Located near a tree-lined irrigation canal in a residential neighbourhood in Bangkok, bAAn House by Anonym Studio leverages its uniquely picturesque setting. “It’s a very green site and quite cut off from the main street,” says Anonym director Phongphat Ueasangkhomset. “We were quite surprised by its surroundings as we are not in the capital, so we like to profit from these views.” As a result, landscaping elements are a significant design feature in this home, designed for an extended family.
The original property, a modest 2-storey house, was dark with little connection to the outdoors. “The old house was quite dark inside with small windows that left a minimum connection to the outside,” explains Phongphat. As such, the team elected to retain the existing pool only, concentrating their efforts on creating two new connected houses, with a focus on designing a larger 4-storey residence that would benefit from its surroundings and satisfy the clients’ desire for a house that would accommodate existing and future family members.
Materially, the bare concrete wall, grey and white tiling and wooden joinery combine to create a restrained and contemporary effect.
The clients sought a simple yet spacious plan that would make use of a limited palette of materials with a particular focus on the use of raw concrete. The layout also supports ease of living with a vast open plan ground floor dedicated to the main living and dining space characterised by a dramatic double volume that draws in an abundance of natural light. The kitchen is multi-functional with an enclosed “Thai” kitchen that limits the smoke and aromas from filtering into the open plan area. There is also a study area and the children’s’ quarters. All spaces connect to a decked pool area. The second floor houses the private spaces – namely the bedrooms, ensuites and the master quarter, which is separated by a bridge.
Embracing a minimalist approach to living, the lack of cabinetry and joinery is evident.
Embracing a minimalist approach to living, the lack of cabinetry and joinery is evident. Materially, the bare concrete wall, grey and white tiling, wooden joinery, glazed panelling and black aluminium slats combine to create a restrained and contemporary effect. The aluminium slats create a robust layer of privacy whilst retaining a view to the canal and greenery. “First, we like to have clear visibility, but for security purposes, we had to have the double skin,” explains Phongphat. “These slats also help filtrate the heat but still keep the light in.” A pop-up window offers additional views but most significantly from the innards of the house, the pool and courtyards are always visible and form a strong physical connection (and separation) between the two houses.
From a sustainability perspective, Anonym Studio has responded to the tropical climate by utilising a solid thick concrete wall on the west façade with openings on the north-east and south-west elevations for ventilation and cross breezes, with the double skin serving as shading.
Anonym Studio
anonymstudio.com
Photography by Chaovarith Poonphol
Dissection Information
Cement wood lamp by Specimen Editions design by Thinkk studio
Leather sofa from Studio 128
Cane sofa, Chair, Floor lamp by Atelier 2+
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