Thinking Thai

Brick screen wall, New Delhi, by Anagram Architects

2009-10-02T18:39:00.000-07:00

gorgeous.

http://blog.ounodesign.com/2009/01/21/brick-screen-wall-new-delhi-by-anagram-architects/

American Screened Porches

2009-10-02T18:09:00.000-07:00

If, in Thailand, walls don't really have to be walls...the screened porch comes to mind as a viable solution to allow for unobstructed views and insect management....and doesn't the first example even look Thai?

http://prswoodworking.com/sitebuilder/images/screen_porch-577x600.jpg

http://lovettconstruction.net/yahoo_site_admin/assets/images/new_screen_porch.22391517_std.jpg

http://www.ebuild.com/articles/articleId.474114/artnum.2.hwx

http://www.asastanford.com/wp-content/gallery/renovations/AnotherScreenPorch.JPG

The Dairy House / Skene Catling de la Peña

2009-10-01T12:05:00.000-07:00

http://www.archdaily.com/17142/the-dairy-house-skene-catling-de-la-pena/

more bamboo

2009-09-23T21:50:00.001-07:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/anthonygrimley/3476765886/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jipe82/2254812399/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/wowstanley/73865286/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/archisculpture/113240291/

http://2b-2009-battersea.blogspot.com/2009/08/bamboo-facade.html

http://get.edidomus.it/domus/extrasensor/contentmanager/mid/B-090503-Bamboo_Facade-2.jpg

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://farm1.static.flickr.com/129/390088839_6bd4c29612.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.flickr.com/photos/biwook/390088839/&usg=__L-6PkN-dRLIlXLNGfz_OHaW0kxM=&h=375&w=500&sz=192&hl=en&start=3&sig2=K0QxO_UG-pQEgjstMningQ&um=1&tbnid=bM0qCToi8D2NyM:&tbnh=98&tbnw=130&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dbamboo%2Bscaffolding%26hl%3Den%26rlz%3D1C1GGLS_enUS340US340%26sa%3DG%26um%3D1&ei=Evm6SsbXC4yslAfS57jHDQ

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.stockphotopro.com/photo-thumbs-2/stockphotopro_10569331JWU_.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.stockphotopro.com/photo_of/parking/10569331JWU/_Germany__Saxony__Leipzig_&usg=__xziMuu7I_2vrYyctdWg0qxvkOPU=&h=321&w=400&sz=126&hl=en&start=31&sig2=KwmTHjbqs_Lw9rFEBMWL3A&um=1&tbnid=k9Ic7ECEMBH-uM:&tbnh=100&tbnw=124&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dbamboo%2Bfacade%26ndsp%3D21%26hl%3Den%26rlz%3D1C1GGLS_enUS340US340%26sa%3DN%26start%3D21%26um%3D1&ei=ePe6SpLNFISElgfGk_y3DQ

Neat project in Bangladesh

2009-09-23T21:30:00.000-07:00

http://kboekhoff.blogspot.com/2008_04_01_archive.html

Bamboo Screens

2009-09-23T21:08:00.000-07:00

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/01/carabanchel_hou.php

http://www.building.co.uk/story.asp?storycode=3118794

http://suisin.jimu.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/showcase/photo/center/watercenter.html

http://www.bambusero.co.nz/custom-fences/

The Phoenix Commotion (Featured in the NYT)

2009-09-05T13:04:00.000-07:00

recycled picture frame samples

recycled shingles

bottle-bottom door

end grain countertop

wine cork floor

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/03/garden/03recycle.html

http://www.phoenixcommotion.com/index2.html

Soe Ker Tie House (Noh Bo, Tak, Thailand)

2009-09-05T12:13:00.000-07:00

TYIN tegnestue is a non-profit organization working humanitarian through architecture. TYIN is run by five architect students from NTNU and the projects are financed by more than 60 Norwegian companies, as well as private contributions.

Through the course of the last year TYIN has worked with planning and constructing small scale projects in Thailand. We aim to build strategic projects that can improve the lives for people in difficult situations. Through extensive collaboration with locals, and mutual learning, we hope that our projects can have an impact beyond the physical structures.

from http://www.archdaily.com/25748/soe-ker-tie-house-tyin-tegnestue/

groundwater cooling links

2009-09-02T13:44:00.000-07:00

Sustainability at the cutting edge: emerging technologies for low energy (Google Books)

General explaination of possible systems

International Ground Source Heat Pump Association

Biodesign Instit. Phase 2, ASU (Hunter Douglas vertical wood louvers)

2009-09-02T13:16:00.000-07:00

from http://www.hunterdouglascontract.com/referenceprojects/article.jsp?pId=8a438349107703a40110c5f1d81c012b&projectId=1155&sid=catSolar&start=9

California Academy of Science (Hunter Douglas external roller shades)

2009-09-02T13:14:00.001-07:00

from http://www.hunterdouglascontract.com/referenceprojects/article.jsp?pId=8a4383491d26996f011d875b6342051d&projectId=1504&sid=catSolar&start=0

Designcenter De Winkelhaak & Delfts Blauw (Hunter Douglas sliding shutters)

2009-09-02T13:07:00.000-07:00

from http://www.hunterdouglascontract.com/referenceprojects/article.jsp?pId=p10293&projectId=293&sid=catSolar&start=45

and

http://www.hunterdouglascontract.com/referenceprojects/article.jsp?pId=p10262&projectId=262&sid=catSolar&start=54

Resin Façade Panels (Hunter Douglas)

2009-09-02T12:55:00.000-07:00

from http://www.hunterdouglascontract.com/referenceprojects/article.jsp?pId=8a438349189c79dc0118a4bd930c005b&projectId=1388&sid=catFacade|solFacResin&start=0

Amherst College (Terracotta facade, hunter douglas)

2009-09-02T12:53:00.001-07:00

from http://www.hunterdouglascontract.com/referenceprojects/article.jsp?pId=8a4383491c69fe7d011ca0272f5b020d&projectId=1467&sid=catFacade|solTerracotta&start=0

Brandhorst Museum in Munich, Germany (Hunter Douglas facade)

2009-09-02T12:39:00.000-07:00

The museum's most striking feature is its facade, composed of 36,000 TERRART®-Baguette ceramic rods in an assortment of 23 custom colors.

Perhaps not surprisingly, the technical design of NBK's system is also dynamic, and uses the principles of a rainscreen, ventilated facade. Instead of being engineered as a relatively impervious layer, caulked and sealed against the weather, the facade features open vertical joints that allow free flow of air. The facade's ability to balance air pressure, along with a support system that drains rainwater away from cavities behind, discourages water from entering wall cavities.

In a recent architectural review, Jonathan Glancey of The Guardian had architect Matthias Sauerbruch describe his inspiration for the building: "'What we've tried to create,' says Sauerbruch, 'is a jewellery box that, hopefully, catches your eye and makes you want to see what's inside. And when you get inside, the jewellery is the art - and not the architecture.'" Glancey's own assessment is even more generous: "Sauerbruch is being too modest," he says. "The Brandhorst Museum is a jewel of a building, one that will greatly bolster Munich's growing cultural significance."

