrets to success lie in reconnecting with nature by integrating green spaces in the plan. Notwithstanding the narrow space, the home is lovingly restored and fully loaded with all functionalities.
A view from the street shows how a narrow lot limits and influences design, making it necessary to build vertically.
As the architect explained it, living in a crowded urban environment doesn’t always mean sacrificing good life or cutting off from the great outdoors. On the contrary, it’s design flexibility and serious attention to detail that’s the key to combining both opaque and see-through structures to form a whole, ultimately creating in a living space that breathes easily.
A charcoal sketch illustrates spatial planning and functionality on the first floor. / Courtesy of k59 atelierCharcoal drawings show spatial planning on the second and third floors. / Courtesy of k59 atelierCharcoal sketches show the positioning of rooms and functionalities on the fourth floor [top], and the rooftop deck [bottom]. / Courtesy of k59 atelierA drawing of the side elevation view in cross section. / Courtesy of k59 atelierThe architect and family enjoy the cozy ambiance of a living room that reflects a multigenerational home.
In other words, it’s a home that’s not so much a solid mass of stonework, and not so much a sealed-off glass enclosure that can never be open. They are inherent parts of the building that reach out to reconnect with nature, people, culture and society at large.
A full-size kitchen lies at the rear of the house with a back door that can open directly onto the road behind it.
Speaking of design, all four levels of the building feature open floor plans that allow natural light and provide fresh air to the interiors. The first floor holds a spacious living room up front and a kitchen at the rear that’s proper in the circumstances of a big family.
A footbridge gives access to a bedroom at the rear of the house.The mezzanine holds an altar showing honor and reverence for family ancestry according to Vietnamese culture. It’s covered with a gable roof consistent with vernacular architecture in the region.
Together, they form the heart of a multigenerational home, with plenty of space for an elderly mother, an aunt, a brother, and the architect’s own family with a little child. The second floor bears some resemblance to a mezzanine with an altar for the veneration of family ancestry characteristic of Vietnamese culture. The third floor is the architect’s private office space, while the fourth holds the principal bedroom with a green garden oasis for complete relaxation.
The third floor has a footbridge providing access to a bedroom at the far end elevated by potted indoor plants.The third floor holding an architectural workspace feels spacious and airy, thanks to an open floor plan.The architect’s office space benefits from natural light and fresh air, passive cooling strategies that saves big on AC costs.
There’s one feature that’s exceptionally good. The elongated rectangle is divided into two more or less distinct sections. The front and rear parts of the house lie separated by a center corridor onto which rooms open.
The top floor holds a private residential space accessed via a footbridge that connects the sitting room up front with the bedroom at the rear.
By design, functional spaces are located up front, with private residential areas tucked away in quiet places at the rear. The bedrooms for family members are scattered on almost every floor. For optimal traffic flow, all the rooms are linked to one another via the corridor and stairway at the center.
The house façade with lush plants thriving in a garden trough brings positive vibes to the home.The facade supports a vertical garden from the third floor to the top. Plant irrigation is well planned to prevent water splashing back into the home.
Apart from the bright and airy center hall, the building façade features pleasing simplicity of appearance. At ground level, a bi-fold fence system is crafted of perforated metal panels for good ventilation.
The sitting area has a small pantry for making breakfast and light meals without having to make a trip downstairs.
Above it, the balcony façade is enclosed by custom iron frames in various sizes and configurations, adorned with lush climbing vines. They thrive in company with small threes growing luxuriantly nearby. In essence, it’s about bringing green into the home, turning it into a healthy and happy place to live for a multigenerational family.
This house appears in the special Baan Lae Suan issue on the theme of “Cozy Living in Urban Homes” is out now. Design lovers, this one is for you. It’s the latest in the ongoing “ASEAN Tropical House Series”.
The exciting new bilingual edition (Thai-English) is a nice little collab between the Baan Lae Suan Press and its English language media arm Living ASEAN. It’s the coming together of ideas for dealing with the problem of limited space, turning site constraints into solutions. Precisely, it looks at problem solving techniques, ultimately creating small urban homes that are right within the context of Southeast Asia. In this issue, ten houses are chosen for their exemplary designs that inspire. It’s meant for architects, designers, and homeowners searching out new ideas for creating a living space that’s cozy and comfortable plus it blends in beautifully with the environment.
Like an oasis from a picture book, this cozy modern home with a wood slat façade is carefully thought out to reconnect with nature and outdoor spaces fringed by lush tropical trees. It’s a unit of construction added to an existing heavily built concrete house in classic style, creating a unique blend of old and new. From the beginning, few trees grew in the yard adjoining the old family home. There came a time when more living spaces had to be created, and the homeowners chose to put in a contemporary style home using wood slats for the exterior façade. To make it complete, tropical trees and shrubs were added for comfort, warmth and relaxation.
