This project is an extension of the original home, W House I, due to the increased space usage. The owner wants to move into this new house as their primary residence and leave the original W House I as a guest house. The design brief stems from the owner’s desire for a single-story house where all family members can see and engage with each other throughout the day. At the same time, the owner also loves the beautiful mountain views from the rooftop of the previous house and wishes to retain space for their two pet cows to roam and graze.
The design resolves these needs by creating a raised single-story house at a height of 7 meters, equivalent to the rooftop of the old house. It mimics a two-story elevated foundation, leaving the ground level as a garden and space for the owner’s cows. The upper floor features a wraparound balcony, allowing views to be enjoyed from different angles at various times of the day. The swimming pool is also elevated to this level for viewing purposes. The interior spaces are raised by another 40 cm, so that when sliding doors are opened, each room allows residents to sit with their legs dangling over the balcony, offering 360-degree panoramic views.
The house is designed with a double-skin façade: the inner layer is glass, while the outer balcony features wooden screens that can be opened or closed as needed for privacy. The entire structure is supported by only two poured concrete walls, designed as long-span walls. To address structural challenges and create a visually interesting feature, the floor structure employs a Waffle Slab design.
The materials used for W House II include exposed concrete that flows from the exterior to the interior, forming walls throughout the house. The overall mood and tone emphasize a warm ambiance, with natural wood tones playing a key role. Maple wood, chosen for its unique grain pattern, contrasts beautifully with the concrete and is used as the primary wood inside the home. Green India stone is featured in the kitchen, adding a contemporary touch to the design.
In the central living area, an oversized sofa has been designed with a modular system that can be rearranged to support various activities, making this space the heart of the home where everyone can gather throughout the day.
NAKHON RATCHASIMA, THAILAND
DESIGN: 2021 | COMPLETION: 2023
ARCHITECT : IDIN ARCHITECTS
INTERIOR DESIGNER : IDIN ARCHITECTS