A modern Earth and Wood Residence by CLA
The client was looking for a modern interpretation of natural materials. Adobe brick walls and traditional Thai wooden roofs were designed to make this earth and wood residence acceptable to his family. This meant a design and finishing that is fit for the 21st century.
The residence has a private wing comprising 4 bedrooms – 3 for the children and the master bedroom with a view of the adjacent rice fields. Then in a central position are the common rooms – the living room, dining space, kitchen, a swimming pool and an entertainment space with a pool table and table tennis. On the other side of the common area is a free standing guest cottage with its own sunset veranda.
All bedrooms are air-conditioned but the living areas rely on natural ventilation and the natural materials inherent thermal insulation capabilities. The roof is designed according to traditional Thai roofs with ventilation openings under the top part to induce air circulation as the hot air rises up.
The walls are all purely self-made adobe bricks made from local clay, sand and bamboo shavings. The surface finishing it is difficult to see that these are not ordinary walls. Lime is mixed with fine earth powder to realize a strong and water resistant outer layer.
The floors are made from natural stone tiles rounding up the use of natural materials all around the house.