(from http://www.hunterdouglascontract.com/referenceprojects/article.jsp?pId=8a4383491cb56176011cde0dbc07042a)

could something similar be done at lower cost with plastic tubes/cylinders?

British Embassy, Bangkok

2009-07-27T14:19:00.001-07:00

British Embassy, Staff Housing & Amenities, Bangkok
MJP Architects

source: http://www.e-architect.co.uk/thailand/british_embassy_bangkok.htm

Flickr finds: Thai benches

2009-07-27T13:48:00.000-07:00

In thinking about seating for CTS, would it work to do it along the circulation paths in strategic places inspired by the traditional Thai way of doing it?

The benches hang slightly off the edge of the raised terrace...this could be reimagined in metal, concrete or wood, and combined with planters. I think it could work well on the second level, especially in the area surrounding the courtyard to maximize the circulation space.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/thaipulse/1400867538/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stinkys0ck/240195763/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bkkfoto/2335441860/

I came across this one in my search and it was too gorgeous to not post: http://www.flickr.com/photos/imokko/3220136916/

Fun New Thai Architecture Blog

2009-05-25T09:59:00.000-07:00

Thai Architecture Contemporary and Traditional

posts on:
vernacular architecture
columns
concepts in modern Thai architecture

2009-04-17T16:14:00.001-07:00

Here's a great idea- a ceiling panel for space cooling- water is fed into the panel and is evaporated by exhaust air from air-con or extract ducting, thus lowering the temperature of the panel and creating 'coolth' by radiation

2009-03-30T00:53:00.000-07:00

Some possible models for the houses linked to the church- could be a lot nicer than this- but these are simple and buildable and form an attractive communal space. Houses are in Lopburi.

windows with interior screens-simple opening mechanism

2009-03-01T17:27:00.000-08:00

Architectkidd, Bangkok

2009-02-23T00:12:00.000-08:00

Project: Goodwill International Office

Architectkidd is an architecture & design practice based in Bangkok, Thailand. The office is coordinated by Udomsak Komovilas, Jariyawadee Lekawatana & Luke Yeung. (www.architectkidd.com)

Buddhist temple built out of one million beer bottles

2009-02-20T18:58:00.000-08:00

A temple has been built by monks in northeast Thailand who used over a million recycled beer bottles to make the walls and roof. (Telegraph)

Some traditional thai motifs from my snapshot collection

2009-02-13T02:18:00.000-08:00

Flickr Finds: library computer layouts

2009-02-03T20:07:00.000-08:00

1. Library computers, 2. Belmont Library Regular Computer Lab, 3. Westonka Library's Computer Area, 4. Old computer center, 5. Computer Modules in the Library, 6. Mar Vista Library Computer Terminals, 7. Computers@Library, 8. Public Computer Use @ FLPL, 9. Kids Computers

Designing of a thai bio-climatic roof (paper)

2009-02-02T19:16:00.000-08:00

I just came across this paper and thought the concept to be interesting, but not sure how it works...

Author(s)

WAEWSAK J. ; HIRUNLABH J. ; KHEDARI J.

Affiliation(s)

Energy Technology Division, School of Energy and Materials, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok, 10140, THAILANDE

Abstract

This paper presents an innovative roof design. The roof is designed in response to the Tropical climate of Thailand with respect to human thermal comfort. It is composed of a combination of CPAC Monier concrete and transparent tiles on the outer side, air gap and another combination of gypsum with aluminum foil board and translucent sheets on the house side. It has two functions in operation: In daytime the roof acts as a solar chimney and induces natural ventilation. The transparent tile provides not only sufficient daylight for housing but also help in increasing the ventilation rate. In nighttime, the Thai bio-climatic roof plays the role of a roof radiator to dissipate the heat accumulated during daytime by long-wave radiation to the sky dome. The roof surface temperature decreases below ambient in several degree celcius. The cool air located between the two sides of roof flows downward providing nocturnal cooling.

Thai perforated panels

2009-01-31T02:55:00.001-08:00

One possible screen pattern, based on the cross-shaped perforations in the white wall in the 'Thai Surfaces' book

SG perforated screens

2009-01-31T02:48:00.001-08:00

Rather introverted building- but the panels are interesting- different colors and perforation patterns, back lit at night

Monopitch roof football center under construction

2009-01-28T04:21:00.001-08:00

Near the turn-off for Bang Bua Tong on Phuttamonthon Rd. West of Bangkok. (I would have gotten more varied shots, but was getting suspicious looks after sneaking through the gate.)

Flickr Finds: Stencils in Thailand

2009-01-25T07:42:00.000-08:00

1. DSC_1035M, 2. Thai Box, 3. pattern, 4. stencil, 5. fish w/ gas mask, 6. Gold stenciling on red is a very common decorative motif in Thailand.JPG, 7. Stenciled!, 8. Wooden Stencil, 9. Stencilling on a door, Wat Chiang Man, Chiang Mai, 10. stencil

Joyful stewardship

2009-01-25T07:08:00.000-08:00

Thank you, David, for letting me tag along on the trip to Prabat. I was so impacted by the perspective of the church leaders there who aren't waiting for finalized plans or completed fund raising goals to start using their land for God's glory. Instead, they are harvesting produce and organizing camping trips. What a poignant reminder to live fully in the present!

Materials Inspiration, Chiang Mai

2009-01-25T06:57:00.001-08:00

A church built for the cost of a motorcycle, Chiang Mai

2009-01-25T06:47:00.000-08:00

Modern Thai Inspiration: The Chedi Hotel, Chiang Mai

2009-01-25T06:32:00.000-08:00

ambiance without lots of finishing materials (night market, Chiang Mai)

2009-01-25T06:30:00.000-08:00

Japanese Homes and Their Surroundings, By Edward S. Morse

2008-12-30T02:49:00.000-08:00

Limited preview at Googlebooks online.

Houses for The Twenty-first Century, By Geoffrey London (2004)

2008-12-30T02:23:00.000-08:00

Another Googlebooks find! Includes an article entitled "Recent Thai Houses: Diversity Without Integration" by Pirak Anurakyawachon that discusses (and gives a history of) the balance between Thai and Western influences...there's some really interesting stuff in the essay

Built to Meet Needs: Cultural Issues in Vernacular Architecture, by Paul Oliver (2006)

2008-12-30T02:03:00.000-08:00

I stumbled upon this book about the study of vernacular architecture on Google books, so a bunch of it is available to read online. (click here)

Surfaces (Thai Architecture Elements Series)

2008-12-16T05:05:00.000-08:00

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

Colors (Thai Architecture Elements Series)

2008-12-16T05:01:00.000-08:00

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 Surfaces.

