THE NEST |Architecture + Interior + Construction
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
The lush greenery of Bangkok's Bang Kachao,
Category: Residential
Location: Bangkobua, Samutprakarn
Area: 400 Sq.m.
Year: 2022
The Nest stands as a testament to the harmonious coexistence between architecture and nature.
Concept:
Inspired by the concept of a "nest," the design seamlessly integrates with its surroundings, reflecting a timeless aesthetic.
Site and Context:
The project is situated on a picturesque riverside plot in Bang Kachao, a verdant oasis within the bustling metropolis of Bangkok. The site's proximity to the Chao Phraya River and its abundant natural surroundings presented an opportunity to create a dwelling that embraces the tranquility of its setting.
Design Brief:
The homeowners sought a unique and distinctive residence that would blend seamlessly with the natural environment while embodying a timeless design. The architects were tasked with creating a sanctuary that would foster a deep connection between its inhabitants and the surrounding landscape.
Layout:
Legal restrictions dictated a 12-meter height limit and a 12-meter setback from the Chao Phraya River. In response, the building is positioned centrally on the plot, resembling a tree sprouting from the earth, blending effortlessly with the landscape. The layout subtly follows the site's contours, rising gradually from the front entrance towards the main building. A carport structure, designed as an elevated mound alongside the house, draws the eye towards the primary structure.
Functional:
The residence is divided into two distinct wings, with the ground-floor hall serving as the central connector. The east wing features an open-plan living space with a bar counter seamlessly integrating the dining and living areas. The living area is positioned inwards for privacy, while the dining area opens onto a balcony, extending the living space outdoors. The west wing houses service areas, including the kitchen, bathrooms, mechanical rooms, and a maid's room.
Leisure Retreat:
The wooden deck terrace serves as an entertainment area, featuring an air-conditioned vertical garden for cooling on balmy days. The tiered steps create a visual link to the second-floor balcony and provide a backdrop for the space.
Serene Swimming:
The curved swimming pool complements the building's form, partially obscured by trees for privacy while maintaining river views.
Interconnected Living:
A double-sided spiral staircase connects the floors, its glass structure adorned with aluminum wood-patterned louvers to control sunlight while allowing natural light to permeate the interior.
Second-Floor Retreat:
The east wing houses a cylindrical bedroom with panoramic river views. A connecting hallway leads to the west wing, where a staircase provides access to an outdoor balcony under the eaves, creating a usable, breezy space for relaxation or recreation. This staircase also serves as a foyer leading to the third-floor master bedroom.
Third-Floor Sanctuary:
The master bedroom consists of two stacked and interconnected cylindrical spaces. The bed is positioned to maximize river views, with a curved glass wall stretching along the entire north-facing wall. Behind the bed, a walk-in closet leads to the bathroom, flanked by two separate dressing tables. The bathroom is integrated into the curved form, featuring a circular skylight, creating a harmonious and enveloping space.
East Wing Bedrooms:
Two bedrooms share a central bathroom. The riverside bedroom mirrors the layout of the second-floor bedroom, while the garden-facing bedroom features a dressing area and a connecting bridge leading to the rounded, glass-walled bedroom with panoramic east-facing garden views.
Architectural Form:
The building's form comprises geometric shapes, including cylinders and rectangles, supported by a concrete structure that acts as a base for the upper-floor rooms, resembling a bird's nest nestled on a grassy knoll. Curving lines seamlessly connect the building's masses, creating a continuous, fluid form. The architectural expression primarily features concrete surfaces with textured paint for added dimension, interspersed with exposed concrete columns that showcase the structure. Large, curved glass openings contrast with the solid concrete, emphasizing the interplay of light and transparency.
Garaging:
The concrete structure of the garage appears elevated from the ground, while the roof support structure blends modern and retro elements. Skylights in the form of circular openings create patterns of light and shadow, adding dimension to the space. The roof is covered in artificial grass, creating a continuous green expanse when viewed from above.
Decoration
The interior decoration embraces an eclectic atmosphere, thoughtfully blending a variety of artistic influences ranging from vintage elements to contemporary design.
The intention is to create a timeless ambiance that reflects the homeowner’s personal artistic taste and individuality, while allowing different styles, textures, and eras to coexist harmoniously within the space.
Landscape Design:
The landscape design, seamlessly integrated with the building's walls and floors, starts with the approach, where trees provide privacy and frame the building from the road. Trees also support the building's form at the front, while the riverside area is transformed into a usable space for both recreation and relaxation, surrounded by polished stone benches that rise from the ground, creating a continuous line from the ground to the hardscape, adding dynamism to the lawn space.
