The design project involves the renovation of an old residential building in Wapipathum District, MahaSarakham Province, which is located far from Bangkok. The site faced issues due to previous construction work that was left incomplete and carried out without proper standards. The design team assessed the feasibility of the existing structure and components to determine how they could be repurposed in order to minimize construction costs within a limited budget while accommodating new living spaces.
From the original building’s structure, it is evident that the main framework consists of two types: the first floor is made of precast concrete columns and brick walls, while the second floor features a wooden structure, including columns, beams, and roofing. The initial idea was to retain usable old wood for the new house. However, upon thorough inspection, the design team found that the quality of the existing wood was insufficient for reuse, both in terms of strength and rehabilitation costs. Therefore, the designers proposed a complete redesign using steel structures to replace the wood for greater durability and long-term value.
Once the homeowners accepted this concept, the design team presented an overview of materials that could be constructed quickly, saving time and being strong and easy to maintain. This included steel frameworks for the columns, beams, floors, walls, and roof. The walls were designed as lightweight, prefabricated panels, with a focus on minimizing waste materials to reduce costs. The roof would be made of insulated metal sheets to prevent heat transfer. This entire approach was intended to ensure that the new components did not impose excessive loads on the aging existing structure.
The resulting architecture reflects a simple design ethos with details that arise from the concept of minimal waste, followed by careful consideration of aesthetics that respond to the practical utility of the chosen materials. Importantly, this residential building’s form and size blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment of a small village community, where residents are mostly familiar with each other. Additionally, there is a local belief regarding roof orientation that is consistent across houses in the area.
The new house emphasizes the use of natural light through a skylight that sufficiently illuminates all living spaces during the day. The design includes various openings that maintain privacy for the residents, such as a necessary number of windows and privacy screens on the front porch that cleverly interact with morning light from the east. The staircase is specifically designed for elderly users, featuring easy-to-navigate steps and sturdy handrails that provide support.
In summary, this residence embodies a philosophy of simplicity in function and design, aligning with budgetary and construction time constraints, while also being a modest architectural presence that respects its neighbors and community environment.