SMALL MEDIUM HOUSES 9

Introduction

By Suluck Visavapattamawon, Editor

The Small Medium Houses series, which has now arrived at Volume 9. The original intent was to present small homes, with small living spaces not exceeding 150 square meters for small houses and not exceeding 500 square meters for medium-sized homes. However, it was challenging to find homes which fit this criteria as Thai families tend to be extended families of up to 3 generations living in the same home in a culture of coexistence with parents and children caring for elderly relatives. These homes, belonging to middle-income families and higher, are designed to meet functional needs. The architectural aesthetic shows that despite the limitations of space and budget, architects rise to the challenge, draw on their knowledge and experience, and overcome each of the limitations to create these unique homes.

Over the past decade, there has been significant progress in Thai residential architecture, evident in both design innovation and the growing recognition of architects in the public sphere. The proliferation of online media and social platforms provides convenient access to information, which in turn has its pros and cons, offering more design options but also raising expectations. The collaboration between architects and homeowners now demands more time, attention, and meticulousness in order to reach the most suitable design solution for each family’s unique lifestyle.

Modern Lifestyle & Tropical Living - The 32 homes featured in this volume, constructed in the two-year spanning 2022-2023, showcase a diverse range of architectural features, such as treatment of walls and material surfaces, aimed at enhancing spatial dynamics, light filtration, and reducing heat retention. Advances in technology have led to the development of new materials, offering alternatives to natural resources like wood and stone, such as patterned tiles, concrete, and aluminum, which mimic not only the appearance of stone and wood, but also the texture. The prevailing trend in space allocation for modern living remains consistent over the past decade, with compact spaces offering more amenities than before. Climate considerations are paramount, with rising temperatures and intensified weather patterns, such as driving winds and rain, due to climate change, influencing design choices, along with the growing popularity of pet ownership.

In this volume, readers will find examples of new homes or extensions built within the confines of the family’s existing property, the popularity urban living equipped with modern technology despite limited space, investment in high quality and high value amenities or household equipment, and the construction of small open form houses in provincial areas which allow residents to experience the surrounding nature. The application of materials such as barefaced concrete, ventilation or breeze blocks, terracotta bricks, and timber can be increasingly seen, especially by architects in northern Thailand, such as Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.

The designs provide comfortable conditions throughout most of the day, with natural ventilation in the mornings rather than a fully enclosed living space. Selection of materials aims to ensure minimal environmental impact, from production and fabrication to waste disposal. This aim is also achieved by minimizing the building footprint by maximizing vertical living space efficiency that is easy to maintain and budget-friendly. These are essential developments which improve residential living spaces and promote the advancement of novel architectural styles.

Villa Phrueksa Sawan

Aiim Architects Atelier

Location Mueang Krabi, Krabi

Completion 2022

Area 225 sq.m.

Owner Wiroj Kalaimamani

Architect Aiim Architects Atelier

Interior Design and Lighting Design Aiim Architects Atelier

Landscape Design Build Garden

Structural Engineer Sawan Keeratilo

Photography Rungkit Charoenwat

Villa Phrueksa Sawan, nestled near the Phrueksa Sawan Garden Ecological Forest Park in Krabi Town, stands as a serene one-story retreat, thoughtfully designed to maximize comfort and connectivity amidst lush surroundings.

Woodcave House

Architects 49 House Design

Location Bang Phli, Samut Prakan

Completion 2022

Area 1,300 sq.m.

Architect Architects

49 House Design

Interior Design Architects 49 House Design

Structural Engineer Architectural Engineering 49

System Engineer M&E Engineering 49

Photography W Workspace

Rooted in the owner’s extensive background in wood processing, this dwelling epitomizes a profound love and dedication to the artistry of woodworking. Conceptualized by the designer as a “Museum of Wood Craftsmanship,” or simply, a “Museum of Woodwork,” the home intricately weaves wood elements into its architectural fabric, crafting an intimate narrative of materiality and form. Architectonically, the residence champions a harmonious integration of woodwork throughout its structure — encompassing floors, walls, ceilings, and bespoke furniture — elevating the abode to an exquisite display of artisanal mastery and refined simplicity. Embracing modern technology alongside traditional woodworking techniques, the design embodies a synthesis of past and present, wherein experimentation, collaborative workshops with seasoned artisans, and meticulous modeling converge to achieve the highest standards of quality and precision.

