BAAN RORB | Integrated Field

Designed by Integrated Field, BAAN RORB (or ‘บ้านรอบ’ in Thai which literally means ‘Around / Surround / Cycle / Round House) is a residence for a Thai- Chinese family consisting of the retiring parents and 2 family members. The initial idea from the family is to have a simple and serene space to enjoy the garden and space that will create more chances for a family member to interact with each other.

photography by © Wison Tungthunya / W Workspace

Despite almost 3,200 sq.m. land size, it seems the environment surrounding the site give the quite limited option in the setting alternatives since half of the surrounding are 6 appreciating buildings in the north and west with more than 100 rooms facing toward the site. Therefore, the main issue is to give privacy and to prevent the surrounding that would create the disturbance for family members and at the same time increase the interaction possibilities between family members.

photography by © Wison Tungthunya / W Workspace

With such conditions of the site and the main objective of the project, IF proposed the idea to set the house to the furthest end of the site and use all the necessary solids of all service areas such as kitchen, maid’s room and toilet to prevent all the surrounding building from seeing the family activities inside. The main circulation that runs around the internal courtyard from the ground to the second floor is the main feature that gives the family member a better chance to see each other and grow their relationship while appreciating the natural court.
All shared functions such as Chinese spirit house, ancestor room, living and dining space are on the ground floor and can see each other from each area. The second level consists of family room and bedrooms with an internal skylight to receive enough natural light and ventilation.

photography by © Wison Tungthunya / W Workspace

The mood and tone of story house based on the warm tone with color with and woods, except the main feature which is the main circulation that is constructed by steel structure which looks light and distinctive. Those structures come with opening folding windows to give full ventilation when needed.
Naturally, the wind would come from the south most of the year and the same as the sun that would come along in the steep angle. Therefore, the opening in the main entrance that has a covered terrace to enjoy the front yard allows the ventilation throughout the house most of the day but on the second floor would require a help from the trees as the first screening layer and the insulated glass as the second layer to protect the house from the sun.
The design of BAAN RORB is an attempt to understand and ‘inner and outer’ round of the house and develop space that gives the serenity, relaxing and the continuity of family members relationship ‘around’ the internal court.

photography by © Wison Tungthunya / W Workspace

Project Info:
Architects: Integrated Field
Location: Thailand
Area: 897.0 m2
Project Year: 2017
Photographs: Wison Tungthunya / W Workspace
Manufacturers: Kohler, OLIVARI, Trusol, Cristina, On Square, Villeroy & Boch
Project Name: BAAN RORB