Colors hold high significance in Thai culture; most Thais register a deep connection between colors and the ideas associated with them. For instance, each day of the week is assigned a color and the King's color is yellow based on his birthday, while the Queen's is blue based on hers. These bright colors show up in everything from shirts commemorating the King to cloth bunting along the road. This book focuses in on the use of the primary colors in architecture, but it is clear from a quick glance at any Thai street that many vibrant colors are used unapologetically in all manner of buildings.

Some notes from the text:

The color red, or vermilion, signifies power and sacredness. It is part of the Thai national flag and is also utilised for inscriptions on holy cloth that is used as a talisman. Red is also widely used in almost all Thai architectural elements...applied along with other colors to enhance beauty and interpretation, for instance red and gold used together enhances the shine of gold and adds brightness...red can also be applied in combination with opposite colors...such as red-green, red-blue, and red-yellow.

Yellow is significant in Buddhism; the color expresses sacredness and also prosperity and wealth. It is favored both in Thai paintings and architecture...in this book, gold is included in the category of yellow color. Gold is the color that expresses prosperity and wealth more prominently than other colors, therefore, it is favored in architecture of significance or in buildings meant for the higher ranks such as those dedicated to Buddha or the King. Thai craftsmen always use gilded copper plates to cover the principle pagoda, decorate the roof of buildings with gold colored glass mosaics, and apply gold with other colors such as gold on black lacquer, gold-blue, and gold-red.

Dark blue, a cool tone color, gives a feeling of calmness. It also signifies royalty and is another color that is seen on the Thai national flag...blue was imported from China in later times therefore the application of blue was only for high-ranking buildings such as royal temples and the grand palace.

'The Thai House: History & Evolution' vocabulary

2008-12-16T02:19:00.000-08:00

From The Thai House: History & Evolution (2002) by Ruethati Chaichongrak & others. (p 242) There is also a fantastic resource page (p 243) of "some trees and plants commonly associated with Thai houses" in the back of the book.

General

Bang- Raised. Often found at the beginning of village names.
Dao Harng ceremony- a pre-test to see that the house components are in their correct places.
Don- Raised. Often found at the beginning of village names.
Keub- A Thai measurement equivalent to 0.33 cm.
Klong- a canal.
Kranok- A commonly found decorative design of swirling tendrils & foliage.
Kwang tawan- Against the direction of the sun: the gable faces north or south. Generally inauspicious.
Long tawan- With the direction of the sun: the gable faces east or west. Generally auspicious.
Muang- A city or city state.
Muang fai- An ancient small-scale gravity feed irrigation system in northern Thailand.
Pa phae- The so-called 'goat forest,' the name given to community forests in northern Thailand.
Rasami phra arthit- A sunburst design found on gables throughout Thailand.
Sork- A Thai measurement based on the distance from elbow to wrist equivalent to 50 cm.

Construction Components

Bai raka- a certain type of roof finial
Blanor roof- a so-called Manila-style roof.
Charn- terrace
Chofa- roof finial found on temples.
Dunk- A central vertical roof timber.
Fa- wall panels.
Fa khat thae- woven bamboo wall panels.
Fa pakon- wooden wall panels.
Fa prong lom- loose-weave bamboo panels.
Hamyon- A carved wooden plaque above the door on the inside of the bedroom of northern houses.
Homrin- the space between the bedroom house and the kitchen house in northern Thailand.
Hong- a post span and a measurement of the Thai house.
Hua Thian- a round tenon on the top of house posts.
Janthan- rafter.
Jua- gable ends.
Kalae- crossed and carved gable ends foind on certain northern houses.
Kamyan- eave truss.
Kansart- extended eaves or roofs to protect the sides of the house.
Kantoey- eave bracket. Usually for chapel.
Khaira- soffits which extend from the walls or gables.
Khangkhao- a small piece of wood used to attach the rafter.
Khor song- upper section of the wall panel below the khue.
Klorn- latches.
Khue- cross beams.
Koey- a lean-to roof extended from under the house eaves found in Isaan.
Kongpat- part of the foundation.
Kradai- stairway.
Krua- kitchen.
Langkha- roof.
Lima roof- a hipped roof whose five ridges refer to the word lima or five in Arabic.
Loog fak panel- wooden wall panels with a raised center panel, found in the central region.
Mae ding fai- a cooking platform.
Maelae roof- a gabled roof type found in southern Thailand.
Na thang- windows.
Ngua- part of the foundation.
Ok-khai- the ridge beam.
Pae- purlins.
Panlom- windbreak on the gable.
Peek nok- soffit.
Phuen- floor.
Pratu- door.
Prueng- the rectangular frame used to brace the house floor and wall.
Ra- floor beam.
Rabieng- verandah.
Rae- a disc of thong larng wood used as a foundation.
Raan nam- a shelf for water jars in northern Thailand.
Ranaeng- laths.
Rawd- post tie beam.
Salak duey- wooden wedges and pins used to lock components together.
Samae- wooden nail.
Sao- posts.
Sao ek- the first post also known as the auspicious post or the king post.
Sao laeng ma- posts supporting the porch of northern houses which are seen as symbolising a dog guarding the house.
Sao nang rieng- posts used to support very large kansart.
Sao tho- the second post, sometimes called the queen post.
Tao- a bracket supporting the roof or kansart.
Teen sao- the base of a post. In the south these are not sunk into the ground and are often concrete.
Toen- the multi-purpose area outside the rooms of northern houses.
Tong- joists.
Waeng sord/waeng keeb- floor beams.
Yong- a carved panel below the window.

Types of Buildings

Dunk tang khan yao- the largest type of yao (north-east.)
Huen- a house (northeastern dialect.)
Hor klang- central hall.
Hor nok- bird pavilion.
Hor suadmon- prayer hall.
Hor trai- scripture hall.
Kappiya kuti- structure housing monk's food.
Kuti- monk's residence.
Lao khao- rice granary.
Long khao- rice granary (northeast.)
Pae loog buab- a bamboo raft.
Po- a wooden raft.
Ruen kalae- a northern house built of hardwood with the extending crossed eave boards.
Ruen khahabodhi- rich person's house.
Ruen khrua- kitchen.
Ruen klang- central hall.
Ruen krueng sab- house built of wood.
Ruen krueng pook- a house built of bamboo.
Ruen mai bua- a house built of bamboo.
Ruen mai ching- house built of wood.
Ruen norn- sleeping house.
Ruen loog- subsidiary building added for children to sleep in.
Ruen khwang- a house built crosswise to the other two in a group.
Ruen pae- a raft house.
Ruen sam hong- a house with three post spans.
Ruen yai mi khong- a twin house built of wood (northeast). the most prestigious type of house.
Ruen yai- a large house built of wood. Typical of a relatively well-off family.
Sala karn parien- preaching hall.
Teng na- a northern rice field hut.
Therb- a type of hut used for storage.
Thieng na- rice field hut (northeast.)
Toob tor lao- small lean-to adjoining the granary used as living accomodation.
Ubosot- ordination hall within a temple compound.
Viharn- temple building housing the Buddha image.
Yao- a temporary building (northeast.)
Yung khao- granary.

