Two Double Roof Houses on Narrow Lot

Designed by: OFFICE AT Co., Ltd.

Location: Bangkok, Thailand | Latitude: 13.82262° N |

These two double roof houses are located on a narrow lot, close to the centre of Bangkok. However, despite the restriction of the narrow lot, the architects created as big a green space as possible. In addition, their raised floor is a nod to the traditional Thai stilt houses.

Photo: Ketsiree Wongwan

The P24 House was designed by OFFICE AT Co., Ltd. They are an architecture firm based in Bangkok, Thailand.

The client required two houses, one for himself and the other for his brother. Each house is approximately 350 sq. m. (3,767 sq. ft.).

However, each home had separate space requirements. Hence, their lifestyles influenced the design. The younger brother has his terrace on the third floor to view the surrounding landscape. However, the older brother’s house has open spaces on both the second and third floors.

The walls are brick. They were also plastered and painted. The project uses artificial wood. Windows consist of tinted glass.

Design Strategies

The architect used climatic strategies and responses suitable for the tropical region of Thailand.

Green Space

The green space for this project was a significant factor in orienting the two houses.

Each house has a narrow layout along the length of the lot. They are located towards the north of the site. Hence, they were able to create a large green space along the southern boundary.

As a result, this green space spans both houses. Both houses have their main rooms like the living, dining and bedrooms overlooking the green space.

Photo: Ketsiree Wongwan

Relationships between the indoors and outdoors, such as this, create a better feeling interior. Hence, it creates spaces that have a better psychological impact on the homeowner.

Built On Stilts

Photo: Ketsiree Wongwan

Both houses were raised off the ground. This was a response to the climate of the region.

“Ground floor of both houses was lift up for better ventilation and flood protection.”

– OFFICE AT Co., Ltd.

Similarly, traditional Thai vernacular houses were often raised off the ground. Stilts houses were common in many regions across Thailand.

In addition, the various regions had different styles based on their customs, cultures and religious beliefs. However, they were often on stilts to protect them from flooding.

This is both a good sustainable and resilient practice for a tropical home.

Double Roof

Normally the roof of a home receives the most sun exposure of any part of the home. Double roof houses can significantly reduce the heat gain.

“The roof of the main house is double-roof to cover the house from tropical heat.”

– OFFICE AT Co., Ltd.

The lower roof is a reinforced concrete slab. Concrete is a thermal mass material. This means it absorbs, stores and releases heat.

Thermal mass materials are not ideal in tropical climates. They should be shaded from direct sunlight where possible.

The double roof system in this project protects the concrete roof from direct sun exposure. The upper roof in this application is a metal sheet roof.

The air space between the two roofs allows the heat absorbed or passing through the top roof can quickly and easily dissipate. Hence, that heat is not allowed to transfer into the interior of the house.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this double roof house is a sensitive response to the tropical climate it is in.
It creates a large green space on a narrow urban lot. Raising the ground floor off the ground protects it from flooding as well as retain as much earth around the site.

The double roof system protects the concrete roof slab from direct sunlight. Hence, this prevents that heat from transferring into the home.

As a result, the architects were able to produce two tropical modern homes that are stunning and responsive to their climate.

---

Photographer: Ketsiree Wongwan
Architect: OFFICE AT Co., Ltd.