From a design perspective, the challenge lies in creating a sense of pleasing agreement among parts of the buildings. Before anything else, large openings in the wall are installed resulting in good natural ventilation and improved lighting in the interior living spaces. Then it’s time to spruce up the existing landscape filling it with healthy green foliage, a swimming pool and a carp pond in the front yard. Together they go to work making the outdoor living spaces invitingly comfortable.
The front yard has a carp pond that runs alongside a stepping stone walkway connecting the two houses. Needless to say, the mellifluous sound of water flowing in the yard is so refreshing.
But the things that make a difference are the tropical trees that clean the air, provide oxygen and enhance the quality of life for house occupants. Among them, tower trees, also known as giraffe trees, provide shade that helps regulate temperatures, plus they blend together beautifully with the hardwood façade in deep browns and warm tone colors. The new house with wood slats for exterior walls offers a welcome contrast to the bland uniformity of the old family home nearby.
The outdoor room is refreshing thanks to a swimming pool that extends for the full length of the house. Peacock flower trees (scientific name: Delonix regia) planted at specific distances apart can grow very tall while long thin leaves allow sunlight to reach the garden floor.
The new three-story home has all the appropriate parts and functions. The first floor has a bedroom, a fitness room and service areas tucked away below ground level. The central common area on the second floor consists of a living room and dining room with a view of the garden and swimming pool.
The second floor holds a common area that’s the heart of family life. By design, the open floor plan creates a seamless flow between rooms.
The third floor room gives access to a rooftop deck with plenty of space for an outdoor seating area. Steel columns that serve both structural and aesthetic purposes are erected along the building’s outer limits. In this way, a glass wall that runs the full 15-meter distance can be created without pillars. For visual harmony, the upright steel pillars on the periphery of the building are covered with long, thin, flat pieces of timber that blend into the garden landscape.
Steel columns along the outer edge of the building are covered with hardwood boards in deep browns that blend with decorative wood paneling in the interior.Disparities between materials create a welcome contrast in the furnishing and decoration of the interior. Here, Carrara marble floors and granite walls sparkle alongside wood slat panels in deep browns.
As for the furnishing and decoration of the interior, the emphasis is directed towards showcasing differences between materials, ideas and sensations on the eye. In this particular case, it’s about highlighting disparities between two living spaces – one is built using wood slats for the exterior façade while the other is painted a clean white shade.
A view from the street shows the new home with a wood façade (left) and the old white house (right) placed close together for contrasting effect.
Among other things, it offers pairs of contrast between white Carrara marble floors and wood surfaces in deep browns. The two things that are opposite from each other lie juxtaposed under natural light shining in through skylights in the rooftop. Together they go to work creating a home atmosphere that’s light, airy and conducive to relaxation. Plus, there’s a modern tropical courtyard garden that connects everything to everything else.
Who would have thought a modest house could transform into a warm and welcoming home amid the hustle and bustle of downtown Ho Chi Minh City? Well, it’s possible. This five-story narrow lot house has plenty of room for a couple with two children to live comfortably. It even has a sitting room that echoes the timeless tradition of tea and coffee drinking, a relaxed atmosphere that keeps conversations going. Well-thought-out design gives it a streamlined and simple look, while the interconnected interior speaks volumes for a strong family bond. The house is the brainchild of Story Architecture, a homegrown architectural practice in Vietnam.
The balconies enclosed by walls and railings are staggered throughout the façade in warm shades of brown. They provide places to sit back, relax and enjoy family time outdoors.
Built on a plot of land that’s unusually long in relation to its width (3.5 x 17 meters to be exact), the tall and skinny house offers 59.5 square meters of usable space. For privacy, there are three bedrooms plus communal spaces that form the heart of family life. They include a modern kitchen with dining room nearby, as well as a living room, an ancestral altar, and a swimming pool on the rooftop deck.
For added convenience, there is an elevator that provides access to all the rooms on five levels. Taking everything into account, the design team did an amazing job at integrating all the useful features in one small space.
Drawings of the mezzanine and the ground floor show an elevator shaft and sets of stairs at the rear of the house in relation to the living spaces and other functions located up front. / Courtesy of Story ArchitectureDrawings of Floors 2 and 3 show the master bedroom and one of the children’s bedrooms located at the front of the house. / Courtesy of Story ArchitectureDrawings of Floors 4 and 5 show one of the children’s bedrooms and the rooftop swimming pool at the front of the house plan. / Courtesy of Story ArchitectureA drawing of the side elevation view in cross section illustrates the flow of air through openings in the walls at the front and the back of the building. / Courtesy of Story Architecture
The design concept centers around creating a more connected living space, one that’s well-lit and well-ventilated considering the warm and humid climate prevailing in the region. And that applies to all five levels, as well as the stairwell and the vertical shaft for the passage of an elevator located at the far end of the building.