Roofs (Thai Architecture Elements Series)

2008-11-28T19:07:00.000-08:00

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 is divided by roof type. I'd like to get copies of "Surfaces" and "Colors." There are also volumes entitled "Stairs & Railings," "Statuary," and "Gates & Fences." (Update: See also Doors & Windows, Surfaces, and Colors.)

Some notes from the text regarding pattern recognition:

Tiered roofs
-visually reduce the mass of a large-scale building, making it look slimmer and more buoant
-reflect the status of the building: more tiers=higher significance of building, owner, or dwellers
-high, vertical layering implies faith in Buddhism or the King

Single-planed
-in the North, where it is cooler, eaves reach down to cover the windows. "Ka Lae" are crossed pieces of wood at teh gable-top to give good fortune, and "Ka Ko" are carved pieces covering the end of purlins.
-in the Southern region with heavy rains and winds, houses on stilts are not as high as those in Central and Northern Thailand, and have a higher pitch to facilitate drainage
-Northeastern style roofs are of the lowest pitch due to dry climate & low rainfall

Multi-tiered (like wedding cake-cone form, spire)
-based on belief related to the mythical Sumeru Mountain...highest rank of roof.

Gable & Hipped
-enable good rainwater drainage and air ventilation
-builders prefer to use small roof tiles on high pitch roof planes
-tiles placed so as to make a border on each roof plane help to make the roof appear light and buoyant

Roof Elements
-Cho Fa, gable-top decoration made in bird-beak shape or fish-lip shape
-Khrueang Lamyong, gable eaves & tile end covers
-Hang Hong, gable end decorations made in the shape of Nage heads placed in a row
-Thais consider it inappropriate to decorate common buildings to be as or more elaborate than temples and palaces.

Doors & Windows (Thai Architecture Elements Series)

2008-11-28T18:36:00.000-08:00

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, divided by region. See also Roofs, Surfaces, and Colors.

Some notes from the text regarding pattern recognition:

-"with windows and doors, the most common material is wood, because it is easy to work, light-weight, strong, and has good weight bearing capacity and tensile strength."
-Thai doors always open inward (and it looks like windows most often open outward.)
-spiritual themes (to ward off evil spirits, etc.) are often incorporated in woodwork on traditional doors to designate the separation between the inside & outside.

There are lots of fantastic pictures of walls & wall openings, and I wanted to note these two temples in the north (Lanna architecture) that have solid masonry bases with punched openings and wood on top:

Wat Phra That Lampang Luang.Wat Ton Kwen

images from a bike ride on campus...

2008-11-23T03:43:00.000-08:00

There are a lot of trees on campus (Mahidol University, Salaya) making pictures of the buildings a little challenging to acquire. These are pictures from a bike ride this evening...just some buildings that have caught my eye. This campus was founded in 1990 or so, and there have been many buildings that have gone up recently as well. The above is a good example of vertical concrete sun-shading that you see on a lot of buildings here. Below is a brand-new building with a faux-brick base, and an open ground story. (I showed another portion of it here.)
I really like the look of exterior tiles as cladding, but am not sure about their durability. I've seen them on a lot of older facades from the 60's here...and they weather really well. These were cemented on, and clearly have issues...Some more tiles from the dorms that look a little better...(red & grey)
Those are also tiles up above (white,) and still look fantastic. I think this was one of the original buildings.More tan tiles, again with problems. (sad...they are so pretty.) It looks like they hold up better nearer to the ground...perhaps because of rain & wind on the top storys?

A building under construction next to the new music school...it looks like another music building. Interesting materials...a couple of different kinds of wood. These window "flaps" are on the Eastern side of North-facing windows. The stairs make me nervous every time I pass this building.These are South-East facing windows on a Southern exposure...the balconies are really interesting.
Speaking of roofs...

And here is the recently-completed concrete mega-structure known as the music school.
This is a nice moment where the different materials & levels come together @ the turn of a ramp. Tiles again.some punched openings...and I'm facinated by the grass...and I'm not sure if the zigzag is supposed to be a reference to music...it happens in a few other places on the building.
We came upon this concert...another mono-pitch roof!nextdoor is this...I suppose you could point to it as an example of how wood weathers, but I should talk to someone about what the upkeep of it is.

concrete sunshading...
this is the temporary cafeteria made up in the former basketball courts. It's actually 100x nicer than the old cafeteria.
"skylights" from translucent roof panels.

These fans blow cold air out from little tubes affixed to the front of the fan...nice.And there you have it! Thanks for joining me. :)

Our Church, Bang Bua Thong

2008-11-22T22:50:00.000-08:00

We go to a Thai church in Bang Bua Thong (outside of Bangkok) that rents 3 adjacent shophouses. They run a daycare during the week, and the pastor's family lives on the top floor. (I'm not sure what's going on there with the lack of window on the top floor, far left.) The owners of the building have gotten foreclosed on, so the congregation has been looking for a new space. They decided to build a new building not too far away, which is being funded by the mother-church in Bangkok. I love that it's orange, which makes it easy to point out to taxi drivers!
This is a little oasis of living things just outside the front door...very little space, but enough to add some greenery and fish!
This is the mother-church in Bangkok---the architecture of which is greatly admired by the pastor.
The main floor, used for daycare, church dining hall, meetings, etc. It is 2 shophouse modules, and the partition over the front makes for an interesting feeling in the space. The kitchen is in the back (a narrow sliver between the building and property wall that has been roofed over.) Bathrooms are under the stairs. I think I must have inherited my propensity to stick things to the walls around me from my Thai side. At the very minimum, most Thai buildings feature pictures of the King.
Here is the same space later (looking from the other corner,) when everyone came down to eat:
A classroom off to the side...sorry for the blurriness.
There is a mezzanine between the ground level and the sanctuary level.
This is the sanctuary; it is the only air-conditioned space in the building. It takes up the front of all three modules.
Outside the sanctuary, the stairs lead up to the pastor's living quarters.
Some drawings of the new church building. It will be similar to the current one in that the daycare and meeting space will be on the ground level, and sanctuary/pastor's quarters will be above.
Here is our pastor with one of his sons. There is a church building on his tie, which was appropriate as he had a meeting today about the new building. The congregation seems excited about the change, and really enjoy looking at the drawings.
The view out the front door...some sun-shading, ventilation.

monopitch sketchups

2008-11-21T21:19:00.001-08:00

The slopes are noted in the drawings....the 1:10 creates some lofty ceilings, and may not be conducive to multiple activities happening in the same space noise-wise, if the mezzanine is left open. Using a tiered roof (below) helps define the spaces below better. I'm not sure about cleaning the clerestories...but it seems that most Thais wouldn't be too daunted by getting up on the roof.
This 1:4 pitch allows similar definition of space, but with a single roof.
The 1:2.4 pitch similarly defines the space, and gives more headroom in the mezzanine without the ceiling elsewhere becoming too high. It may give too much sun-exposure on the high side.
I like the dynamic look of this one, and how it uses the roof to create interest. It also allows the steep roof to sit further down on the structure.

some roofs

2008-11-21T18:16:00.000-08:00

These are from last week, and I'll be working on exploring a monopitch roof with mezzanine as well.

