looklen architects builds the roof house in thailand around central open courtyard

the roof house by looklen architects is an extension to an old house in bangkok‘s lat phrao area, designed to cater to several activities of the owner’s family, which has occupied the original residence for more than 15 years. located on a square lot with a size of 16 x 16 meters, and surrounded by private houses on its three sides and a small alley on the front, the house incorporates a central courtyard as its focal point. a hip roof covers all spaces surrounding the courtyard, and features an opening in the middle which brings natural light and air inside the residence while allowing an existing tree to grow freely.all images by varp studio

looklen architects has built the roof house as a common area for the family members’ activities, which include a relaxation zone, a guest area, and a space for piano lessons among others. its layout is designed as an open plan, which connects as functions into one continuous area built around the central, open air courtyard. this courtyard acts as the focal point of the house’s different activities, brings natural air and light into the interior, and provides enough privacy through large walls located at the front of the building.

the residence is topped with a hip roof that incorporates an opening in the middle to create an airy atmosphere and allow an existing tree to grow undisturbed. the entire structure is mainly made from steel, while wood is also used throughout to create a warm atmosphere, further enhanced by hidden lighting, installed along the the roof’s side. the front of the house is its most open space, and comprises a wide span structure of 14 meters length. a lath fence on the outside acts as a double façade for the house to reinforce the sense of privacy in the interior.

looklen architects has adopted a passive energy design method, detaching the north side of the hip roof to allow natural wind and light to pass through the courtyard. five-meter windows face toward the north and east to make sure the house enjoys sunlight all day long. additionally, long-sliding partitions enable wind to flow through the house.