facade of repurposed wood fronts multi-generational house in uthai thani, thailand

Respecting thailand’s Tradition, Embracing Modernity

Uthai Thani House, located in Thailand, is designed by I Like Design Studio to accommodate the future retirement of its owner. Raised in Uthai Thani Province as part of a traditional farming family, the owner moved to Bangkok for education and work but always envisioned returning to her peaceful hometown to live with her family. The plot of land where the house sits once belonged to her grandparents. Currently, her father lives in a 100-year-old wooden house that has fallen into disrepair. The owner sought to create a modern house that could bring her family together, balancing the desires of her father, who values traditional wood-based design and natural ventilation, and her own preference for a contemporary home.

images © Soopakorn Srisakul

Modest Living Spaces with a Focus on Nature

The Uthai Thani House hybridizes modern design with elements traditional to Thailand, thus accommodating the family’s varying preferences. The challenge for the architects at I Like Design Studio was to reconcile the client’s father’s desire for a simple, natural, and air-conditioned-free lifestyle with the owner’s preference for a modern living space. The design ensures both generations can live comfortably within the same home. The result is a house that honors the father’s lifestyle while offering modern conveniences for the owner.

The living room is simple and modest, with a focus on natural light and ventilation. From the entrance, the living and dining areas are framed by a narrow perspective, drawing attention to the green backdrop of surrounding trees. This design feature brings a touch of nature into the living spaces, creating an open and welcoming environment. Behind the living area is a large Thai kitchen, which aligns with the family’s communal cooking habits. The interior space is also designated as the owner’s work area, providing a space for occasional rest before transitioning to the house full-time.

Uthai Thani House is designed to accommodate the future owner’s retirement in Thailand

the family-oriented home in Uthai Thani

Uthai Thani House’s design includes a breezy bedroom for the client’s father, located at the far end of the ground floor. The father, who prefers to sleep on the bottom floor, wanted a safe yet breathable space. The bedroom’s design features a wall that allows airflow while maintaining privacy and security. On the other side of the room is a wooden door that can be rotated to open during the day to allow fresh air and outdoor views. At night, the door can be closed and locked for security, providing peace of mind to the family.

The second story of the home is dedicated to the owner’s bedroom, offering a larger, more modern living space. The master bedroom features a spacious balcony that connects to a walkway balcony, providing panoramic views of the rice fields that stretch as far as the eye can see. This balcony also serves as an awning for the first floor, offering shade and protection from the elements while maintaining a connection to the surrounding natural environment.

the client grew up in Uthai Thani Province and returned to live with her family

Uthai Thani House’s design draws inspiration from the traditional lifestyle and preferences of the client’s father. The design team aimed to preserve his way of life, which included a preference for wooden structures and the open space beneath traditional Thai homes, while adapting the design to modern needs. This approach ensures the father can continue to live comfortably in his traditional manner without altering his habits, while the homeowner, accustomed to modern living, can enjoy the conveniences of contemporary design.

While the architecture retains many traditional elements, the project also introduces a modern steel construction that enhances structural strength. The design uses wood primarily as a surface covering material for easy maintenance, allowing for a modern aesthetic while maintaining traditional warmth. The house is constructed using old wood that the client’s father had collected over time. Despite the variety of woods used, the architect ensured the color tones were consistent, a challenging yet rewarding task that holds deep sentimental value for both the owner and her father.

the house balances traditional wooden design with modern living preferences

the living room is simple and open with views of surrounding trees

old wood collected by the client’s father is used for the house’s surface materials

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project info:

name: Uthai Thani House

architect: I Like Design Studio | @ilikedesignstudio

location: Uthai Thani, Thailand

area: 660 square meters

completion: 2023

photography: © Soopakorn Srisakul | @soopakornsrisakul

design team: Narucha Kuwattanapasiri, Chutimont Chanok-ovat, Siriprapa Prasompan
interior architect: Narucha Kuwattanapasiri, Chutimont Chanok-ovat
structural, system engineer: Kor-It Structural Design and Construction Co.