Central to the architectural narrative is the notion of the “Wood Cave,” an enchanting passageway from the pedestrian entrance that unfolds as a sensory journey into the heart of the home. Evoking the mystique of a natural cavern, timber elements create a harmonious alternating rhythm between solid and airy components.

DIAGRAM

Positioned at a juncture of roads, adjoining the village’s expansive pond to the rear, the building’s distinctive P-shaped layout on the ground floor, clad in timber to resemble a traditional timber house, transitions to a contemporary, white L-shaped upper floor in a seamless juxtaposition. A central courtyard, adorned with a tranquil fishpond, illuminates the interiors with natural light and establishes a visual continuum, allowing family members to maintain visual contact. Each living space offers unobstructed views of the large pond and sprawling garden, blurring the boundaries between interior and exterior, without compromising privacy.

House C+I

Blankstudio

Location San Kampaeng, Chiang Mai

Completion 2022

Area 145 sq.m.

Owner Peerorod Plianchaow and Pudtan Mittranun

Architect Satawatch Katlivong

Interior Design Satawatch Katlivong

Landscape Design H2O Design

Structural Engineer Pilawan Piriyaphokai

Photography Panoramic Studio

In pursuit of a sleek residence, the owner sought a single-bedroom dwelling in white, suffused with natural light. The site, measuring 10 meters in width and 34 meters in length, presented a challenge as the resultant structure might appear excessively elongated. With the western front facing the road, the parking area was strategically positioned for easy vehicle maneuvering. The living spaces were oriented to the north to avoid excessive sunlight and maintain privacy, while the stairs and restrooms, situated in the west, shield the living areas and bedroom from direct sunlight, ensuring comfort throughout the day.

Noteworthy design elements include a captivating waterfall wall preceding the entrance and providing the soothing ambient sound of flowing water, a cactus garden in the atrium with a skylight, and a courtyard featuring Mangmee trees (Carallia brachiata (Lour.) Merr.) behind the house which can be admired from the bedroom and second-floor bathroom. These elements contribute to the overall charm and aesthetic appeal of the residence.

The architect emphasizes the significance of a client’s input in shaping the design, acknowledging that clear preferences and unwavering decisions aid in refining the architectural vision. The collaboration between owner and architect, from conceptualization to realization, ultimately results in house that is a source of pride for both parties.

R65 House

I Like Design Studio

Location Bang Khen, Bangkok

Completion 2022

Area 550 sq.m.

Owner Narucha Kuwattanapasiri and Pichsineeya Kuwattanapasiri

Architect Narucha Kuwattanapasiri

Interior Design,Landscape Design and Lighting Design I Like Design Studio

Structural and System Engineer Kor-It Structural Design and Construction

Photography Soopakorn Srisakul

This dwelling serves dual roles as both the designer’s residence and office. Prompted by the question, “What kind of house do I want?” the designer investigates the needs, preferences, and habits of a homeowner, and the design takes on a deeply personal dimension. The quest for an answer led to an appreciation for simplicity adorned with concealed details, unpretentiousness, and humility — a sentiment closely aligned with the Japanese philosophy of “Wabi Sabi.”

The exploration of “Wabi Sabi” unfolded as a continuous pursuit, encompassing an appreciation for nature in its unadulterated form, an acknowledgment of beauty’s evolution over time, a commitment to minimizing the unnecessary to reveal hidden essences, and a deliberate use of space that shuns excess for a life of simplicity.

