flat12x builds two different houses in one lot for pair of brothers in thailand

thai architecture practice flat12x has completed the bird bom house, a complex of two houses for two brothers, in one of the busiest residential areas of central bangkok. the project balances between different parameters; from its site, which is often considered unfitted for residential projects due to its dead-end T junction location, widely known for a high rate of car accidents, to the complex surroundings that include two thai shophouses of different heights, from one story to four, and disordered façades due to individual extensions.

all images by chaovarith poonphol

flat12x has designed the bird bom house with each of its corners corresponding to the adjacent building’s height, in order for it to co-exist harmoniously with the surrounding landscape. taking into consideration its T junction location, the architects have built one front elevation of the building in a way to help drivers avoid an accident, while at the same time transforming an uninspiring part of the neighborhood into an intriguing new corner.

‘the project manifests architectural design in a wider context,’ explains the bangkok-based studio, ‘a broader relationship between different scales of experiences, which is not only the relationship between the two newly built houses, but also that with their existing surroundings. it exemplifies how design can play a part, from one corner of a community ,to the entire society  of the city.’

the four-meter distance between the two houses – bird and bom – which is required by building law and regulation, has been utilized to create a double height, internal courtyard. materials have been chosen to reflect buildings from around the neighborhood, while old materials are given new patterns and finishing surfaces through new techniques. travertine tiles on the ground level of bom has been used to replace old granite, while the slim rosewood ceiling and screening have been installed instead of unfit natural timber. cantilevered roofs clarify the edge of the building: the one at the top is finished with a concrete skim coat, while the garage is covered by an engineered 12mm tempered glass roof. details in vibrant colors, such as an orange and yellow railing at the main hall, enhance the house’s contemporary feel while reflecting the owner’s personality.

the bird residence is more radical and hand-crafted, finished in simple painting but requiring different techniques. at the ground level, walls are covered in a rough texture mixed with patterned aluminum groove lines. at the same time, black color on different materials of the upper floor creates an interesting set of textures; from a matte brick wall contrasted with polished aluminum, to pure concrete exposed alongside industrial black steel.

project info:

name: bird bom house

architect: flat12x co., ltd.

location: bangkok, thailand

area: 280sqm + 250sqm

architect director: julsamano bhongsatiern

interior design director: pasda sophon

team: chakrit sripradup, kamonchai tangpruetpong

landscape designer: amisa raksiam

builder: apirat leowchawarit

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: sofia lekka angelopoulou | designboom