Addition of steel fencing to a private house to freshen the air
Bangkok architecture practice AUN Design Studio added steel fencing to the front façade of a private home.
This is in order to create an airy area and add contrast to the solid look of the house in Bangkok, Thailand.
The 182-square-meter home, named Reflection House,
is designed to reflect the homeowner’s childhood memories such as the experience of living and the relationship with his mother.
After decades of being separated, growing up, living, studying and working abroad alone,
the client wanted to return to a home that would make it easier for his elderly mother and himself to live together in harmony.
Then AUN Design Studio designed a house that caters for two people,
catering to the needs and requirements of all ages.
He imagined a boy playing with his friends in the neighborhood,
and they ran into this house and went in and out of those houses.
The studio also envisioned adults leaning against a fence chatting and watching their children run and play.
The project Location
The project is located on the original land of the existing house, closely surrounded by neighboring homes,
and the design intentionally reflects the memories they both have created over the years within the neighborhood,
with connections inside and outside the house.
The designer decided to separate the entrance design due to the different activities
and lifestyles of the owners, and chose to place the house in the middle to create an open space.
There is also a garden on both sides that receives natural light and wind,
and the space was coordinated by separating two vitalities into two levels.
While the ground floor is primarily used as a living complex for the mother,
including a common area, kitchen and dining room.
While the upper floor is planned as a private place for the son.
Design features
The overall design, with the materials and colors chosen, makes it a simple home.
The designer chose to keep the bare concrete surface of the building without painting it, and chose dark gray for the door frames.
To complement the house’s shape, the garage roof and fence at the front of the house have been molded,
forming a harmonious continuation without alienating the surrounding environment.
In addition, the steel panels chosen for the fencing help make the area airy and add a stark contrast to the steel structure of the house.
When open, the dining room doors on either side of the adjoining gardens draw in natural light and gentle breezes,
creating the perfect atmosphere for relaxation, unwinding and socializing.
The staircase leading to the second floor is placed in the center of the house in the shape of a statue,
inspired by origami, the Japanese art of transforming flat square paper into a finished sculpture through folding and carving techniques.
The career ladder also addresses the owner’s love of art within the limited spaces of Reflection House.
Well-arranged perforated steel makes the drawer translucent,
with each thin sheet of steel folded geometrically to enhance its strength.
The staircase thus becomes self-regulating without the need for any additional support,
and all perforated steel sheets suspended from the second floor are floated above the first three concrete steps.
Each is designed with different shapes and materials as if it were going from the ground up,
and the 3-step concrete stanchions are covered with perforated steel to prevent slipping.
The second floor serves as the owner’s compound, designed for a young man who loves to entertain his childhood friends.
Design a space for social networking
The private space is thus designed to facilitate socializing (with food and beverage service), including the tradition of watching football on holidays without disturbing the mother.
There is a living room next to the bar, with a small balcony to expand into a larger entertaining space.
There is also a full guest bathroom with a shower hidden behind the bar,
which helps keep the area private when a guest is staying.
The bedroom is located across from the workroom, providing a variety of exterior views,
while maintaining connections through the dressing room and bathroom.
Above the dressing room and bathroom, a relaxation area for yoga or meditation completes the design.
The interior style also focuses on a few pieces of furniture, not only for flexibility,
but also to accommodate the owner’s needed to control the construction budget.
The designer ensured the continuity of the architecture and interiors,
by exposing surfaces, walls and ceilings.
Exposed grout and whitewashed walls only, applied to the occupant height range to create a sense of visual comfort.
To add an interesting dimension, owners can hang decorations from the homeowner’s personal collection:
Paintings, chairs, lamps, hooks, clocks, artwork, and so on.
These elements can also be modified, moved, increased and decreased at any time.
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