Traditional Thai houses balance between East Asian aesthetics and simple minimalism: according to the classical canon, they are always built on stilts. In the days of ancient Siam, this construction method helped to protect people from the aftermath of torrential rain, snakes and dangerous insects which lived on the ground, keep the house cool inside, and easily transport the dwelling to another location, if necessary.
Today, architects continue designing stilt houses, notwithstanding the new technologies that are available. Foreign alternative materials have become part of the traditional style, used to adapt century-old traditions to the contemporary lifestyle.
Practical Design Elements
Traditional Thai stilt houses were designed to withstand floods and downpours and were built primarily from teak or other hardwood. Chan, a long open-air platform ensuring good ventilation and natural light in the rooms, occupies a significant proportion of the house. These days a more compact version of the platform is used, serving as a terrace with the addition of some modern facilities, such as swimming pools.
Steep sloped roofs protect the house from rain during the monsoon season, while big windows ensure air circulation inside the house. Thais often use screens and sliding doors to zone the space efficiently. Traditional Thai stilt houses have been designed to mitigate the impact of the tropical climate and leverage its advantages, while remaining elegant.
Photo: Jamison Cameron (Unsplash)
In Harmony with Nature
The architectural traditions of ancient Thailand have their roots in Siamese cultural values: they emphasise the unity of nature and man. Stilt houses minimise the environmental impact, blending with the local ecosystem. Ideas from the East of the past resonate with the environmental aspirations of the new age.
The Revival of Traditional Thai Houses
The influence of western style and modern technologies have changed the look of traditional Thai houses. The use of concrete and cement, which are more resistant to moisture and fire, make it possible to create a more solid and sustainable foundation. The block construction of small rooms is no longer tied to a chan as the main source of ventilation of the house, to a large extent, thanks to air conditioners and climate control systems.
Nowadays, life in a Thai stilt house enables both tourists and Thais to enjoy East Asian charms without experiencing the drawbacks of the past: the panoramic windows look out onto the views of the tropics, protecting you from insects, while the space between the stilts can be glazed, transforming it into additional rooms.
This is how traditional Thai houses retain the old traditions and classic elements of the design for local culture, offering a comfortable life for modern people.
Photo: tawatchai07 (Freepik)
New Luxury Traditional Thai Houses
Many modern high-end villa or townhouse projects refer architecturally to traditional stilt houses from previous centuries. They combine a high level of comfort with a love of local culture and oriental style. Let’s look at some of them.
Nakara Grand Luxury Villa
Nakara Grand Luxury villas combine traditional Thai elements and European luxury. The villas in this community have a balanced structure of four bedrooms, a swimming pool, and a well-kept tropical garden. The classic decor imbues you with the spirit of Thailand: the open layout with panoramic views, a spacious terrace and a sloped roof recall the aesthetics of the houses of ancient Siam.
Photo: Nakara Grand Luxury Villas
The residential complex is located only a few minutes from the famous Bang Tao beach, shopping centres and an elite golf course.
Akra Collection Layan
Akra Collection Layan has a beautiful mix of modern minimalism and Thai traditions. This villa complex stands on Layan Hill, opening up views of blossoming tropical gardens and Layan Beach. The layout enables you to immerse yourself in an atmosphere of wild nature without having to leave your soft bed in a cosy bedroom with an air conditioner.
Photo: Akra Collection Layan
A small private swimming pool, open living room and panoramic bedroom make the modern version of the classic stilt house look even more luxurious.
Naka Bay Sea View Cottages
Located in a secluded district of Kamala Hills, Naka Bay Sea View Cottages reminds you of traditional Thai stilt houses, but with a view of yachts in the ocean, as well as a private swimming pool on the balcony and a panoramic view of Phuket’s wondrous nature.
Photo: Naka Bay Sea View Cottages
Even though they are located in a tranquil area, the cottages are not far from a lively embankment with many cafes, restaurants and nightclubs.
In a Nutshell
The architecture of traditional Thai stilt houses has influenced modern real estate projects design according to East Asian aesthetics. The chan, which united small rooms into one big area, has been replaced by spacious terraces, balconies with private swimming pools and cosy internal courtyards.
The eclectic luxury villas of the new century combine European minimalism with Asian pragmatism, thereby rendering them even more comfortable. The traditions of the ancient Siam still live in the details of the houses, such as wooden finishing, sloped tiled roofs, sliding doors and low tea tables.
Cover photo: suksao (Freepik)
