A Thailand architect, Ekaphap Duangkaew, was involved in various type of projects at a tender age of 30. He highlighted his most favoured projects during the talk at Black Box, Publika. He focuses on the uses of spaces that provides function and making sure and putting in mind that a space should be habitable. He made sure Thailand's traditional architecture be coherent with contemporary architecture.
When designing space, he made sure it goes together with the lifestyle of the clients and creating a sense of space. When combining the function, the thai lifestyle and tropical architecture, resulting a minimalist form
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| Ekaphap Duangkaew, with the microphone Q & A Session |
T-House - Underwear Family Business
Project One
[combines an office, garment warehouse, family residence in two structures on a single site]
According to Duangkaew, during his site visit, the most challenging part was the location of this site. During the analysis of the site, he notice there was a view towards the side of the site and he took advantage of it by playing with the sizes of the windows. He explained to us the biggest window shows more activity of the space, and we can identify the spaces just by the size of the window.
A thai word, called Jai-baan, was introduced to us as the heart of the house. The spatial relationship that exist in the house -personal space and working space. The house composed of two staircases that cross each other, providing connection to all rooms, which leads to the working space on level two, studio and office.
T-House shows some real architectural concept, and a reason for where every window is where it is. It has a pure clean appearance with straightforward inside-out functions of open design. T-house is an extraordinary mix, and have purposely created this screen so that one religion does not have more importance than the other and that it unifies them.
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| Jai-baan and skylight |
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| Primary staircase, leading to studio/office spaces |
Work + Personal Space
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| Cotton strands seperate but don't detach from the private areas on the opposite side |
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| Small skylights to help maintain interior temperature |
Coming from the family's business, underwear, which is a product needed to be shown focusing on its cutting qualities and fabric rather that its striking patterns which is reflected in the design.
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| Section of T-House of light concept |
Multi-Place - Two siblings with pharmacist and veterinarian backgrounds
Project Two
[A narrow land in a heart of Surat Thani for living together and commercialised purpose. ]
House + Shop
His mission was to transform a narrow land, middle of pollution, noise and messy context to be a home. From the aspect of the clients, the buildings need to be able to live and work. The 480 square-meter land was to support clients businesses, including pharmacy, veterinary clinic, pets shop, hostel, cafe and rental meeting rooms.
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| Cafe |
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| Animal Name Cards |
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| Pharmacy |
He explained to us, since the area sat along the main road, and issues were present and he made it sure that the most activity should be closer to the noisier part.
He introduced to us the concept he used Reveal, Conceal and Airy which gives a sense of belonging in architecture.
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| This is the courtyard, this garden to be a relaxing linkage between two detached residential spaces. |
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| The garden's walls composed of easy to find glass blocks allowed sunlight to shine through creating dynamic shadow effects from the movements behind themselves as well as the airy like sensation |
The patterned concrete screen blocks together screened the pollution yet allowed air flow smoothly; meanwhile creating a privacy for people inside without feeling cramped.
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| Patterned concrete screen blocks |
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He came back after 3 years and he noticed that the residences has made used of the blocks of the pattern blocks to place their everyday outing portable storage.
In order to protect their privacy from prying eyes as well as dust and noise pollution, concrete screen block became the best solution for the facade.
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| Concrete screen block for facade |
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| He particular liked this concept for it shows the work and home idea working together in a building. |
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| Before and After of 3 years |
Mena Residence - Celebration of a new daughter
Project Three
This residence consists of 4 generation living together. It was an expansion project of the existing bungalow house.
When designing this bungalow, Duangkaew made sure to integrating traditional Thailand styles. Generally, a Thailand house with a modern twist towards the design of the house.
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| Concept Model |
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| Life is on earth |
All luxury items such as swimming pool, living room, family, and all the feds are lifted away from the soil. The continuity of the green space from second floor to first floor links to the ancestral tree of the parent's house (before the expansion)
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| Mena Fence |
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| East Elevation of MENA Residence designed to block the view of the opposite 4 story apartment |
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| Little Mena |
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| Family Entrance | Re-Gen House |
Two projects were not available online. Project Four was talking about a condominium and the windows as protection provider. The outside looks solid and it can be operable and reflect to show how they select and function.
Project Five was a temple project. Usually Thailand temples have the curved roof and tall buildings, but the temple that he design, did not exist much of the Thailand elements. Instead, he design with lines and the concept that he used was 'to enjoy quick moments'
In the modern society, community has gotten smaller and he believes that in order to recharge the spiritual energy, one should have a quick recharge to refuel the spiritual energy and be reminded of the spiritual sense.
He specifically talked about the toilet where it was easily accessible. With the accessibility of the toilet in a holy space, it urges the community to be present and encourages the community to have a heaven on earth sensation.
During the Q&A sessions, the growth of being an architect and making design a reality was because of the architecture competition. He participates in the competition and it changes the way he thinks of architecture. For someone with low experience, he had to change his mindset and set it to a practicality form, but not losing the deign sense. There are many ways of thinking, but without a good concept, the work will be bad.
He stated that in designing, progress is important. The architect must know the reasons why designing a space in such a way and to think how to elevation the building to such desire.
The architect job is a calling for the people.
Reference
- https://www.designboom.com/architecture/ekar-architects-t-house-thailand-08-06-2015/
- https://www.facebook.com/pg/ekar.architects/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1664593243793201
- https://www.facebook.com/pg/ekar.architects/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1623851081200751
- https://www.archdaily.com/805560/multi-place-ekar
- https://www.facebook.com/pg/ekar.architects/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1599275176991675