housescape design lab reuses dismantled dwelling pieces in thai glass-walled guest residence

housescape design lab integrates plastic waste from bottle caps and broken wine bottles, assembled within a steel structure.

housescape edited by thomai tsimpou September 20, 2024 3 min

Housescape Design Lab extends residence with recycled glass

Housescape Design Lab extends an existing residence with Rebirth Materials House, a guest house in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Blending into the surrounding garden landscape, the design incorporates recycled glass edges, a concept previously used in their Gimme Shelter project. In an effort to use local and sustainable materials, the design team integrates leftover tempered glass, plastic waste from bottle caps, and broken wine bottles, assembled within a steel structure. The gaps between the materials allow wind to pass through, making the building more resistant to local conditions. Additionally, the design adopts a Domestic Turn approach, utilizing materials sourced within a 10-kilometer radius, including components from a dismantled dwelling repurposed as doors and windows.

housescape design lab reuses dismantled dwelling pieces in thai glass-walled guest residence - 1 — all images by Rungkit Charoenwat, courtesy of Housescape Design Lab

Rebirth Materials House adopts traditional Thai elements

One of the primary design challenges Housescape Design Lab faced was addressing the Rebirth Materials House’s orientation, which faces intense afternoon sunlight. To filter the light and harmonize the structure with its natural surroundings, the Thai architecture studio sourced glass from a factory in Saraphi district. The reuse of traditional Thai elements, such as ‘lòok klûng ban-dai’ stair balusters, further emphasizes the integration of old and new. These balusters are incorporated into the plywood wall alongside the original security bars, reinforcing the structure. This creative reuse of familiar materials not only reduces waste but also pays homage to local craftsmanship.

housescape design lab reuses dismantled dwelling pieces in thai glass-walled guest residence - 2 — glass edges reflect sunlight

housescape design lab reuses dismantled dwelling pieces in thai glass-walled guest residence - 3 — recycled materials, including tempered glass and plastic, form the walls of the guest house

housescape design lab reuses dismantled dwelling pieces in thai glass-walled guest residence - 4 — balusters from an old Thai house are repurposed as decorative elements

housescape design lab reuses dismantled dwelling pieces in thai glass-walled guest residence - 5 — a close-up of the recycled glass used to filter light and reduce glare from the afternoon sun

housescape-design-lab-dismantled-house-fragments-thai-glass-walled-guest-house-designboom-1800-02 — the front facade showcases a mix of traditional and modern materials,

housescape design lab reuses dismantled dwelling pieces in thai glass-walled guest residence - 6 — gaps between glass panels allow wind to pass through

housescape design lab reuses dismantled dwelling pieces in thai glass-walled guest residence - 7 — view from the garden shows how the house integrates into the natural landscape

housescape-design-lab-dismantled-house-fragments-thai-glass-walled-guest-house-designboom-1800-04 — a combination of plywood and glass creates a warm aesthetic

the orientation maximizes natural light recycled wine bottles are embedded in the glass walls large eaves provide shade the recycled glass glistens as it catches the sunlight, softening the edges of the house plastic waste is upcycled into decorative components of the house the open terrace offers a peaceful space for outdoor activities shadows cast by the glass edges create dynamic patterns on the floor traditional Thai craftsmanship meets modern design the transition between indoor and outdoor spaces is blurred by the open design local materials and labor define the community-focused approach the use of tempered glass panels minimizes environmental impact the final design emphasizes sustainability and local craftsmanship stair balusters from a dismantled house are transformed into structural reinforcements inside-outside living is encouraged through large windows and open terraces a minimalist approach to furniture complements the clean lines the plywood wall is supported by reused security bars the reuse of old doors and windows reflects the design’s commitment to sustainability the blend of tempered glass and steel provides structural stability Housescape Design Lab recycles glass Rebirth Materials House showcases upcycled materials wooden doors, salvaged from a local house, are integrated into the design The structure is built using a Domestic Turn approach

project info:

name: Rebirth Materials House
architect: Housescape Design Lab | @house.scape.design.lab
lead architects: Peerapong Promchart
design team: Panuwat Donthong, Pimprutti Pruttichote, Puttipong Penthong

location: Tumbol Mae Ram, Aumphur Mae Rim, Chiangmai, Thailand

clients: Khun Vi Janvilai

landscape: Housescape Design Lab

collaborators: C.Wiruj, C.Sant, C.Cha, C.Mod, C.Tull, C.Lung Boon, C.Zarm, C.Mongkol, C.Somporn
area: 50 sqm (538 sqft)
photographer: Rungkit Charoenwat

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