Good design from Thai wisdom applied to modern houses such as 9 characteristics of Thai houses that help the house to be comfortable.
1. Platform connecting the area
Thai wisdom of Thai houses on high platforms Therefore, the floor was made as a thoroughfare inside the house. and used to connect between houses to expand from a single house to a group house and the expansion of the house around the terrace There will be an open space that is surrounded by a courtyard. Chan is also a multi-purpose area that can be used in many ways, including resting, sitting, and holding traditional events such as making merit and raising monks. Large houses such as the wealthy house tend to plant large trees in the middle of the porch that help to create a shady atmosphere. and also popular to grow ornamental plants such as bon, wan, Tako Dat, lotus pots, and raise pets for enjoyment such as doves, cuckoos, betta fish and needle fish. by designing the building to have an open space in a courtyard style that may be made into walkways, patios and gardens that both create shady and connect the space between each other
2. Raising the folk high
Elevated houses are not exclusive to Thailand. can also be seen in houses in Southeast Asia especially the lowland areas that are always flooded The “underground” of Thai houses originated from a lifestyle that is often farming. Terrain with a lot of water and a hot and humid climate with a lot of rainfall The basement is therefore an open space. no partition often used as a storage area Agricultural and fishery equipment, animal raising, used as a handicraft work area. or use it to escape the heat during the day
3. Different floor, good ventilation.
Thai houses are popular to make the floor of each section at different levels. Both the floor of the room is different from the balcony floor. And from the balcony floor, it is about 40 centimeters different from the balcony floor, which is called “Chong Ling Lod”, both in order to divide the living space. can be seated and is a vent When sitting on the floor, you will feel cool from the wind blowing through the basement. Some use surveillance or send requests to people under the basement. and may hit the lath
Making the floor level and open to reduce the blow can be used in the area of the house with little ventilation. and solved the problem of opaque areas as well Maybe not all open air like the old house. and then change it to a vent instead
4. The railing can sit down , familiar Thai wisdom.
Waterfront pavilion and the front porch of the house Often make a railing to be a seat in the body, both safe and useful. does not waste space and is the same design as the house which often becomes a gathering point where family members sit and relax and enjoy the breeze Or some houses may put a seat for a semi-sitting, semi-sleeping multipurpose. according to the way of life of living together in the common area of the house which can be used with the current house as well Just change the style and materials to suit the house.
5. Thai kitchen separation
Thai houses are popular to build a kitchen in the back area. Make a wooden wall with a lattice that is well ventilated. The pediment is usually a halo of the sun that strikes the solid wood, alternating open to create smoke vents. If it is a wealthy house, it is often separated into 2 houses for savory and sweet food. It reduces the smell and smoke that interferes with relaxation. including dirt and animals that eat food scraps Although the current house is popular with western house plans that combine various functions in the same building. But still should separate the Thai kitchen, which cooks heavy food. or make walls and doors Do not let the smell and smoke spread throughout the house. There is a vent or hood. and make a counter that can support pounding, pounding, and chopping
6. The wall can breathe.
Houses in the old days did not have fans and air conditioners. Blocking a dense room would make it hot and uncomfortable. In addition to making windows for ventilation Even if all the windows have to be closed, it still allows air to circulate. It could be a window with louvers. Ventilation holes in the wall above the windows and doors. and walls designed to allow self-ventilation, such as flow hoods, lattice lids, or stenciled wood vents which can be applied to the current home Especially the parts that need to be ventilated all the time, such as kitchens, bathrooms, or shading the various parts of the house. by using a wall that the wind can still blow through, such as using a brick wall blocking the air vent
7. High gable roof
Popular Thai houses made of manila and gable roofs. Thatched with locally sourced materials such as vetiver or clay tiles. which need to be roofed at a very steep slope to allow the water to drain quickly prevent water reflux This is one reason why the roofs of Thai houses are steep. which also has the advantage of reducing heat from the roof because there is space for hot air masses to float upwards and vented through the gables on both sides that have made ventilation holes however During the day, the house is still hot according to the weather. Thai people therefore tend to work under stilts or patios, which are cooler. and go back to the room when it’s time for bed which during the night inside the house will be cool Because natural roofing and wall materials exude heat quickly. Therefore, it does not absorb the heat like today’s homes.
Even today’s roofing material can cover a slightly sloping roof. But it will cause heat to radiate into the house a lot. Building a house today is still recommended to make a very sloping roof. and has ventilation holes under the roof which is a natural way to reduce heat and increase the efficiency of heat protection by installing insulation It will help make the house more cool.
8. Eaves extending and supporting
Thailand has rain all year round and the sunlight is strong, so Thai houses have long cantilevered eaves around the house. and has support as a structure to support the roof or making a long overhanging roof But with a wooden structure that extends not much Therefore, braces are made to help support the weight of the roof end to be strong. until it is a unique one that is often seen in Thai houses which still works well with homes of all ages It is recommended to make eaves overhangs approximately 1.50 meters long, while bracing may not always be necessary. With the popular roof structure using steel structure, which is much stronger than wood. But if the eaves are overhanging very long The design of the pillars or floating pillars gives a good Thai and oriental aura.
9. The environment is good
Thai houses in the past were very closely related to their surroundings. Can open the house because of the good environment. popular to build houses by the water Plant a tree on the patio in the middle of the house. Despite the current environment and the size of the house building area is quite cramped and more polluted. The design of the house should also be consistent with the environment in which the house is located. such as adjusting the environment around the house to be shady It helps to reduce heat and pollution before entering the house. or if the environment is not conducive Build a court inside the house and expose the light and air from above. It can help the area inside the house to be naturally comfortable.
Home Expert column Sep.65
Story : Sarayuth Srithip-art
Pictured: Home and Garden Gallery
