Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
Architects49 was commissioned by Blue Hills Khaoyai, a well-known property development company, to create a group of private and semi-private villas inspired by the natural surroundings and the concept of freshness and purity.
The Akas villas are named after “AKAS,” which in Thai means “Pure and Fresh air.”
The Akas villas’ project was short-listed for a 2021 International Architecture Award from The Chicago Athenaeum and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies.
This vacation residence is located in the most potential area of Khao Yai, the well-known hillside destination in Thailand.
The designer interprets and develops this idea in various physical characteristics both the form organization like the fingers and the sensitive design like the wind entrapment to maximize the perimeter of each unit for effective cross ventilation.
Three private villa types and 20 semi-private villa types with well-planned central facilities and the oversized public swimming pool could appreciate directly to the mountain view as the other crucial focusing point.
The silhouette lines of the existing mountains when looking from the site are extremely inspired for the architectural appearance.
Therefore, the designer comprehensively creates these specific lines to be the unique form of the roof profiles.
Moreover, these fluctuated and continuous gable roofs, applied by the asphalt shingle, could not only make a visual impact but also encourage a sense of relaxation for the project as well.
From the integrated design point of view, the designer focuses on the notion of inside-out as well as outside-in approach.
Especially, the sloped ceiling feature, which is interpenetrated from outside could make the volume of interior space more continuous and outstanding.
Loft concept for space planning and arrangement together with the analysis of the modern lifestyle for vacation houses is considered to be one of the key design criteria.
In terms of material exploration, the specific rammed earth treatment has rigorously expressed the sense of local intelligence, the red-brown color scheme of the earth, which is available in the vicinity, is very unique.
However, the designer has to pay attention to an innovative construction process that could control the consistency and durability for long-term maintenance as well.
Project: AKAS Villa
Architects: Architects49 Limited
Client: Blue Hills Khaoyai
