At
the heart of this home stands a century-old tamarind tree, its broad canopy
filtering sunlight down onto an open lawn. A cluster of family homes belonging
to relatives encircles it to the north and east. It is this ancient tree,
rather than any wall or fence, that gives the whole compound its natural
centre.
Rooted
in the principles of traditional vernacular architecture, each pavilion serves
its own purpose, connected by shared semi-outdoor spaces in between. A
semi-sunken area beneath the main structure links the bedroom pavilion and the
main house, forming a generous high-ceilinged space that brings together the
living room, dining area, kitchen corner, and a small play area for children,
creating an atmosphere that feels neither fully inside nor fully outside. Its
character carries the warmth of 1970s architecture, a style familiar and
fitting within this neighbourhood.
A
covered walkway from the main pavilion passes through the shade of the tamarind
tree, leading to the bedroom wing. Raising the floor and allowing air to
circulate freely beneath keeps the lower level naturally cool throughout the
day, without the need for mechanical cooling.
A
mono-pitched roof clad in cedar shingles completes the design. This is a
contemporary reinterpretation of "paen glet," the traditional timber
shingle roofing of the region. It grounds the house in its surroundings while
meeting the needs of a family living fully in the present.
Architects 49 (Chiang Mai)
Pilawan Piriyaphokai
Mr.Anake Pattaropong
Mr.Suthee Aramchokchaisakul
Mr.Sooppachai Kongin
In 1980, Prabhakorn received his Bachelor of Architecture degree from Chulalongkorn University. He continued his education at the Catholic University of America in Washington DC, where he graduated with a Master of Architecture degree in 1984. Whilst in Washington DC, Prabhakorn worked at Robert Schwinn & Associates in Maryland before returning to Thailand and joining A49 in 1985. At A49, he has been responsible for a wide range of projects ranging from mega complexes and high-rise buildings to houses. Most of these are located in Thailand, whilst others are located in other countries in the region, including: China, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam. His work has also extended outside that region, for example, to the United Arab Emirates and India. All add breadth to the A49 portfolio of work. His main role has been to establish major policies, design concepts and strategic planning initiatives. He was appointed as President of Architects49 Phuket in 2005 and President of Architects49 International in 2006.
Prabhakorn actively served the Association of Siamese Architects (ASA) as its Head of Public Relations from 1992 to 1994, as its Vice President of Foreign Affairs from 1995 to 1997, and as the President of ASA during 2002-2004. He has also participated in many subcommittees for both the ASA and the Architect Council of Thailand (ACT). He is an active Council Member of the ACT, with his present duties for them extending into 2018. He has been an Honorary member of the Japan Institute of Architects (JIA) since 2003.
Prabhakorn has been a key member of A49 since its foundation, and has the honour of being trusted by Nithi Sthapitanonda (the Founder of A49) to be President and Managing Director of 49Group.
In 1980, Prabhakorn received his Bachelor of Architecture degree from Chulalongkorn University. He continued his education at the Catholic University of America in Washington DC, where he graduated with a Master of Architecture degree in 1984. Whilst in Washington DC, Prabhakorn worked at Robert Schwinn & Associates in Maryland before returning to Thailand and joining A49 in 1985. At A49, he has been responsible for a wide range of projects ranging from mega complexes and high-rise buildings to houses. Most of these are located in Thailand, whilst others are located in other countries in the region, including: China, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam. His work has also extended outside that region, for example, to the United Arab Emirates and India. All add breadth to the A49 portfolio of work. His main role has been to establish major policies, design concepts and strategic planning initiatives. He was appointed as President of Architects49 Phuket in 2005 and President of Architects49 International in 2006.
Prabhakorn actively served the Association of Siamese Architects (ASA) as its Head of Public Relations from 1992 to 1994, as its Vice President of Foreign Affairs from 1995 to 1997, and as the President of ASA during 2002-2004. He has also participated in many subcommittees for both the ASA and the Architect Council of Thailand (ACT). He is an active Council Member of the ACT, with his present duties for them extending into 2018. He has been an Honorary member of the Japan Institute of Architects (JIA) since 2003.
Prabhakorn has been a key member of A49 since its foundation, and has the honour of being trusted by Nithi Sthapitanonda (the Founder of A49) to be President and Managing Director of 49Group.
In collaboration with Landscape Architects 49, we have extensive experience in master planning and urban design. We have worked for both government and private sectors from large urban development to planning of new university campus.