The mezzanine contains a modern kitchen with dining room nearby. A skylight installed in the roof up front maximizes light and allows people inside to see out while preparing food.
By the looks of things, there are two features that stand out from the rest. First, the front of the house contains living spaces for the family plus a dining room and a kitchen located on the mezzanine. Then, the swimming pool on the rooftop deck conveys a great deal about genius ideas aimed at overcoming the problem of limited space in the city.
The swimming pool on the rooftop deck offers a panorama of Ho Chi Minh City.
That’s not all. To make a home feel more comfortable, choosing the right building material for the job is equally important. In this particular case, the rear walls built of breeze blocks provide ventilation, decoration and privacy. Plus, they protect the interior from rain and bad weather. Where appropriate, glass windows are put in place to maximize light streaming into the rear of the house. Other features that contribute significantly to the overall appearance are the balconies staggered throughout the front façade in rich warm tones of brown, an amazing design that makes the house unique in its own special way.
A bedroom embraces the beauty of simplicity illuminated by natural light.
All things considered, it’s a task that makes great demands on the team of architects who designed it. Not only is it about overcoming the problem of limited space, but it’s also about building a place that’s comfortable to live in, a well-detailed design with plenty of room to grow a family and promote positive communication. And this warm and inviting, five-story home is created to do exactly that.
/ Story: Kangsadan K. / English Version: Bob Pitakwong /
/ Photographs: Living ASEAN team /
A tight budget coupled with the problem of limited space in the heart of Bangkok’s downtown is a challenge that tests the architect’s abilities to overcome site constraints. In this particular case, it’s the renovation of an old three-story shophouse as a modern living space that’s done in accordance with city ordinances. More so than anything else, it’s a home tailored to the lifestyle needs of its occupants and improvements in living conditions. Thanks to well-thought-out strategies on the part of DRFJ (Design & Research by Fusinpaiboon & Jang), a model for home renovation projects was created. It can be used as an example for the general public to follow.
To begin with, the shophouse with three floors was a narrow lot place lacking light, fresh air and ventilation. The design team at DRFJ decided to apply the concept of “simple and more” to create a contemporary living space that’s within the law, more time efficient, and involving a relatively small cost. The secret to success lies in making the least amount of change to the existing building plan. They include wall openings, plus pillars and beams used as a support for the building. In this instance, the building plan is made up of three sections, each of which is four meters long.
There are stairs giving access to the upper floors, while the façade with external devices provide solar shading and ventilation. Taking everything into account, it’s quite a departure from the usual in terms of appearance. The result is an old home beautifully renovated to banish stuffy rooms by bringing fresh air and sunshine into the interior. Plus, there’s the overall vintage appeal in building materials that promotes originality and style. Most importantly, it’s a peaceful place of abode right in the middle of a big city. It provides a showcase of ideas for the general public to follow.
Despite the small area, the purposes of structures and spaces are clearly defined. The first floor has enough room for a carport well-lit and well-ventilated by wall openings at the front and the rear of the house adorned with greenery. Go further inside, and you come to a flight of terrazzo stairs giving access to the home office on the second floor. The low headroom is nicely compensated for by walls painted a cool-toned white that’s easy on the eye.
The first floor holds a carport that’s well-lit thanks to an exposed ceiling, while an opening at the rear provides controlled natural ventilation to the home. The space can be updated for a future business undertaking.A small green space breathes new life into an area at the back of the house. It’s made by taking out an add-on unit of construction and replacing it with plants.A view from below shows wall openings at the rear of the house designed to admit natural daylight and banish stuffy rooms.The beauty and functionality. Old wooden stairs are replaced by ones made of steel. The staircase without risers makes the hallway feel light and airy.
The workspace itself is illuminated by natural daylight shining in through balcony windows. As to be expected, the bedroom is tucked away on the third floor that’s more private and quiet, thanks to a double wall system glazed using clear glass that opens to a balcony. Proceed to rooftop deck which holds a sitting room adorned with greenery. The sitting room itself is roofed over with Sandwich Roof Panels, a lightweight material known for good heat insulation. Inside, a floating furniture layout makes it easy for future updates. Step outside, and you discover a small sky garden hemmed in by walls that have since been given a fresh coat of paint for easy cleaning.
The workspace on the second floor is neat and uncluttered with just the right amount of furniture.
The bedroom on the third floor is protected from heat and noise by a double wall system glazed using clear glass.The bathroom is well-lit by natural daylight, thanks to an array of awning windows glazed using frosted glass, while the walls are painted white to increase light and space.
Simply put, it’s the story of a home improvement done right, one made light, airy and comfortable by careful planning in spite of the problem of limited space and a tight budget. Furthermore, because it’s a shophouse converted into a home, there’s without doubt a look that imitates the style of the previous era, yet it blends beautifully into the community. From DRFJ’s points of view, it’s the prototype of a home from which other design can be developed, a preliminary model that’s open to the general public.
