House in Phattalung by Architect Rakchai Noratethdilok in Tambon Tha Khae, Thailand

Project: House in Phattalung Architects: Rakchai Noratethdilok Location: Tambon Tha Khae, Thailand Area: 462 sq ftPhotos: Rakchai Noratethdilok

House in Phattalung by Architect Rakchai Noratethdilok

The house in Phattalung, located in southern Thailand, was built for the owner who returned to her hometown after 20 years in Bangkok. Surrounded by a rubber plantation, the house aims to connect the kitchen of the old house with the plantation landscape while creating a sense of continuity through interior design. The main functions include living room, bedroom and bathroom, with the wardrobe and bathroom placed on opposite sides to avoid heat from the sun. The living room and bedroom are separated only by a television partition, ensuring light and ventilation throughout the space. Materials were chosen for their harmonious interaction with nature: a smooth plaster layer is used for walls and floors, black painted steel is applied in roof construction, while wooden finishes create a cozy atmosphere.

After more than 20 years of living in Bangkok, the owner decided to return to her hometown Phattalung in southern Thailand and fulfill her dream of creating a private space that expands upon the inherited family territory. This property, built decades ago, is located in the center of a rubber plantation and has served as a gathering place for family events for years.

The location is surrounded by a peaceful rubber plantation reflecting the local agricultural community. The plot for the new house sits between the plantation and the kitchen of the old house where family gatherings usually take place. To create a connection between the houses and the plantation, the new house is designed to ensure continuity from the old kitchen to the plantation landscape through a spacious interior of the new building.

The main functions of the new house are living room, bedroom and bathroom. The building orientation is East-West with the wardrobe and bathroom located on the eastern and western sides respectively, while the main part is centered to avoid heat from the sun and ensure good ventilation according to tropical climate. A wooden partition was also installed for privacy, designed in a diagonal pattern to provide comfortable vision.

The living room and bedroom are separated only by a television partition, through which light and air freely pass. The bathroom is designed without a ceiling to create an atmosphere where users can feel nature through tree branches or moonlight above their heads.

The design emphasizes the use of materials harmonizing with the natural environment: minimal variety of materials is used effectively, preferring to reveal the inherent qualities of materials. Main walls and floors are finished with smooth plaster. Black painted steel is used in roof construction. Wooden finishes are also applied to express a sense of nature and create a cozy atmosphere.

- Rakchai Noratethdilok