In the Mood for Thai Style

Traditional Thai houses are a prominent part of the iconography of old Siam. However, they are not merely things of the past.

In ancient times, Thai architecture provided some of the best lifestyles of the era and practical protections from the natural world. Today, however, modern houses of reinforced concrete have become the norm, however, design elements of the Thai traditional house have nevertheless continued to manifest in “revivalist” recreations today.

Thai design and Thai homes in particular have a long and storied history. From rich colors and handmade tapestries to creative decorative art pieces and glamorous carved wood, Thai style tells its own unique story. In today’s Thai homes, these traditional features are woven in with the clean lines and modern elements that have clear personalities and timeless looks.

A Thai-style home is one that takes inspiration from the culture and landscape of Thailand, along with the design ideas of the country.

Thai style homes are influenced by many aspects of this country’s history and religious beliefs and the style is also influenced by many aspects of the cultures in neighboring Asian countries. This means that Thai style homes are as diverse as the culture of Thailand and that you can apply the style in many ways to reflect your own personality.

Tourism

Tourism can be partially accredited with reviving many classic design elements. In an age dominated by concrete apartment blocks, visitors to the Kingdom desired a nostalgic and somewhat rosy experience of Thai heritage. Hotels, resorts, and restaurants would cater to this, albeit with a modern twist.

Experiencing the true lifestyle in a traditional house, sans air conditioning and with complimentary mosquitos, may be altogether unpleasant. Therefore, a compromise was inevitable.

Most commonly, the area under the stilts would be walled and glazed, forming additional living spaces. At times, the upper floors would be a mixture of concrete and wood. External spaces like the chān are reduced to a mere balcony or completely covered by a roof, with the upper floors accessible by interior staircases as opposed to exterior ones. In essence, it is an air-conditioned box with Thai pitched roofs.

In following global trends, houses in Thailand have been modernized in line with both material needs and broader changes in taste and fashion. However, due to deeply cultural reasons, the aesthetic of the traditional Thai house continues to occupy the minds of contemporary architects and designers.

Both modern revivalist houses and the preservation of genuine structures contribute to the lasting appreciation of Thai culture.