baan lek villa by GLA design studio is a breathable concrete house in thailand

baan lek villa by GLA design studio is a concrete house in chanthaburi, thailand, balancing tropical vernacular architecture with modern day lifestyle habits. the 250 sqm residence has been built as a breathable, open structure that focuses on blending the interiors with the surrounding natural landscape. as such, the ground floor of the building was developed as a public zone, always ready to welcome guests and friends. this zone comprises the kitchen and dining area, which have been designed as semi-outdoor spaces.

all images by soopakorn srisakul

GLA design studio has developed the project for a client who was born in chanthaburi, the east coast province of thailand, and occasionally travels back to her hometown. therefore, the house tends to serve as a vacation home for her and family. the owner required few rooms, and without TV or working station zones, focusing instead on the house’s ability to ‘breathe’. the ground floor, which is the most breathable area of the residence, has been designed as a public space that encloses the kitchen and dining areas.

these semi-outdoor areas allow the landscape to flow into the space and bring in natural light and ventilation. ‘the result is no boundary between nature and manmade,’ notes GLA design studio. wooden stairs lead to the upper floor, which was designed as a private area for resting. the large open multi-purpose wooden patio connects all bedrooms and was placed for leisure activities.

project info:

name: baan lek villa

architect: GLA design studio

lead architect: rinrada nirot

location: chanthaburi, thailand

gross built area: 250 sqm