M
BRIDGE HOUSE by b/A/R (bangkok Architectural Research)
Location Mueang, Chon Buri, Thailand Completion 2015 Area 370 sq.m. Architect Varoot Samalapa Chatpong Chuenrudeemol Theerayuth Wuthiwongthanakit Interior Architect Ornaong Kongviset Peyawatra Klangsin Structural Engineer Sarawut Yuanteng
18 - 19
Photography Choavarith Poonphol
Bridge house is situated on a small cape between the Bangsaen Sea and a newly paved road. The house itself acts as a path, and a wooden bridge serves as the main circulation space while creating an architectural sequence from the street to the sea. Bridge house follows Thai traditions as living areas are raised to the second floor, and the ground floor is used as a multi-purpose outdoor space. Service and public areas are grouped into three clusters—lift lobby and main stairs; maid quarters and Thai kitchen; and guest bathroom and pantry. These clusters act as ‘stilts’, raising the second floor to accommodate bedrooms and a family room, while creating outdoor spaces below for a verandah, a living room, and an entry lobby. The ground floor material, local Ang-Sila granite, is waterproof to prevent flooding and allows for the placement of a bathroom and a kitchen at this level. The second floor accommodates bedrooms and a family room. Each space is carefully positioned based on high and low tide. For example, nighttime areas like the bedrooms are placed further from the sea when the tide is low at night, and daytime areas such as the living and family rooms are placed closer to the sea since high tide is during the day and rooms can take advantage of the ocean view. A series of horizontal and vertical wooden screens provide sun shading, control views to the sea, and create privacy.