The ground floor houses the office and parking lots, with the heart of the house conceived as a captivating tree court, featuring a large bonsai that can be seen from the offices. The oblique line from the tree leads one’s gaze skywards. The ingenious play of sunlight filtering through leaves during midday casts shadows of the leaves onto the gravel becoming a unique moment of beauty.

Natural wind direction guides the design of a wind tunnel and natural ventilation. Residents experience a gentle breeze at the rear of the house before entering the predominantly air-conditioned living spaces. The southwest placement of the staircase, with a fixed glass louver dispersing wind into the building.

Villa Lamphaya

POAR (Patchara+Ornnicha Architecture)

Location Nakhon Chai Si, Nakhon Pathom

Completion 2022

Area 240 sq.m.

Owner Doonyapol Srichan

Architect Ornnincha Duriyaprapan, Patchara Wongboonsin and Moke Kaengin

Interior Design and Landscape Design POAR (Patchara+Ornnicha Architecture)

Lighting Design Light Studio

Structural and System Engineer Basic Design and Wbalance Photography

On the banks of the Tha Chin River, the architecturally distinct Villa Lamphaya is located approximately 9 kilometers east, and on the same side of the river, as the Lamphaya Floating Market. Meticulously designed by POAR, this residence embraces a unique approach with marine concrete seamlessly cast throughout the structure, eliminating material joints, and presenting a visually cohesive exterior. The lighting system, ingeniously embedded in the floor and post-tensioned roof, contributes to a streamlined and sophisticated appearance, emphasizing the sleekness and robustness inherent in concrete.

The architect strategically oriented the long side of the house to receive wind from the south, providing cross ventilation throughout the entire length of the residence. Comprising two bedrooms, a living room, and a spacious balcony, the interior is thoughtfully crafted to ensure breathability and an airy ambiance year-round.

The upper floor, characterized by a generous ceiling height of 3.5 meters, connects the living room to a full-length

balcony facing west, offering an enchanting panoramic view of the Tha Chin River. Residents can enjoy the daily spectacle of sunset over the water from the comfort of their living space. The basement floor is ingeniously supported by four pillars and a load-bearing wall, forming a robust structural foundation to support the upper post-tensioned floor.

Rupu House

Junsekino Architect and Design

Location Chom Thong, Bangkok

Completion 2022

Area 680 sq.m.

Owner Tanawat Sutantiwarakun

Architect Junsekino Architect and Design

Interior Design Junsekino Interior Design

Landscape Design GLA Design Studio

Structural and System Engineer NEXT Steps Design & Consultants

Photography Nantiya Busabong

The Japanese word, ‘Rupu’, meaning ‘empty space in the middle,’ encapsulates the essence of the Rupu house designed for a small family — a dwelling that unfolds a compelling narrative in its design evolution. Situated adjacent to the family’s old house, the plan necessitated a seamless connection between the two residences.

The initial idea envisaged a closed front, ensuring privacy from the road, and an open back extending towards the garden which connects with the old house. However, a pivotal change occurred during the design phase, prompted by the owner’s concern that the new structure might overshadow the old one. Despite this adjustment, the essence of the original concept remained intact, seamlessly adapting to sun orientation and privacy considerations. The frontage facing the road is bathed in sunlight throughout the day, thus fenestrations are predominantly overlooking the shaded garden at the rear.

Aiming for a clean and minimalist aesthetic, the owners sought simplicity in the design. The conceptual approach revolves around the use of elementary geometric shapes — specifically, a triangle atop a square — incorporating minimal decorative elements. The triangular mass is mirrored in the interior space, where

the slanted ceiling mimics the roof angle, crafting a distinctive ambiance. Positioned on the higher side of the triangle, the mezzanine serves as a private workspace for the homeowner.