I also added a better picture of that building on campus with the cascading flowers here.

a nice house

2008-11-10T23:26:00.000-08:00

I came across this beautiful house by LPA Architects on Inhabitat the other day, and thought it was a nice example of the idea of a light/airy top level on a solid concrete base.

pattern language: unprogrammed space

2008-11-10T23:08:00.000-08:00

I was thinking about the wardrobe in our bedroom the other day, and wondered if the preference for storage furniture over storage architecture (closets) points to any truths about the way Thai people think about space. Generally, it seems that traditional (excepting temple) spaces are multi-functional, and many times portable. (think houseboats, floating houses, pre-fab buildings on stilts.) Electrical and plumbing is often exposed, and easily modified---creating spaces perfectly suited for today's needs, but not "set in stone." Another thought on this: I think a lot of Thai people are more likely to bring the dinner table into their favorite room just for a meal, than have a separate space just for dining.

10 degree roof shadow studies; winter solstice @ 4pm

2008-10-25T23:59:00.000-07:00

There is about a 1m eave on all of these.

School images from around campus

2008-10-24T06:15:00.000-07:00

This building has a deep planter along the windows on every floor...with the most gorgeous pink flowers cascading down.
Can you see what is wrong in this picture?
Some sun-shading and an open first floor (with multiple small elevation changes to keep things interesting...there's also a ramp on the side.)
Some small privacy/sun screens on the dorms

Green screens

2008-10-23T23:26:00.000-07:00

Thanks for the brise soleil images. Here's part
of the new apartment building I did in Singapore-
a green wall to keep out some of the sun and
provide some privacy, dappled light inside etc.

It would be good to research plant types for
something like this at CTS. One major difference
is the variation in rainfall in Thailand- any green
wall would need watering- maybe groundwater,
using simple solar-powered pumps? Another
problem is keeping the plants under control- ours
have reached the roof eaves and need constant trimming!

Bamboo!

2008-10-23T06:51:00.000-07:00

Designer/builder magazine
DeBoer Architects
Venilale Community Meeting Hall
Bamboo Construction Manual

from DeBoer's site:

Renewable - The Phyllostachys varieties, most suitable for growing and building in the U.S. where we must deal with frost, will grow 12-18 inches a day once a grove is established. Culms (the living poles) emerge as large as they will ever be in that first six-week spurt, then spend the next three years replacing sugars and water with silica and cellulose. Structurally, they are only useful after that third year, which is about when the culm is not needed by the plant.

Plentiful - Our current meager U.S. supply of timber-quality bamboo can increase manifold within a decade with species selection appropriate to the microclimate, water, and nutrient availability. For now, temperate varieties such as Moso are being imported from Asia. These are well suited to being grown here.

Local - Bamboo concentrates a large amount of fiber in a small land area, creating that rare situation in which a single person can be both producer and consumer of a building material. A bamboo builder is not dependent upon the whims of the marketplace and can create a long-term source of material. Few other materials, besides earth, can make such claims.

Waste-reducing - As is nature's general practice, nothing goes to waste. The leaves are high in nitrogen, making good feed for livestock. Any fallen leaf compost goes to fertilize the next generation. http://esi.athenstn.com/wwt/Bamboo_Bioremediation.html But, even more enticing are the statistics for pulling carbon out of the air, potentially reducing the amount of carbon dioxide that contributes to the greenhouse effect. According to the people at the Zero Emissions Research Institute (ZERI) who built the bamboo pavilion at the top of this page, a bamboo forest can sequester 17 times as much carbon as a typical tree forest. In a country where a third of the greenhouse gases are attributed to buildings, imagine a building material that, when used locally, not only doesn't contribute to global warming, it solves some small portion of the problem.

'Colonial' Thai layering/ventilation

2008-10-23T05:36:00.000-07:00

1. old hospital thailand07, 2. Savannakhet, 3. Phayathai Palace, Bangkok, 4. vimanmak-15, 5. Vimanmek Mansion, Dusit, Bangkok, Thailand, 6. By the way - 20

A lot of times, there were really intricate wood carvings that worked as vents in the top of the wall, or transoms over doors...I can't find any of my pictures of these! :(

high-profile metal brise soleil / scrim examples...

2008-10-23T03:15:00.000-07:00

San Francisco Federal Building
New York Times Building
Seattle Art Museum
Santa Monica Civic Center Parking
Caltrans District 7 Headquarters
Palácio Gustavo Capanema
8 woningen Kettingstraat
DeYoung Museum
166 Perry Street

Other Materials:
Agbar Tower, Barcelona (glass)
WEA Trust Office Building (fabric)

Now for some concrete (mostly mid century stuff) & living vegetation examples...I just have to walk across the street for those!

External wall screens

2008-10-21T17:02:00.001-07:00

This 'cool' project in Alabama has got me thinking about different types of screen around covered spaces- particularly mobile screens that can be used to change the degree of privacy, as well as reducing sunlight, wind and rain. Curtains/drapes? and/or sliding screens, and/or rotating slats? Roll up blinds, fold out awnings etc.

This is the Jim Thomson office building in BKK with some attractive sliding screens etc

This is in N BKK, near Don Meuang- fixed screens that soften the light and provide some security.

This is part of a rich Thai tradition- here's a louvred screen in a house near the river in BKK- maximum ventilation with total privacy.

I like the way these awnings soften the light. Can we find other examples
including screens or drapes that have a decorative/symbolic function?

Welcome spaces

2008-10-20T18:14:00.000-07:00

Here are some examples of features that mark the transition from public to semi-private space, in a welcoming way:
A bench seat halfway up the entrance stair- a place to meet visitors- some can be invited further in, others perhaps not! Also a place for the householder to watch the world go by.
And a little roof sheltering water jars from the hot sun- offering visitors a drink as they enter the house, and a place to take off their sandals.
How can we maintain this culture of welcome in a modern setting?

Roof Images cont'd

2008-10-20T17:53:00.000-07:00

Here's another example of a recent linear raised ridge vent roof.