Panes of glass fixed at an angle projecting outward from the main wall bear some resemblance to the beautiful bay window.A small green space on the rooftop deck provides many benefits. Hemmed in by breeze block walls, it’s a relaxing space with a view of the cityscape.
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.
/ 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.
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 ArchitectsA 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 ArchitectsA perspective drawing in cross section shows the integration of curved ceilings in the design of the second floor. / Courtesy of Sanuki Daisuke ArchitectsThe front door and house façade of perforated metalwork beautifully merge to form a cohesive unit. In combination, they open to admit light and provide natural ventilation to the home.
A folding door system opens wide from one end to the other admitting daylight and providing natural ventilation to keep the home cool.The entryway up front can be seen in full view from inside the dining room and sitting room at the rear.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.A relaxing reading nook on the second floor is illuminated by reflected sunlight, while natural ventilation keeps the interior cool and comfortable.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.
/ Story: muanpraes / English version: Bob Pitakwong /
/ Photographs: Trieu Chien /
People change locations at some point in time, and reasons to move are aplenty. Among others, the desire for better living is pretty common. The same applies here, as this young family has discovered. Their new address is a one-story brick home made attractive by the earthy reddish brown of perforated brick facades set amid lush greenery.
Perforated brick facades regulate fresh air and natural daylight streaming into the home and double as outdoor privacy screens.
Named “TB House”, it’s nestled in a peaceful residential neighborhood of Son La, a city in Vietnam’s Northwest.
For the young married couple who lives here, everything about it brings back childhood memories, those carefree days of summer and a home snug by the warmth of beautiful landscapes. Bestowed with mountains, forests and rivers, Son La comes in useful as the right location for their new home.
The husband, who knew the geographical area very well, came across this piece of land during a weekend house hunting trip. It lies on the crest of a wooded hillside with dark green forests in the background.
Small rock formations stick out of the ground where large trees stand as if nature has left a lasting imprint. Almost instantly he got to thinking about building a humble abode here. The question was how to leave everything where it’s always been.
A vaulted ceiling extends upward to the ridge beam at the apex of the roof, creating a volume of overhead space in the family living room. Underneath it, perforated brick facades admit fresh air and natural light into the interior.
And that was where the design team at Trung Trần Studio was brought into play. They were tasked with creating a home that would best fit the owners’ needs, at the same time conserving all the existing natural elements in the landscape – the hillside, the trees, the rock formations and, most important of all, its friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
A diagrammatic representation shows the positioning of living spaces and functional areas disposed around greenery-filled courtyards designed to create indoor thermal comfort. / Courtesy of Trung Trần Studio
The result is a one-story, split-level brick home with breathing brick facades thoughtfully devised to regulate fresh outdoor air and natural daylight streaming into the interior. And it’s achieved without cutting down existing trees on the property.
The floor plan simply has abrupt alternate left and right turns to avoid cutting down the trees, ascending a small mound to stop at a bank of stone that makes the retaining wall protecting the backyard garden.
An open-concept floor plan improves foot traffic flow between rooms, turning a modest amount of space into clean, well-lighted interiors.
A curious mix of graphic tiles on the kitchen backsplash adds intrigue and interest to interior design.
On the whole, it’s a simple house plan starting with a paved platform up front that serves as a car park. A set of concrete steps leads to the front door that opens to the entrance hall, while the dining room and kitchen lies furthest to the rear.
There’s a playroom by the small inner courtyard that ensures the little children can be seen in full view from anywhere inside the home.
A set of rustic log table and bench seats lines the corridor connecting the front of the house to the secluded residential area tucked away at the farthest end.
The family living room with wood wall paneling is invitingly comfortable by any standards. At the farthest end lie three bedrooms, tucked in a calm secluded area away from noise and distractions. For privacy, all the bedrooms have windows that open to charming backyard garden views.
From an architectural point of view, the breathing wall concept offers many advantages. Among others, it creates a sense of connection between indoor and outdoor living spaces.
High above, the uppermost branches of the trees provide shade keeping the home cool during summer months. They blend with retaining rock walls that add usable land for planting and relaxation. At the same time, the roofs made of fired clay tiles are covered in slow-growing lichens reminiscent of homes in times past.
A retaining rock wall creates usable space for planting, while a roof made of clear polycarbonate sheeting protects a utility/wash room at the rear from the elements.
A bird’s eye view illustrates the house plan with greenery-filled courtyards in relation to neighboring homes and lush woodlands in the background.
Taken as a whole, it’s a vintage-inspired humble abode that exudes a timeless appeal as evidenced by the use of simple building supplies sourced from within the community. Needless to say, the lush landscape makes it feel cozy and warm, while architectural details enhance the easy lifestyle and advocate for sustainability.
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