LAKE HOUSE
Openbox Architects
YEAR
2010
LOCATION
Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
CATEGORY
Houses
Text description provided by architect.
The site of this project was on the edge of a small, man-made lake, inside a property adjacent to Kaoyai National Park. The selected placement of the cluster was to maximize the views, ventilation and privacy.
With part of the land curving around the lake, and a gentle slope towards the lake, the best lake view scenery was selected and framed to be the main view of the living and dining compound.
Arriving at the lake view scene was stretched into an interesting journey. The approaching sequence was carefully outlined:
starting from the main entrance gate, the entrance curved road around berms, wild grass and trees that helped to frame the entrance court with a group of large existing trees in the center, as a foreground of the house.
From this point, the house was seen as seen as series of grey walls stretching across the whole width of the land. Only through a large timber panel in the middle of a clean line of walls, the unobstructed lake scene is revealed to sight.
For unobstructed facing towards the lake view on the east, the extra long overhang was provided to protect the glass window from rain and excessive sun light. All sliding panels can be left open even on a rainy day.
Humidity is always a big issue for forrest area. Even as a single storey house, every platform is raised from ground level, away from humidity, and natural rainwater surface flow.
As a weekend home by the forrest, maintenance is the biggest issue. The use of timber is very little, only where absolutely necessary.
All solid timber has to be Teak to prevent termites’ attack. Material selection has to be very common, constructed in very simple and solid details.
In tropical region, small animals live in all parts of a house, where there are gaps and holes within structures.
Therefore, reinforced concrete, brick and plaster were used as the main core material, while polished cement screed surface is used on most surface.
This results in a "solid" single material from roof top surface to ceiling surface.