And a stepped pyramid roof on an old farm building near Chiang Rai.

roof images

2008-10-19T05:26:00.000-07:00

I was out on the elevated highways yesterday, the perfect height for observing the tops of buildings---and snapped some quick photos of roofs. Here are a bunch of multi-level roofs which seem to help with making it look less like a warehouse. (although it doesn't look like any of them are actually using the architecture for ventilation, sadly.) The pitch seems pretty steep. Another thing I've seen a lot, and I'm not sure what the actual construction is, is where the shingles/roofing sheets are bounded by a concrete ledge at the ridge and intersections that gives it a more finished look---and also a ton of added weight, I'm sure. The example below isn't the best, but you can kind of see what I am talking about at the far left hand corner of the green roof.We passed this temple under construction, which I thought was so interesting:

Wall boarding

2008-10-16T19:27:00.000-07:00

Here's another interesting material: Shera board- details at www.mahaphant.com
I've used this in CNX for fascias, soffits, external wall cladding etc.
In their on line catalogue they also give details of a calcium silicate board for ceilings, partitions and floor systems, but it would be good to compare the costs in Thailand of this against gypsum board.

Sheet roof materials

2008-10-16T18:45:00.000-07:00

Check out Corroshield Kool at www.mahaphant.com

They do asbestos free profiled roofing sheeting in 3 colours with some interesting cladding options, including profiled louvres that can be used for side ventilation and diffused daylighting; also vented ridges, ventilation 'rollers', translucent lighting sheets and other accessories.

An alternative is Onduline, a French product made under license in Penang- not sure whether this is sold in TH.

This seems an appropriate technology for CTS, but how to avoid it all looking like a factory/warehouse?

David

ooooo...look what I found...

2008-10-16T03:30:00.000-07:00

I'm going to have to go check these out:

roofs
colors

Heierarchy of Space

2008-10-16T02:54:00.000-07:00

These images are from a photo-collection entitled "Vanishing Bangkok." I just wanted to write a little bit on the heierarchy of space in Thai buildings. We spoke about the way in which this mirrors Thai society in your experience with the printing house---that the manager is supposed to be above her subordinates literally as well as figuratively. (though it seems this is not a hard and fast rule, as I have inquired of my husband from which floors the dean of engineering and the university president preside, and neither is at the top. Perhaps because of heat-accumulation!)
But anyway, another way in which ordering of spaces is significant--and common throughout the kingdom is in the transition from public to private space. Similar to the need for a gradient of light from the outdoors to indoors, Thai buildings seem to begin by being very open to the outsider, and then become increasingly more intimate. It can be seen in the procession of ground space-stairs-gate-verandah in traditional houses, or in the movement from central meeting space to covered walkway to classroom in schools. The place where it is most clearly seen is in the shophouse (a legacy from Chinese immigrants.) Most have completely open fronts facing a public street (though that is changing now with the prevalence of air-conditioning in shops) that serve as both buisiness and personal space...as one moves back into the building, it becomes more and more family space...with the kitchen in the very back, and stairs leading to family sleeping space. The way in which the public and private lives of families share the same space/objects seems liberating...and there are still boundaries in place that preserve privacy.

Daylight in Thai buildings

2008-10-15T23:09:00.000-07:00

Is it fair to say that most traditional Thai buildings (temples, houses etc) have dark interiors? Maybe buildings were seen as shelters from excessively bright light, as well as from rain, wind and the heat of the sun. When was glass introduced into Thai building?- before this windows were closed with shutters, keeping out most of the daylight.

Interiors that are relatively dark can be pleasant enough, but increase the risk of glare- as the eye adjusts to the low level of illumination inside any direct contact with direct light will produce the sensation of glare. So transitions from inside to outside are important, through verandas etc. Daylight can also be softened/diffused by using lattice and other types of screens, which can be highly decorative (see picture of house in Lopburi).

The size and direction of the light source are critical- diffused daylight coming from large areas and from different directions will reduce the sensation of glare. Direct sunlight will give much more glare. Interiors which give sensations of glare also need more artificial lighting to make them comfortable. But large openings for daylighting can be a security risk, tho this can be mitigated by putting them out of reach at high level.

Contrasts of colour and reflectance of adjoining surfaces can also add to the sensation of glare. The range of colours in Thai traditional architecture was quite limited, and tended to be on the warm side- creams, yellow, ochres, terracotta, gold etc. Are there strong associations linked to different colours in Thai building, in a similar way to clothing?

What other factors should be considered to develop an approach to lighting and colour in a new building? Here are some tentative 'patterns':
-Light from opposite sides of a space
-Avoidance of direct sunlight in interiors
-Direct daylight diffused by lattice screens, shutters, window jambs etc
-Light coloured surfaces next to daylight openings
-Transition spaces between inside and outside to reduce sudden changes in light levels
-Spaces narrow enough to ensure that the range of daylight levels is limited to what is comfortable.

Alternative Roof Forms for large Thai buildings

2008-10-15T20:17:00.000-07:00

Hi Valerie,
Thanks so much for the solar model studies. I think this whole question of an appropriate roof form is going to be a major challenge for us. Here are some preliminary thoughts:
LOWER PITCHED ROOFS
- not very Thai, but are there precedents?
- lighter loads on the structure per m2
- shorter columns
- greater wind uplift
- greater risk of leaks
HIGHER PITCHED ROOFS
- more Thai, greater 'presence'
- scope for attics/mezzanine floors within roof space
- High walls or windows under high roof eaves (in gable walls, or high walls under mono-pitch roofs), adding cost and maintenance issues, but enabling better high level ventilation and daylight.
- Greater overhang and/or sun screens required on north side (assuming this is the higher
side in a mono-pitched structure) to protect facade from direct sunlight
- larger cross-walls required, with greater cost, need for piers or other stiffening
ISSUES FOR ALL ROOFS
- design of roof eaves on high and low sides of monopitch roofs to reduce wind turbulence and encourage cross ventilation.
- what is the optimum pitch of a monopitch roof to encourage cross-ventilation? This will need to take account of different conditions at different times of day and year. How is the 'stack effect' of such a roof reduced by thermal insulation in the roof? Maybe it's important to distinguish between quilt insulation and foil insulation (ie reduce UV transmission
rather than conducted heat).
-how is cross-ventilation effected by the width of a building, relative size of windward and leeward ventilation openings etc?
-How many of these variables can be tested by computer modelling?

Excerpt from "Lost Japan" by Alex Kerr

2008-10-10T05:44:00.000-07:00

David, this reminded me of what you described happening in Singapore (and Thailand as well.)

"A Japanese friend once said to me, 'I always associated old Japanese buildings with an image of poverty. When I saw Tenmangu I realized for the first time that one could live well in an old house.' The key o the destruction of the city of Kyoto lies in this comment. In the eyes of the city administration, rows of old wooden houses look 'poor'; they are an embarrassment, and should be removed quickly. This is not only true of Kyoto-the same feeling lurks deep in the hearts of people all over Japan. If this were not so, the rampant destruction which has occurred here would have sparked a strong public outcry; but until recently there has been hardly a peep of protest."

Thinking About Radiant Cooling & De-humidification

2008-10-02T03:03:00.001-07:00

It appears that geothermal technology is already being used in Thailand, and using radiant cooling through pipes in the floor/walls/ceiling is one way to complete the system. The water supply from geothermal pipes can also be connected into a more standard HVAC system. This Wikipedia article on heat pumps has a good summary.

