archimontage creates chokchai 4, an oasis from the bustle of bangkok

archimontage creates chokchai 4, an oasis from the bustle of bangkok
all images courtesy of baan lae suan

a plot surrounded by an automotive body shop, gas station, apartment complex, and dilapidated jungle may not be most peoples’ first choice when selecting land. fortunately however, the clients who selected just such a lot quickly made another decision to commission thai studio archimontage design fields sophisticated. the team happily took on the challenge, and developed a three part plan to make ‘chokchai 4 house’ the best it could be.

view from dilapidated adjacent lot  

the concept, as one might expect, focuses on creating an idyllic hiding place from the outside world. this is accomplished by three components: a continuous circulation ‘ramp’, an open air central courtyard, and a perforated metal curtain that wraps around the structure. the resulting interior serves precisely its intended purpose, and sets the tone for other design inclusions such as accents of red, a large planted tree, and pond.

looking up through the central area of the home 

the approach to ‘chokchai 4’ marks the beginning of the ‘ramp’ that allows access to all parts of the home. starting from the entrance, it continues past the parking space and courtyard, after which it enters the interior. here, are located a drawing studio, dining room and kitchen. passing through a door in the kitchen, the ramp continues upstairs where it passes two bedrooms, circles back around the courtyard, and dead ends at the family’s main living room.

tree and mini green area 

similar to a fabric blind that gently creates privacy, the mesh curtain wraps and embraces the second floor. extended several feet from the structure, it avoids feeling too containing, and doesn’t interfere with window usage. as the outer reaches of the home are primarily dedicated to providing a barrier, the courtyard functions as the home’s green space. a small pond can be found adjacent to a large tree, and the absence of a ceiling allows for a clear view of the sky and the enjoyment of rain. ‘chokchai 4’ was designed by archimontage design fields sophisticated, and is located in bangkok, thailand. 

looking through the central courtyard into dining room 

view through second floor window  

a large glass wall encloses the corridor 

view from the dining room rooftop 

dining room, pantry and stairwell

‘ramp’ — main circulation loop

project info:

project name: chokchai 4 house
architects: archimontage design fields sophisticated
interior design: ADFS
landscape design: ADFS
location: bangkok, thailand
architects in charge: cherngchai riawruangsangkul, suphot klinaphai, thanakit wiriyasathit,
tanakul chukorn
area: 420m²
project year: 2013
photographs: baan lae suan

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions  feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: nick brink | designboom