TOUCH architect clads 'house enfold' with a curved shading device in thailand

in the samutprakan province of thailand, TOUCH architect has completed a two-story family home, ‘enfold house’. formed as two l-shaped volumes, the building wraps around a central courtyard space, which is home to flourishing tree.

all images © chalermwat wongchompoo

the three-bedroom house was designed around a square-shape plan to fit perfectly on the square-shaped site. however, with this arrangement, TOUCH architect was challenged to integrate circulation into the scheme without wasting excess space. the solution was to form a bending linear massing, or in other words to wrap the staircase around a central atrium.

the courtyard at the heart of the home is created by stacking two l-shaped masses. within this void a green area allows residents to feel close to nature as they ascend the staircase, from the entrance door until the upstairs rooftop area. the tree is therefore enfolded by the house, giving the project its name.

the house is also designed to deal with the hot thai climate. the elevations are clad in shading devices, which act to control heat gain while also providing privacy to the residents. the staircase is positioned at the south edge of the plan, helping to shield heat from the living area. moreover, trees are also planted along this south side as a cooling strategy. the elevational treatment is constructed using durable materials to lower maintenance costs, such as aluminum trellis and wood plastic composite (WPC).

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project info:

project name: house enfold

project type: private residence

architect: TOUCH architect

location: sasikarn village, theparak rd., samutprakan, thailand

site area: 50 sq.wah (200 sq.m.)

built area: 265 sq.m.

status: built (2020)

civil engineer: chittinat wongmaneeprateep

contractor: triple m group

interior contractor: trigon design con

photography: chalermwat wongchompoo