P12 Residence by Pongpat Architects

Before the design process started, the initial client’s requirements were a modern house, which was the essence of Modern and Zen architecture to be inconspicuous and clean. Spending leisure time with family is a source of energy. In terms of the lifestyle of the owner’s family love nature and have a simple life. They desire self-reflection uniquely. Another important thing is to maintain easily.

The house location is near the junction, which has noise and air pollution. The owners required safety, hiding from the outside, and functioning uncomplicatedly. Inside the house, each room was flow ventilation and clear space. Consequently, family members can interact with each other. This idea brings a good relationship.

The last thing owners needed was to combine a green area in the center of the house. Personally, the owners had prepared all about detail and the information need. A challenge of the design is to create modern architecture, which means integrating with the Zen style, and the different contexts of ideas lead to the design uniquely.

When receiving information, the designer experimented with the project by sketching, planning, mass modeling, and presenting the idea to the holder, then expanded each concept's pros and cons in three directions for development. The first direction, the main purpose is privacy by planning the master plan, studying the mass model, and arranging the group of functions as a U-shape from the top view. The back side of the house faces the west, which is against heat and sunlight. In the middle of the building is a courtyard space that faces off to the north to make zoning more private and build a good atmosphere.

The layout properties and form are U-shaped to generate private space. The ground floor has a double-level courtyard with an open view to the north. The second floor has visibility on the east of the property side to create a variety of visuals. Reducing the number of massive walls is an idea for ventilation. In addition, the advantage of a U-shape layout is the benefit of two types of ventilation (Cross ventilation and Stack ventilation). The second direction is full of visual differences between the exterior and interior. Inside space has created an area of light and more relaxation by removing some walls to obtain the majority of voids. As a result, space is allowed dwellers to see everyone who can keep relationships warm and fulfilled. The final direction, integrating Greenfield into the living area is the main idea. Nature does matter in a Zen style, which means blank space, plants, shade & shadow, skylight, ventilation, and orientation. Every function is close to nature. Reaching the front has two parts. The first section is the left-hand side of the house which is the office to protect sight from outside and increase comfortable shade. The second part is a living area connected to a park, similar to spending time in a relaxed environment. Pantry and dining areas are the best part of the accommodation, which prepare double volumes to establish comfortable atmospheres. Users can enjoy the view of the green courtyard on both levels. 

Upstairs is a clear space simply. The first that could see in the middle of the courtyard is the primary tree with river stones on the terrace. Approach to a master bedroom that can receive upside from green area naturally. Inside the master bedroom, the designer arranges to unblock space and keeps a tiny skylight from the rooftop. The result is to earn natural light for a mini garden near the main tree. It also can link the opposite side of the view and downstairs through the courtyard. 

Another interesting in P12 Residence is minimal style, simple elements, decreasing material directly, and respecting the environment. These things are the key concept to represent the story of architecture. As a requirement for function and use of the project are crucial to designing spaces. Besides, the requested building is expected to have green areas, reduced unnecessary details, simple, and frankly are not answers for the climate. Thus, the new design is a solution to resolve the problem in every part carefully.