A problem with radiant cooling is surface condensation. It is not clear if this has been addressed in the systems cited above. This house, which uses radiant floor heating and cooling, also closely regulates the floor temperature and uses "dry air delivered along its floors at ~68 degrees f all year-round (cf.: displacement ventilation). It uses a dehumidification coil and reheat coil in summer, and a heating coil in winter. In summer, the flow rate is sized for adequate dehumidification and fresh air" Are there less intensive ways to control condensation and humidity that would be viable in Thailand?

There are currently 2 ways to dehumidify air in buildings 1.) condense the moisture onto a cold surface (the same process that presents a problem with radiant cooling!) This is how air conditioning systems and small free standing dehumidifiers work...and the collected water can be re-used on site. 2.) machines that use desiccants (solid or liquid) to remove water vapor from the air--these are the same substances found in those little packets you find in your shoebox.

This is a simplified explanation. The following links are helpful:

HPAC Engineering
World Changing
Culture Kitchen

EMI Village Church Prototype Design, Chiang Mai

2008-10-02T01:56:00.000-07:00

From the Engineering Ministries International website:

Project Update
The first church using the eMi design has been constructed! This church is located on the Pastor’s Training Center and will be used by Chiang Mai New Testament Church. Thailand Ambassadors of Christ also is planning a training conference for the fall that will use the new facility. Pastor’s coming to the conference will receive bible training as well as be able to see a church similar to what might be built in their own village.

Project Scope
Thailand Ambassadors For Christ has been reaching out to the hill tribe people of the Himalayas for over 30 years under its director Luke Bee. They would like to develop a prototypical village church design much like what eMi has done with our India Village Church Project. They have funding through another partnering organization, provided we can produce a design that can be built for about $5000.

This eMi team will address a church design immediately on their existing property in Chiang Mai where they already have begun foundations. However, the actual village churches will be in a variety of terrains and the team will visit numerous villages to study the various constraints, requirements, and possibilities of site development.

The team will do a feasibility study to determine the best type of building, construction plans for the building, materials lists and quantities, and a detailed plan for how to construct it.

Another outreach that they have begun is likely to become a future eMi project: Larger church/orphanage buildings in larger cities that can accommodate up to 40 orphans and a congregation of up to 150 people. Having already established its first church/orphanage in a new building built in 2003 in Chiang Mai that can house up to 80 girls, it is likely that our team will assess this and begin preliminary investigation for it as well.

Culture & Conditions image sets

2008-10-02T01:22:00.000-07:00

These are some images I put together a while back for a project looking at Thai culture and current conditions .

This first set is cataloging different ways in which mobility and pragmatism are celebrated in Thai culture. People move around a lot here! It used to be on the waterways, but is increasingly on land...and so you see foodstands on motorbikes and all manner of creative solutions for getting the job done. Spaces change from day to night, or based on the weather.
This next set explores some common elements of Thai traditional house architecture that have already been mentioned here.
Looking at the intersections of water and the built environment.
Thinking about possible materials that are very common in Thailand that could be re-imagined as building materials using existing techniques. Billboard tarps, tires, license plates, etc.

Materials Inspiration from Rural Studio

2008-10-01T02:50:00.000-07:00

Rural Studio (Auburn University, Alabama, USA) has been doing some great work, and their innovative re-use of materials provides lots of food for thought. Here are buildings that use tires, and car windows...and some other cool projects.

Radiant floor cooling @ Suvarnabhumi airport

2008-09-30T23:35:00.000-07:00

The new Airport in Bangkok apparently uses in-floor pipes circulating water to cool the spaces adjacent to large windows to offset solar heat gain. I have read that such an installation may pose problems with condensation, but need to look into it more.

Some links:

Detail Portal for Architecture
JEC Thailand news

FLICKR finds: roof...what makes it Thai?

2008-09-30T23:07:00.000-07:00

1. thai building, 2. Thai Building, 3. thai building, 4. Thai Building, Chiang Mai, 5. Thai Building, 6. 4-73 BK_ thai building, 7. Traditional Thai-Style Building, 8. Local Thai Hotel...built on the river, 9. Nonthaburi - Thai House 1, 10. Suan Pakkad Palace museum - main building, 11. Thai house, 12. Traditional Thai Architecture, 13. Thai Style Architecture, 14. Ban Thai resort, 15. Uthani Thai River Lake Resort

What makes a roof look "Thai?"

Possibilities:
-Color! (preferably brown)
-the roof's plastic sheet-like-nature--a large expanse coming down to meet the ground
-multi-level, with changes in slope
-eave props
-large overhangs
-decoration

FLICKR finds: Layering

2008-09-30T22:29:00.000-07:00

1. T H A I L A N D, 2. Up-country Thai restaurant, 3. Thai house of Chula, 4. Thai Signage, 5. Thai House we're building on the farm., 6. Untitled, 7. Thai statues carry building, Royal Palace Bangkok, 8. IMG_27772b, 9. Jim Thompson House, Bangkok, Thailand

I just love how the first image shows the importance of delineation between public and private in Thailand. The definite need to know at exactly which point to take off your shoes.

Otherwise, I thought these were great to show how the Thai are adept at layering building materials, plants, images, decoration, signage, and even the levels of their homes (center image.)

Book Excerpt: Classic Thai

2008-09-30T21:31:00.000-07:00

Many would argue that the most enduring icon of Thai style and design is the traditional Thai house. With its raised platform on stilts, triangular shape and steep gabled roof descending from an elongated pinnacle into curved, flame-shaped eaves, this sinuous silhouette rising from a tropical landscape is a sublime image.

The structure developed directly from the needs of an agricultural community that had to adapt to a hot, tropical environment subject to seasonal flooding. Rooted in a centuries-old agrarian culture, what is recognized as the classic Thai house today is surprisingly little changed from is original form dating back to the first settlements along the river deltas of old Siam. This tenacity of form can be attributed to the singular principle governing the structure of the Thai house: that form follows function.

Ironically, it was the American architect Louis Henri Sullivan who originated this dictum that went on to inspire a generation of fin-de-siècle American and European architects in search of modern forms. In the early 20th century, Sullivan advocated that modern architecture should try to integrate ornamentation into the design of the building itself rather than be applied as mere external decoration. He pioneered a new school in western architecture that broke away from historic trappings and the external ornamentation that marked the buildings of his predecessors. A few decades on, in the mid 20th century, Swiss architect Le Corbusier conceived the notion of the home as a ‘machine for living’. His breakthrough recipe for the International Style included, among other features, buildings raised off the ground level on stilts to encourage greater airflow. A free-flowing floor plan, and a roof garden used for social activities― three features that are the defining characteristics of the traditional Thai house.

