Baan Noi Doi Hang, designed by IS Architects with Pawin Tharatjai as the lead architect, is a small, work-from-home oriented residence nestled in the serene highlands of Doi Hang, Chiang Rai, Thailand. Completed in 2023 for clients Khun Thidarut Limyothin and her family, the house serves as a tranquil escape from urban life, allowing the Bangkok natives to fully embrace a more peaceful lifestyle. The design is a testament to the idea that less is more, with every square inch of the modest house serving a deliberate purpose. It is carefully planned to coexist with its natural surroundings, harmonizing with the lush greenery and distant mountain views. The architecture embraces simplicity through its use of materials, building forms, and spatial organization, creating a humble abode that seamlessly integrates with the highlands region. Inside, the house features a minimalist layout designed to comfortably accommodate two people, equipped with a bedroom, a workspace, and a kitchenette with a coffee bar. The interior spaces are organized to maximize functionality and flow, reflecting the homeowners' desire for a simplified living experience. Outside, the house extends its living area with outdoor spaces for relaxation and al fresco dining and cooking. The design balances private and communal spaces, ensuring that residents can enjoy solitude while still feeling connected to the surrounding environment. Credits Architects: IS Architects Lead Architect: Pawin Tharatjai Photographs: Rungkit Charoenwat Client: Khun Thidarut Limyothin Location: Doi Hang Sub District, Muang Chain Rai, Chiang Rai, Thailand

"Located in the coastal suburb of Chachoengsao, east of Bangkok, Thailand, Villa Backyard is a 90-square-meter single-family residence designed by TOUCH Architect and completed in 2021. The project was built on a site with an artificial pond, surrounded by an environment affected by excessive soil salinity from the nearby Gulf of Thailand. The design responds directly to these challenging site conditions with a dramatically sloping roof that channels fresh rainwater into the pond to help dilute the brackish water. The house originated from a simple cube that was diagonally sliced in half, resulting in a wedge-like volume. The steeply sloped, cantilevered roof and wall not only drain water but also shade the interior. Large glazing allows the interior to open up to views of the water, with the level of openness adjusted to the functions within. The highest level of openness is at the entrance terrace, while middle and low-level openings allow for panoramic views from the living space and bedroom, respectively, whether sitting or reclining. This creates a ""hierarchical openness"" that celebrates the water's edge. The cantilevered outdoor terrace features a steel grating floor, which allows rainwater to fall directly into the pond below and helps cool the air through water evaporation. Aluminum trellis panels are used on other walls for heat protection. The interior features an open-plan living space designed for multipurpose use. The simple and functional design accommodates various activities like family gatherings and dining, and can also serve as an extended sleeping area. The house utilizes a lightweight steel structure with an asphalt shingle roof, facilitating quick construction. Credits Architects: Setthakarn Yangderm and Parpis Leelaniramol of TOUCH Architect Design Team: Pitchaya Tiyapitsanupaisan and Tanita Panjawongroj Structural Engineer: Chittinat Wongmaneeprateep Contractor: DWN Builder Clients: Krittaya and Bandhit Pakham Photography: Anan Naruphantawat Manufacturers: Alumet, COTTO, ID ROOF, Rococo, T-Rex Steel, and Tree Concept "

"Completed in 2022, the ING-SUK House is a 50-square-meter wooden platform home designed and built by Yangnar Studio. Situated within a pristine forest of the Obkhan National Park in Nam Phrae, Chiang Mai, Thailand, the project was conceived as an experimental and harmonious response to budget limitations and the natural environment. Its design is reminiscent of the traditional Kha-Nham, a temporary shelter used by gardeners in southern Thailand. The house sits elevated on compacted soil, with a corrugated sheet metal roof and an open-plan interior space surrounded by a perimeter deck. The layout is composed of two main sections connected by an elongated terrace, with staircases on either side facilitating movement. A raised den provides additional versatile living space. The architects placed a strong emphasis on using local materials and preserving their natural characteristics. The structure was built with untreated wood sourced from the immediate surroundings and from recycled materials, including old wooden doors, windows, and steel profiles. Notably, old wooden pillars salvaged from traditional Vietnamese houses were repurposed for the front stairs. The use of raw, natural materials ensures that the home blends seamlessly into its rich natural context. Credits Architects: Yangnar Studio Lead Architects: Dechophon Rattanasatchatham and Metee Moonmuang Construction Supervisor: Metee Moonmuang Builder Team: Yangnar Studio Builder Team Photography: Rungkit Charoenwat"