Baan Look Pla House located in Hua Hin city, a well-known beach town in Thailand. The site offers panoramic views of the sea to the east and Khao Krailart Mountain to the west, creating a setting that captures sunrise and sunset.
Originally built over 50 years ago, the house was a family retreat but required renovation due to structural deterioration. The renovation aimed to restore safety, improve functionality, and integrate modern elements while maintaining the home's original character.
The 1,600-square-meter property originally contained four buildings: the main house and three additional structures. One was removed to enhance sea views and create a more inviting entrance. The surrounding area was converted into a garden, adding a greenery atmosphere to the project.
The main house has Thai contemporary architectural principles that suit the tropical climate. Such as a semi-open first floor for natural ventilation and gable roof with louvered vents for heat dissipation.
The design sought to retain the house's original form while incorporating modern materials for a contemporary touch. White fiber-cement roofing tiles, for instance, create a light, modern aesthetic. The "kite shape" roof tiles also maintain the charm of a coastal vacation home influenced by colonial architecture. The wooden roof structure was replaced with steel with a slimmer profile, providing a lighter feel. To create a sense of continuity, an existing floor tile was replaced with a bigger porcelain tile.
The layout of the first floor was redesigned to establish a living area that caters to modern lifestyles while maintaining privacy for the adjacent bedroom. By removing the wall, creating an open plan space with unobstructed sea views. Three-sided folding doors facilitate adaptable indoor-outdoor living arrangements. A counter with a matching backdrop was installed to enhance functionality. Hall space was added in front of the bedroom and toilet to be a buffer from a living area.
Some elements were preserved to keep an original atmosphere, such as Exposed wooden floor joists, which were painted white to blend with the new overall design. The second-floor Maka wood flooring was sanded and finished with a semi-gloss coat.
Traditional terracotta tile also added vibrancy and a classic touch to the interior space.
The landscape design prioritized preserving original trees, including a Plumeria planted during the house's early years. The layout was adjusted to incorporate these elements naturally. The beachside pavilion was renovated to match the updated design of the main house, with an exposed wooden structure featuring a transparent polycarbonate roof. A garden and an infinity pool were added at the beachfront to create an activity space where users can enjoy the view.