CN House is a residence designed for a family entering their retirement years, set within a long and narrow site in Khao Yai that stretches from the public road to the foothills beyond. Surrounded by natural landscapes and panoramic mountain views, the house is conceived as a place for long-term living in close connection with nature.
The project began by rethinking the conventional organization of a house. Rather than placing communal functions on the ground floor and bedrooms above, all bedrooms were located on the lower level to ensure ease of access, support long-term living, and reduce dependence on stairs. In contrast, the living room, dining area, guest spaces, and the main swimming pool were elevated to the upper floor, where they could fully engage with the surrounding landscape and distant mountain views.
The spatial arrangement was developed in response to both climate and daily living patterns. As the house faces north while prevailing winds arrive from the south, the ground floor was conceived as a large breezeway. A semi-outdoor living space sits at its center, flanked by bedroom wings on both sides, allowing air to be drawn through the building and naturally accelerated through the central space beneath the house.
On the upper floor, the main communal spaces are arranged along an east–west axis to maximize exposure to southern breezes. This configuration enables effective cross ventilation throughout the living and dining areas, extending to the pool terrace and outdoor spaces. Large openings and continuous terraces further strengthen the connection between interior spaces and the surrounding landscape.
Natural materials play a central role in defining the architectural character of the house. Stone walls, timber cladding, timber ceilings, and wooden shingle roofs were selected to establish a visual relationship with the mountainous setting. On the lower level, large stone walls define individual functions, provide privacy, and anchor the building within the landscape, while their muted grey tones complement the surrounding greenery.
The interior follows the same design approach, emphasizing simplicity, natural light, and ventilation. On the upper floor, the living and dining spaces are finished with lightly toned timber that reveals the natural grain of the wood, creating a calm and relaxed atmosphere distinct from the heavier stone elements elsewhere in the house. On the lower level, semi-outdoor spaces, living areas, and surrounding gardens flow seamlessly from exterior to interior, allowing nature to become an integral part of everyday life.