Baan Hom Din

TA-CHA Design

Location Lom Sak, Phetchabun

Completion 2022

Area 175 sq.m. (enclosure space) / 240 sq.m. (terrace)

Owner Wongsakorn Charoenthai

Architect Waranyu Makarabhirom and Sonthad Srisang

Interior Design and Lighting Design TA-CHA Design

Structural Engineer and System Engineer Montien Keawkon

Photography Beersingnoi

When two doctors, one from Chiang Mai and the other from Phetchabun, decided to settle down and start a family, they sought a piece of land with a mountain view. They eventually found a two-rai (3,370 square meters) expanse, originally a paddy field, nestled in the valley between parallel ranges of the Phetchabun mountains.

Within the socio-architectural context, with the house situated on the village border characterized by local, contemporary architectural styles, the aim was to achieve harmony while preserving the identities of the non-local, modern, simple, and humble owners. The final design materialized as a concrete, rectangular building complex, with individual areas sectioned under a gable roofs, reminiscent of traditional Thai houses. Fiberglass roofs cover each building area, effectively filtering and diffusing natural light. The inclusion of an indoor courtyard enhances ventilation and provides additional natural light.

House R3

PHTAA Living Design

Location Yan Nawa, Bangkok

Completion 2023

Area 400 sq.m.

Architect Ponwit Rattanatanatevilai

Interior Design Harisadhi Leelayuwapan

Structural Engineer Angkarn Krasuaythong

Photography Kukkong Thirathomrongkiat

House R3 presented its architects with a series of challenges, including a limited land area, concerns about pollution from the nearby Rama 3 Road, adherence to building laws and regulations regarding setbacks, and the need to allocate functional spaces for five inhabitants to have their own private areas. Moreover, the design had to incorporate a designated area for the owner’s furniture collection, making it imperative to convey the true character of the house while managing these restrictions and limitations.

The integration of the triangular-shaped double-volume terrace into the front façade features curved lines to soften corners and harmonize voids throughout the house. This intentional design choice not only added functionality but also contributes to the overall aesthetic.

The carefully curated vintage furniture found within the house finds an ideal setting within this environment, allowing the owner’s personality to be expressed as an integral part of the overall ambiance. The light brown exterior walls of the building further reflects the residents’ personal tastes and characteristics, creating a cohesive and harmonious living space.

Baan Klai Wat

Physicalist

Location Sam Phran, Nakhon Pathom

Completion 2021

Area 400 sq.m.

Architect Karjvit Rirermvanich and Boonchu Jantavan

Interior Design Phanupol Bawornwiwut

Landscape Design Archive Landscape and Allplants

Structural Engineer Ittipon Konjaisue

System Engineer Suchada Ninchan and Wittaya Pangnuja

Photography Soopakorn Srisakul

Drawing Tandorn Prakobpol

Baan Klai Wat stands as a tranquil haven, a long-stay retreat designed for a Thai couple predominantly residing in the USA. Located within walking distance of a temple their parents visit on Sunday mornings, the house is a reflection of the journey to inner peace — a constant exploration of the interplay between the tangible (body/ architecture) and the abstract (mind/space).

The design of the house revolves around questioning its state of being. Is there a delineated room? Where does the boundary between inside and outside lie? Are spaces enclosed or exposed? What defines figure versus ground? These questions intentionally remain unanswered, cultivating a sense of ambiguity.

The deliberate lack of clarity transforms every space into a void — a neutral state where possibilities abound. Here, phenomena are allowed to unfold at any moment, blurring the lines between architecture and the absence thereof.

Directory

10

SPACE ARCHITECTS

9/206, Baan Klangmuang Vibhavadi, Soi Vibhavadi Rangsit64, Vibhavadi Rangsit Rd., Talat Bang Khen, Lak Si, Bangkok, 10210 Thailand