Thus, if one were to analyze the traditional Thai form within a world view of architectural history, the classic Thai house, though extant for centuries, can be viewed as thoroughly ‘modern’ in its embodiment of the structural theories dictated by two visionaries of early western modernism. From this perspective, it is ironic that the recent decades of Thai economic boom have resulted in the number of traditional Thai houses dwindling; rapid modernization, diminishing timber resources and a hunger for western forms are the main reasons for its demise. Modern Thais are eager to shake off their past as an agricultural society and embrace cement houses and high-rise living as epitomized by the West.

Thai communities were traditionally located along waterways, thus many housed were either built on stilts or actually floating in the water. The floating housed generally consisted of twin houses that served as both a home and a shop. The living quarters were located in the back, while the open-fronted unit in the front was used as a shop where goods were displayed and sold. These floating houses lined the rivers wherever settlements existed, and could be moved around if needed. These days floating houses have vanished from Bangkok’s riverbanks, but can still be found deep in the countryside. Similarly, there are still examples of traditional houses used as residences in the provinces, and some in Bangkok, though the latter are usually preserved as museums and palaces. Less common are Thai-style contemporary residences in Bangkok; the ones that do exist are usually constructed from a number of single-room houses ―transported from another province and reassembled in the city to form a large cluster house.

Houses built in this manner embody the key characteristic of a traditional Thai house - namely transportability. Built entirely of wood, the walls, door, windows and gables consist of separate wood panels which are fitted together using wooden joints held in place by wooden pegs. No mails are used, thus the entire structure can be taken apart and easily reassembled. The word traditionally used in Thai for house building is prung, meaning ‘assemble’. Thus the house can be quickly assembled or dismantled and moved from site to site.

Thai houses differ in the north and south, but the style considered to be the classic one is that of the central plains, where Thailand’s kingdoms of Ayutthaya, Sukhothai and Bangkok are located and therefore where the Thais reached the height of their culture and power. There are five basic elements of a traditional Thai house: stilts, inward sloping walls, high gables sloping downward into long projecting eaves, a large raised verandah connecting the separate rooms, and extendable rooms. The open space beneath the house serves a number of practical functions, such as providing structural resistance to inclement weather, respite from seasonal flooding, protection from wild animals, ventilation and a shady space to work and store farm tools and the Thai country cart or kwien. During the flood season, the space becomes a place to moor boats. In the southern coastal settlements the houses are built on tall stilts, but the stilts become progressively shorter as one travels northwards and into the mountains.

The distinctive inward sloping walls serve a structural function and are a result of the local environment. In order to cope with seasonal floods, the dwellings had to either float or stand on stilts. Exposure to heavy flooding and strong winds meant that the stilts had to be high and braced, hence the triangulated structure. In the central plains, where there is mild inland flooding, the stilts and structural frames slope inwards, giving the house the stability and structural reinforcement it needs. The high gable extends the height of the room for heat convection, while the long projecting eaves protect the house from heavy monsoon rains. The partially-covered chan-ban verandah is a huge platform on stilts. It connects the bedroom units and provides a communal living area for the inhabitants. The covered parts are used for day-to-day social activities, and the uncovered space is used for ceremonies, feasts, drying food and growing plants. The house breathes through the spaces in its floors, wall panels and gables and, since the bedrooms are separate units, it can obtain ventilation from any direction.

There are many variations of this classic house style, ranging in size from a single-family house to a cluster house. The smaller house consists only of a bedroom and a kitchen, while the cluster house may have up to five or six bedrooms arranged around the chan-ban verandah. In the traditional extended family system in old Siam, additional bedrooms were added as the family size increased; the verandah platform is extendable and some houses became longer as more living units were added on. Traditionally, the groom left his family home to join the bride’s family, so often he would remove his room from his parents’ house and take it with him to add to his new bride’s home.

extract from Classic Thai, written by Chami Jotisalikorn, Phutorn Bhumadhon and Virginia Mc Keen Di Crocco, published by Periplus in 2002.

"new-old" Thai Architecture

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-very exact symmetry
-formal 'grand order' entrance way
-elaborate tiled hipped gable roofs, with several stages, eaves props etc
-main accommodation upstairs on 'piano nobile'- with open undercroft
-lots of covered and undesignated outdoor space

From looking at the buildings here, it seems like the symmetry of public buildings with the central entrance might be more from the "colonial" period here. (I know Thailand was never colonized, but there is still a bunch of that kind of architecture around---especially in government buildings and palaces.) Of course, the temples are all symmetrical, but the traditional everyday type buildings like houses, hospitals, schools, etc. were not. The spaces that seem the most "Thai" are at a more human scale where you don't really get a sense of the building as a whole when you are in it. Kind of like walking down a labyrinthine soi in the way that spaces connect, I guess.

I tend to lean toward less roof stuff going on, but I think you can create a pretty "Thai-looking" roof without making it too complicated. For instance, it would still get the idea across if you took away the bottom awnings, and played with the roof proportions so that there is more overhang. I actually sort of like the eaves props, even if they are usually not doing much. Sun-shading is definitely necessary, and if the overhang could be designed in such a way as to actually use the props, it could be nice. (hopefully not too kitschy.) The way that there are two levels of windows here could work great for ventilation, if they are operable.

The open ground floor level is great, and very appropriate programatically, as well as climate-wise. Traditionally, the buildings were put on stilts for protection from 1.) floods, 2.) animals and insects, 3.) neighbors. It also creates a great multi-functional space. All the buildings on campus here at Mahidol have open ground floors, which makes for a cool place to meet and relax for the students...and a more informal auditorium for school meetings. One thing that seems to help, though, is to define the boundaries using a low wall or benches...or I suppose even a change in floor level.

FLICKR finds: school typology

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1. Thai classroom, 2. Thai classroom, 3. thai classroom, 4. view from Thai classroom, 5. Gap's Thai Cooking School, Chiang Mai, 6. The Classroom, 7. The kitchen/classroom, 8. Thai Farm Cooking School, 9. CMIS thai building & library, 10. Fine Day, 11. The Rise of Chubbiness in Thailand, 12. Thai Schoolgirls Hanging Out Between Classes, 13. Sent to the Hallway...As a Teacher?!, 14. Ban Tateang Primary School, 15. What's that!!, 16. Look like a band, 17. Old Thai building, 18. Arts Building in the evening 1, 19. Big important Thai building, 20. Thailand: AIT Campus, 21. Thailand: AIT Campus, 22. IMG_0911, 23. Photographic Science and Material Science Building, 24. Chulanarumitr, 25. mobile Device

NOTES:
Some themes to keep in mind:

-Two levels of windows in classroom promotes air circulation

-blurring between indoor & outdoor space. In some cases, just a tarp over simple frame creates a comfortable outdoor classroom...especially when there are trees around. Paving makes a big difference in the feeling of the space as well.

-The use of outdoor hallways to create a buffer between classroom and more public space. Also gives a sense of entrance, a place to leave shoes, etc.

-Open walls under the eaves allow for air flow. Sun screening, layered walls also common.

-Possibility of sitting on the floor?