Openbox Architects’ residential
design intertwines architecture, interior and landscape in the form of marble
sculpture.The initial idea is to allow habitant’s behavior to carve a dwelling
space into a monolithic piece of marble sculpture. The main piece appears so
solid, yet so light it floats to defy the gravity, while external landscape
space flows underneath through the center courtyard. Residual marble pieces
fell onto the ground to become part of the landscape features, isolated, yet
visually related so boldly, as they use to be part of the marble boulder.
The excavation of unique shape, form and space is created by shifting the
building linear and non-linear planes. The Marble House is placed on one end of
a rectangular land plot with a large, magnificent Rain tree on the opposite
end. The visual impression of the Rain tree is enhanced by a modern
architecture style pavilion. A contrast of the simplest structure and a fully
grown, natural[1]formed rain tree, over a
reflective swimming pool surface create a memorable, signature scene for the house.
Marble finishes is, in fact, a large scale, light-weight, wall tiles with
marble pattern print. As an external finishes applied over a layer of internal
brick wall, it also acts as weather cladding, shielding the house from direct
Sunlight, and external heat of Bangkok summer, and therefore help to cool down
the interior during the day. Relationship between architecture and landscape is
subtly displayed everywhere. The overall
square shaped form surrounds an open courtyard in the center, allowing natural
light and ventilation to reach all remotest corners. Bamboo in the center
courtyard moves and sways to create the presence of the wind.
The concept “private balconies” are very useful for an urban residence,
surrounded by neighbors. Pockets of enclosed open terraces create privacy, but
still welcome natural light and ventilation. The void above such area becomes a
great feature, as the terms given by the architect, “the private sky”.
Some windows have to be placed on the neighboring side. The concept of tilting
of windows towards more open corner of surroundings also contributes to the
form of the house. After all, it all started by having the habitants behavior
and view preference to naturally form this piece of sculpture. The play of
materials, space and forms flows seamlessly inside-out, and outside-in making
strong connections between architecture, landscape and interior.
CREDITS
Architectural Design: Openbox Architects
Lead Architecht: Ratiwat Suwannatrai
Project Team: Nattawan Supanan,
Sudatip Pipatthakorn, Nonglak Boonsaeng
Lead Interior Design Architect: Wannapat Jenpanichkarn
Interior Design Project Team: Pichaya Sampanvejsobha, Chitchaya Klinkhum
Lead Landscape Architects: Wannaporn Suwannatrai
Landscape Project Team: Chawannuch Jirasukprasert
Lighting Designer: FOS Lighting
Total Construction Area: 1.000 sqm
Building Date: 2017
Project Location: Bangkok , Thailand
Photographs: Wison Tungthunya
NATURAL STONE:
INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR FACADE CLADDINGS, BATHROOM
MARBLE
