Originally, the Shade House designed by Bangkok-based architecture firm Ayutt and Associates design, owned by a nature-loving couple, was planned to be a two-story private residence. This would have caused its functions to be spread almost across the entire site. However, with a plan to make the footprint as small as possible, the house was converted into three floors with a parking lot placed separately in front. This new strategy helped to increase the green area to 60% larger, which is double the minimum requirement of Bangkok's green area regulations. Coupled with the addition of pocket gardens at each corner of the house and a green roof, the overall green space of the house was increased to 90%. When the vegetation has fully grown and covered the entire height of the house, the green area will be 150% larger than its original location. Therefore, this will fulfill the original intention of both the homeowner and the architect-to maximize the perception of the natural scenery on the site-by establishing a lifelong communication between the residents and the surrounding nature, resulting in an even greater shade of the house. .

The architects' original plan was to elevate and place the swimming pool on the second floor, along with the family living space, leaving the most open area on the ground floor for landscaping and maintaining the privacy of the homeowners. This creates a new sensory experience of being in a seamless infinity pool among clouds of tree foliage, creating a visual connection to the sky beyond. One can touch and enjoy being among the greenery and blue sky while soaking in the pool. The AAd design team further proposed a different type of room arrangement so that each floor would be fully functional within. Each guest unit is equipped with all the necessary functions for a suite such as bathroom, kitchen and pantry, garden, and terrace.

Visitors can choose to access these guest suites by passing through the main foyer or directly enter the unit through a side door located adjacent to the waterfall. Other living spaces that require more privacy and security, reserved for homeowners only, are placed on higher floors. The “pool villa” suite on the second floor is designed to be nestled amongst the trees. Floor-to-ceiling windows focus on one approach-on the Plumeria statue and the pool. The third-floor unit that rises above the tree canopy has views towards the natural landscape near Suvarnabhumi airport.

One of the most eye-catching elements of the house is the white slender steel bars that are joined together as a rigid sculptural framework. These form a geometric volume that creates a direct connection from the entry stairs to the main foyer of the house. This sculptural detail not only wraps around the outdoor terrace but also frames the focal point and makes the path more intuitive and adventurous. A series of empty spaces and openings, created by a continuous white frame, draws the visitor forward. When approaching the main entrance, a lotus pond seems to merge with the eye, revealing a series of rigid frames standing between the ponds. As guests move throughout the property, they are greeted with unexpected views of the landscape, beginning to unfold during the journey through the house. In addition to using rigid frames to secure the house from burglary, it also aims to block the eyes of outsiders. Due to the overlapping design technique, the white steel bars create an illusion that makes the frame look denser than it actually is. Designers tend to use these rigid frames to drape different types of wall materials. Some envelop solid walls, some cover opaque sections, and some cover transparent glass windows; these all create different dynamic scenes throughout the house.

As one of the homeowners is a psychologist who needs a space to meditate, the designer decided to place the Buddha pavilion among the gardens, in the middle of the grounds. This is to maximize the benefits of being surrounded by nature.

Project name: Shade House
Architect: Ayutt Design and Associates - https://www.aad-design.com/shade-house
Location: Bang Phli District, Samut Prakan Province, Thailand
Area: 950 m²
Year: 2020
Photography: Chalermwat Wongchompoo - https://sofography.com/
Interior Designer: Ayutt and Associates designs AAd
Landscape Designer: Ayutt and Associates designs AAD
Lighting Designer: Ayutt and Associates designs A.A.D.
Architect in Charge: Suvatthana Sattabannasuk, Napatgarn Limwanuspong, Ayutt and Associates designed AAd
Design Team: Ayutt and Associates designed AAd