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Issue 59 - The Life Outside Issue

Issue 59

The Life Outside Issue

Introducing the Life Outside issue of Habitus magazine. With life increasingly being absorbed into a digital space, there is never a more important moment to hold something tangible. In this context, the power of nature to have a physiological impact on our sense of wellbeing has never been more important. So how can we cultivate the benefits of the our natural environment in the most intimate of places – our homes? This was the question that helped to bring this issue of Habitus to life.

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Intrigue Awaits At The Roof House In Thailand
HomesHolly Cunneen

Intrigue Awaits At The Roof House In Thailand

Thailand

In a quiet residential neighbourhood in Bangkok, is a timber gate semi-concealing The Roof House. It hints at the central courtyard and inspired concept for a roof within.


At first glance, a house with a roof might not seem like anything notable or outstanding. But visually, The Roof House (designed by Looklen Architects) nestled in a quiet residential neighbourhood in Bangkok, will stop you in your tracks.

Behind a 14-metre rolling fence, extending almost the entire length of the 16-metre-square site, sits a new, entirely separate and entirely self-contained addition to an existing house. Although the owner has lived in the original house for more than 15 years, the new addition was designed to better facilitate communal activities like entertaining friends and extended family, relaxing, playing with the dog, and piano practise.

The Roof House by Looklen Architects hides behind a timber gate in a quiet residential street of Bangkok.

To passers-by, the central courtyard is just visible through the lath timber fence, creating intrigue as to what lies beyond. And yet, with their neighbours’ attention focussed on those two elements the residents are able to enjoy their privacy without sacrificing a connection to the outdoors.

Following the principle first do no harm, the central courtyard was designed around an existing tree. This has the benefit of bringing greenery inside the house, connecting diametrically opposed spaces and creating a common central focal point for each area within the new house.

Looklen Architects has designed the house to operate around passive design principles. Accordingly, the north side of the roof has been detached to encourage natural ventilation and sunlight into the interiors. Likewise 5-metre-long windows line the north- and east-facing walls and large eaves offer generous shade in the hotter parts of the day.

An open-plan configuration was requested by the client to maintain a sense of connection when using different spaces or engaging in different activities, and flexibility to extend zones for large events. The different areas are punctuated by long sliding partitions that can be opened or closed as required to allow a breeze to pass through or conversely to contain certain areas.

The use of timber in the residence connects the built environment with the natural environment. It also adds atmospheric warmth and helps to absorb sound.

With residential neighbours to three sides, and fronting on to a quiet alley, The Roof House offers a considered balance between honouring the existing streetscape, and pushing the boundaries of what is expected, to what is possible.

Looklen Architects
looklen.com

Photography by Varp Studio

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The internal courtyard of The Roof House by Looklen Architects is just visible through a lath timber fence.

About the Author

Holly Cunneen

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Looklen ArchitectsPassive design principlesThe Roof HouseVarp Studio


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Issue 59 - The Life Outside Issue

Issue 59

The Life Outside Issue

Introducing the Life Outside issue of Habitus magazine. With life increasingly being absorbed into a digital space, there is never a more important moment to hold something tangible. In this context, the power of nature to have a physiological impact on our sense of wellbeing has never been more important. So how can we cultivate the benefits of the our natural environment in the most intimate of places – our homes? This was the question that helped to bring this issue of Habitus to life.

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