M +666 516 2909

10spacearchitects@gmail.com

Facebook: 10Space Architects

AA+A ARCHITECT

2929DESIGNLAB

181/289, Moo 3, Photharam Rd., Chang Phueak, Mueang, Chiang Mai, 50300 Thailand

M +666 4346 2929

ssuwatch2929@gmail.com

Facebook: สถาปนิก2929ดีไซน์แล็บ

1171, Srinakarin Rd., Suan Luang, Suan Luang, Bangkok, 10250 Thailand

M +668 7810 3101

contact@aaatelier.com

www.anatomyarchitecture.com

Facebook: AA+A

AIIM ARCHITECTS ATELIER

12/13 Soi Maharaj 48, Chareonsuk 2 Rd., Paknum, Muang Krabi, Krabi, Thailand 81000

M +668 6909 1718

aiim.arch.atelier@gmail.com

Facebook: aiim architects atelier

ALKHEMIST ARCHITECTS

33 Space, Building 33A, Room123, Soi Pradipat 17, Pradipat Rd., Phaya Thai, Bangkok, 10400 Thailand

M +668 9920 1810

alkhemistarchitects@gmail.com

www.alkhemistarchitect.com

Facebook: Alkhemist Architects

ANONYM

96, Ekamai 12 (Soi Jareonjai), Bangkok, 10110 Thailand

M +668 6065 2299

anonym@anonymstudio.com

www.anonymstudio.com

Facebook: Anonym

AOMO ARCHITECTURE OF MY OWN

1974/1, New Phetchaburi Rd., Bang Kapi, Huai Khwang, Bangkok, 10310 Thailand

T +662 716 5145

archofmyown@gmail.com

www.aomo-architect.com

Facebook: AOMO Architecture of my own

ARCHIMONTAGE DESIGN FIELDS SOPHISTICATED

224/21, Mueang Thong Thani, Chaengwattana Road, Bang Phut, Pak Kret, Nonthaburi, 11120 Thailand

M +668 1622 2026

archimontage@gmail.com

www.archimontage.net

Facebook: Archimontage Design Fields

Sophisticated

ARCHITECTS 49 HOUSE DESIGN

81, Sukhumvit 26, Bangkok, 10110 Thailand

T +662 2259 3535 a49hd@a49hd.co.th

Facebook: Architects49 House Design Limited

ARCHITECTURE’S MATTER

1057, Somdet Phra Chao Tak Sin 8

Bukkhalo, Thon Buri, Bangkok, 10600 Thailand

M +668 4642 3695

M +668 7795 8420 architectureismatter@gmail.com

Facebook: Architecture’s Matter

AUN DESIGN STUDIO

64/21, Moo5, Soi Suanphak6, Suanphak Rd., Taling Chan, Taling Chan, Bangkok, 10170 Thailand

M +668 1847 6338

aundesignstudio.47@gmail.com www.aunstudio.com

Facebook: A U N Design Studio

AYUTT AND ASSOCIATES DESIGN (AAD)

23/34-35, 4th Floor Central Station Tower, Trimitr Rd., Talat Noi, Samphanthawong, Bangkok, 10100 Thailand

M +668 8221 9999

M +668 4377 5777

ayutt@aad-design.com

www.aad-design.com

Facebook: AAd - Ayutt and Associates design

BLANK STUDIO

7/3, Soi 3 Rachadamnoen Rd., Si Phum, Mueang, Chiang Mai, 50200 Thailand

M +669 5879 6362

M +666 3478 2965

mailtoblank@gmail.com

www.bsalp.net

Facebook: blankstudio

EKAR ARCHITECTS

1104/49, Soi Noble Cube, Phattanakarn Rd., Suan Luang, Bangkok, 10250 Thailand

M +662 9599 545

www.EKAR-architects.com

Facebook : ekar.architects

GREENBOX DESIGN

503/36, Soi Vibhavadi 42 Yak 4-4 Vibhavadi Rd., Lat Yao, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900 Thailand

