four miniature courtyards bring nature inside family house in thailand

surrounded by flourishing fruit gardens, looklen architects’s ‘mit chit house’ in thailand incorporates nature into its interior through four miniature courtyards. the secluded family home prioritizes privacy yet ensures a lightweight atmosphere through open spaces, wide halls, and numerous windows that take advantage of natural light and ventilation. measuring 3×3 meters and 3×5 meters, the four private courtyards are designed to preserve the surrounding greenery while visually connecting different zones of the property.all images by varp studio

looklen architects developed ‘mit chit house’ as an expansion of a residence originally located off to the right of the property. the home is designed and constructed to provide both additional living quarters and a larger common area for a growing family’s needs. the housing estate’s surrounding gardens, almost too peaceful and quiet at the day’s odd hours, create an atmosphere of seclusion that gave the project its name. according to the bangkok-based studio, ‘mit chit’ means ‘close together’, however ‘the owners found another meaning to its name: close friendship.’

along with the large openings, the four miniature courtyards bring nature inside the home’s different spaces. the building’s modern exterior stems from a square split into planes on an axis, which are then turned into L-shaped pieces that modularly combine into a complex form. contrary, its interior seeks out simplicity with wide open spaces and a refined, minimal material palette. ‘the contrast in interior and exterior design choices means every angle from which the house is viewed offers a unique and exciting perspective,’ explains looklen architects.

the project incorporates principles of passive design, with walls built to keep its interior cool while framing views from within with understated elegance. besides providing much needed insulation from the constant light shining through the southern side of the property, the walls also complement the surrounding lush shrubbery. the home is situated along the left side of the site, leaving room on the right for a large garden that serves to connect the original and new buildings.

the ground floor encloses a large, open plan common area consisting of the living and dining rooms, which is designed to foster continuity from the front of the house to its back. the vertical space between the ground living room is also entirely open, connecting seamlessly with the second-floor den. in keeping with the notion of togetherness, the den acts as an intersection between the old and new houses, allowing the parents of the family to easily make their way to their children. an open space of its own, the den also boasts expansive scenic views. the third floor is the most private zone of the house and features the two siblings’ bedrooms, which benefit from views of the property’s private gardens on either side.