Surfaces (Thai Architecture Elements Series)

These little books are published to make available unused images from Nithi Stapitanonda's book Architecture of Thailand (2006.) In each he focuses on one or two architectural elements with images and some text, this one looks at color. See also Roofs, Doors & Windows, and Colors.

When we look at Thai architecture from the perspective of modern architecture, we discover many commonalities in the approach to design and in the choice of materials. The distinctive Thai beauty fits well with modern design in such aspects as the relationship with the environment, function, and consideration of the impact of open spaces. (from the introduction.)

A classification of materials in the images:

WALL...
plastered masonry:
plain
with painted mural
with embellishments inset in the plaster for decoration
with punched openings for ventilation
woven matting:
in herringbone pattern
in basket-weave pattern
with reeds lined up in vertical orientation
in wood slat or bamboo framework
wood planks:
horizontal siding
horizontal siding as angled vents
horizontal slats sometimes with punched designs
vertical siding
arranged vertically overlapping with some short planks to create openings
vertical slats sometimes with punched designs
railings in an "x" pattern, or spindles
wood panels:
as solid walls, sometimes with intricate carvings/painted and divided into boxes
as swiveling windows
as shuttered windows
clay:
bricks (structural) long and flat, sometimes used to create curved surfaces
3D tiles creating raised mosaics, or smooth/3D with painted designs arranged in mosaics
stone:
bricks (structural)
3D decorative tiles with carvings, mosaics
metal:
intricately carved latticework in temples with glass/mirror insets

FLOOR...
glazed tile:
decoratively painted
wood:
planks
matting
bamboo to create paths
concrete/stone/bricks:
gravel or sand
pavers over gravel or laid into concrete
perforated pavers to allow grass to grow through
continuous paved surface laid orthogonally or diagonally
stone pavers placed far apart to make a path

CEILING...
wood:
lattice holding jars
open bamboo beams and underside of roofing (looks nice with the structure painted)
planked or paneled soffits
masonry/concrete:
vaulting
coffering

ROOF...
wood:
thatched leaves with rods placed over to hold them down
halved bamboo placed over/under
shingles sometimes with decorative ends
ceramic:
wide tiles placed closely over each other
molded tiles (spanish-look)
shingles with pointed or rounded ends to make diamond pattern