T +662 005 0420

greenbox113@gmail.com

www.greenboxdesign.studio

Facebook: greenbox design

I LIKE DESIGN STUDIO

2 Soi Ramintra 65 Yaek 2-2-8, Tha Raeng, Bang Khen, Bangkok 10220 Thailand

M +669 2246 7069

ilds@ilds.co.th

www.ilds.co.th

Facebook: Ilikedesignstudio

INCHAN ATELIER

7, Soi Hua Mark 9, Hua Mark Rd., Hua mark, Bang Kapi

Bangkok, 10240, Thailand

M +668 5366 7414

inchan.atelier@gmail.com

www.inchan-atelier.com

Facebook: INchan atelier

JAI ARCHITECT AND INTERIOR

1/1, Soi Puttamonthon Sai 2, Soi 21/1

Puttamonthon sai 2 Rd., Sala Thammasop, Thawi Watthana, Bangkok 10170 Thailand

M +668 0569 2451

JAI@jaiarchitect.com

Facebook: JAI Architect & Interior

JUNSEKINO ARCHITECT AND DESIGN

189, Rama 9, Soi 41, Seri 9 Rd., Suan Luang, Suan Luang, Bangkok, 10250 Thailand

T +662 314 2228

designsekino@gmail.com

www.junsekino.com

Facebook: Junsekino Architect and Design

MAINCOURSE

7th Floor, Chao Phraya Jewelry Building, Sri Ayutthaya Rd., Thanon Phaya Thai, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, 10400 Thailand

T +662 248 2945

maincourse@tastematter.co

www.tastematter.co

Facebook: Maincourse

OFFICE AT

61/56, 2nd Floor, Soi Taveemitr 8, Praram 9, Huaykwang Rd., Bangkok, 10310 Thailand

T +662 612 2477 8

contact@officeat.com

www.officeat.com

Facebook: officeat

PATCHARA ORNNICHA ARCHITECTS

90/26, Rattanathibet Rd., Bang Kraso, Mueang, Nonthaburi, 1000 Thailand

M +668 2346 7770

patchara@poar.co.th

Facebook: POAR

PHTAA LIVING DESIGN

B201-202, 33 Space

Soi Pradiphat 17 Rd., Phaya Thai, Bangkok, 10400 Thailand

M +666 1191 9536

ponwit@phtaa.com

www.phtaa.com

Facebook: PHTAA living design

PHYSICALIST

722, Soi Vanich 2, Talat Noi, Samphanthawong Bangkok, 10100 Thailand

M +669 6347 7200

mail@physicalist-architects.com www.physicalist-architects.com Facebook: Physicalist

RESEARCH STUDIO PANIN

4, Paholyothin 63, Paholyothin Rd., Anusawari, Bang Khen, Bangkok, 10220 Thailand

M +668 6772 7777

M +668 9140 1019 mail@researchstudiopanin.com www.researchstudiopanin.com

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SATA NA ARCHITECT

43/3, Bang Kaew, Bang Phli, Bang Kaeo, Samut Prakan, 10540 Thailand

M +669 5939 9899

satana@satanaarchitects.com

www.satanaarchitect.com

Facebook: สถา ณ - SaTa Na SKARN CHAIYAWAT ARCHITECTS

19, S South Sathorn Rd., Thung Maha Mek, Sathon, Bangkok, 10120 Thailand

M +668 6772 2912 punika@skarnchaiyawat.com www.skarnchaiyawat.com

STUDIOMITI

7, Village kritikorn, Soi Naknivas25 Rd., Lat Phrao, Lat Phrao, Bangkok, 10230 Thailand

M +668 7506 7441 mitistudio@gmail.com

Facebook: Studio Miti

TA-CHA DESIGN

222/368, Village The Parkland Soi Ratchadaphisek Rd., Dao Khanong, Th Thon Buri, Bangkok, 10600 Thailand

M +668 9669 6009 tacharch_Studio@outlook.com

Facebook: TACHA_Design

TOUCH ARCHITECT

170/48, Kanchanapisek Rd., Bang Khu Wiang, Bang Kruai, Nonthaburi, 11130 Thailand

T +662 077 9108 info@toucharchitect.com

www.toucharchitect.com

Facebook: TOUCH Architect