Open the solidity of concrete with courtyards in all four directions.

The appeal of a concrete house is that, in addition to providing a sense of solidity and protection, it also provides a rough surface, which brings an appealing raw beauty to the building. As a result, JOYS Architect attempted to cast a concrete form to create a continuous stone pattern throughout the ‘Yellow House’. Furthermore, the internal courtyards are open in all four directions to allow breeze and light to soften the harshness of the concrete while also providing aesthetics for the residents.

The wall becomes a fence

The owner wishes to construct a house on a 12-rai plot that will include a café and be encircled by a garden without a fence, resulting in the position of this house having no apparent borders. The architect chose to construct the house’s wall as a fence in order to create an enclosed space within the house and to assist provide security for living. At the same time, the architect created four courtyards in the house, one in each direction, to provide natural light and wind.

The courtyard defines the function

Due to the nature of the project location being a mountain, therefore, the ground level is not equal, and the architect wants to preserve the original trees of the area, therefore intending to keep all four courtyards at the same ground level by reducing the removal of the original soil as much as possible. These courts will serve as the entire house’s function. The first courtyard is +0.40 m. from the house’s level. It functions as a reception and transition space to the living, kitchen, and dining areas. This high ground level also helps to obscure the sight of outsiders as well.

It is followed by the right patio at +0.80 m level, which serves as a link between the dining area, bedroom, and office while also dividing the three functions. Furthermore, the courtyard incorporates nature into the function of the surroundings.

The third court is at the far end of the home and offers complete seclusion. The architect created a rectangular swimming pool court with a depth of -1.10 m that connects the office, bedroom, and bathroom while also providing a view for the surrounding functions, generating a sense of refreshment and relaxation.

The final courtyard is located at +0.00 m. (on the same level as the home), therefore it serves as a service section because the area is useable. Simultaneously, there is a better view of the Yang Na tree than in other regions, so it is surrounded by functions, including a living room, a living room, and a bathroom.

“As can be seen, the layout of this house is not divided by a corridor but is linked by function to function through the courtyard. At least two or more courtyards are visible in each function, allowing us to always view through another function.”

Casting concrete to reveal stone patterns

Architect intended to cover the building surface continuously both inside and outside by pouring concrete with a higher stone content than cement onto the entire structure at the same time with a thickness of 3 – 10 centimeters and then patiently awaiting the surface to harden. When the mold is removed, the stone is separated in the continuous patterned concrete substratum. The solid thickness of the concrete provides a sense of protection, while the stone pattern makes the house’s space appear more rhythmic.

“I got the idea after noticing the use of cement to cast the pillars and seeing the rocks emerge at various points, which is the nature of the material. So, I and the contractor worked together to figure out how to make the stone’s design come out continually, which took a long time to experiment and practice casting. Once we’ve mastered the timing of the casting, the concrete can be poured into the actual design.”

To add more dimension to the wall, the entrance to the house has been shortened and a second layer of concrete wall was constructed to match the other walls, with a large opening below to allow wind and light to enter the building. Simultaneously, the courtyard is further accentuated when light filters through the trees onto the concrete walls. It also provides homeowners with an additional sense of privacy.

Substantial yet airy

Despite the fact that this house appears heavy and substantial with concrete, it can nevertheless receive breeze and natural light in every room from its surrounding four courtyards. Furthermore, the level of each courtyard dictates the function to suit the use of each space and also connects the function so that it is regarded as a continuous one.

“The continuity between inside-outside and inside-inside would be the highlight of this house. This property appears to have two personalities that provide a sense of airiness and comfort while also evoking a sense of seclusion.”

Open the solidity of concrete with courtyards in all four directions.

Watsapon Vijitsarn

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