NPDA studio: Somjai House

For this house in Thailand Nutthawut Piriyaprakob follows the skyline of hills and uses the red colour to make it stand out from the green of the coconut plantation and the blue of the sea.

Located in Surat Thani, the Somjai House house was mainly designed as a home after retirement for the owner and, at the same time, it also serves as a reception for the nearby resort where friends and family will stay.

The building consists of a main-bedroom with bathrooms, a guest-bedrooms, a guest-bathrooms and a pantry for family cooking. The main hall of the building serves as a flexible-multi-purpose space. It can be used as a living space, a party venue, coffee shop or even a yoga area. The upper deck was designed to provide panoramic view of the surrounded coconut plantation, the sea, Samui Island and the hills.

The line of the architecture form is relating to the skyline of hills behind the building which allows the wind to flow smoothly with the curvy design. The front of the building was designed with open angle to receive the full view of the sea. The cantilever concept was used to protect the building from the hot sunlight.

The main color used was red to make the building stand out from the green of the coconut plantation and the blue of the sea. Brick and polished concrete were the material for the cooling properties to protect the house from the heat and due to the local construction worker expertise. The thin iron staircase also shows the craftsmanship of local workmen as construction workers at the piers who are skillful in metal work.