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TAMARIND HOUSE

Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai
Thailand
2018

TAMARIND HOUSE

Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai
Thailand
2018

TAMARIND HOUSE

Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai
Thailand
2018

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.

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