Designed by: OFFICE AT Co., Ltd.
Location: Koh Samui Island, Surat Thani, Thailand | Latitude: 9.53˚ N
The fantastic views from this home significantly influence the openness of its design. The house design maximises the views with its large openings and transparency.
OfficeAT is the architect for the Adrisa Residence.
They create a home that beautifully sits within its stunning site.
Location, Site and Climate
The Adrisa Residence is on the island of Koh Samui (also known as Ko Samui or Samui). The island is in the Surat Thani Province. It is also the second largest island in Thailand.
Photo: Rungkit Charoenwat
At 9.53˚ N latitude, Koh Samui is in the tropical region north of the equator.
Koh Samui’s climate is hot and humid, with a long rainy season. In addition, the temperature ranges from 24˚C to 33˚C.
In addition, Adrisa House is in an exclusive gated community. The community’s name is KAYA Estates, in Bophut Hills.
“KAYA Estates on Bophut Hills, one of the most exclusive, private and lowest density estates in Koh Samui Thailand. It exudes an impressive level of privacy and magnificent ocean and mountain views.”
– OFFICE AT Co., Ltd.
House Design Brief
The Adrisa Residence is a four (4) bedroom five (5) bathroom house. It is for a single-family dwelling.
This home is 1,400 m2 or 15,070 sq. ft. and was completed in 2019.
Home Design Approach
The views from this site are stunning. Therefore, the house prioritises access to the landscape. However, it still ensures privacy within the home.
Photo: Rungkit Charoenwat
“It exudes an impressive level of privacy and magnificent ocean and mountain views.”
– OFFICE AT Co., Ltd.
OfficeAT design opens the walls of the home as much as possible. Large glazed openings along the main spaces in the house take advantage of the views all around.
House Design Layout
The street to access the property is to the south of the lot.
Photo: Rungkit Charoenwat
You enter the site with a three-car parking area near the entrance.
As you enter the home, up the entrance steps, you pass along a reflecting pool into a courtyard. Hence, though you are inside the house, you are still in a semi-outdoor area. From there, you can see right through the open-plan public living, dining and lounge areas out to the views.
Photo: Rungkit Charoenwat
The openness of these spaces makes them feel like a pavilion. Furthermore, with the courtyard on one side and the expansive views on the other, you always have a strong connection to nature and the outdoors.
Also on the lower floor is a kitchen, a master bedroom and terraces. Service areas like the laundry are to the back of the house against the hill and away from the views.
In addition, there is an L-shaped pool. One part is a 25m lap pool, and the other is a 16m family pool and jacuzzi.
The upper floor has another master bedroom along with two other bedrooms. A fitness/gym is also on that floor.
There is also a basement which has a home theatre and other services.
House Design Maximises Views
This house enjoys spectacular panoramic views. Ocean views are to the north and east, while mountain views are to the west.
Therefore, the designer incorporates strategies to maximise the views from within the home.
Shifting parts of the house to the upper floor was one of these strategies. In addition, service areas are underground to create an open space on the northwest corner.
Photo: Rungkit Charoenwat
“Bedrooms and living area are located on the northwest corner for the best view so user can enjoy the view surrounding the site.”
– OFFICE AT Co., Ltd.
The architects also open the corners of each bedroom and living space. In addition, they did not locate structural elements in these corners. This strategy ensures that the people in the home can better enjoy uninterrupted views of the beautiful tropical landscapes.
House Layout Creates Openness To View
The layout design of this house maximises openness. This arrangement enhances the view from the inside.
In addition, an open courtyard is in the middle of the home. Hence, it creates a spatial sequence from the south entrance into the main house.
Photo: Rungkit Charoenwat
Special structural considerations went into this project. For instance, concrete makes up the underground and first floors with long cantilevers at their corners. On the second floor, they are steel trusses to support its seven-meter cantilevers. Therefore, this structural arrangement minimises internal structural members at the corners.
Construction and Materials
The house utilises concrete and steel for the structure of the house. Many walls have a raw concrete finish, and steel beams are painted black.
A lot of natural wood and stone finishes are also in the house. This use of materials helps blend with the natural surroundings. It also creates a tropical modern look and decor.
Photo: Rungkit Charoenwat
Expansive glass windows and sliding doors create maximum transparency. These glass openings generate strong connections between indoors and outdoors. In addition, most of these windows are operable and permit plenty of natural ventilation. Breezes can easily flow through the house because of the multiple windows and doors.
Having the spaces open out to outdoor spaces also creates powerful biophilic connections with the natural environment. The people in the home not only see nature, but they get to hear and smell their natural surroundings.
In addition, slatted timber screens around the perimeter provide privacy and sun shade where necessary.
Conclusion
Amazing views from your home are an incredible benefit to have in a tropical country.
The Adrisa Residence has stunning views of the mountains and ocean. OfficeAT uses strategies to maximise the views while maintaining privacy.
Large glass openings and minimum walls and structure ensure people in the home experience the views as much as possible.
Therefore, connecting with nature and opening out to the surrounding landscape is paramount. These and other tropical design strategies make this home a gem.
Related articles:
- See these other houses with courtyards.
Photographer: Rungkit Charoenwat
Architect: OFFICE AT Co., Ltd.