The house is located in the Pracha Uthit district, a relatively low-density area in the northeastern suburb of Bangkok. With the site currently surrounded by empty plots of land, the house lay-out was based on a projection of the future physical surroundings, when urban development arrives. As a result, the streamlined boxed are organized to frame an open courtyard, a lush oasis which the whole house can enjoy.
Another inspiration for the house's interlocking volumes came from Frank Lloyd Wright's Falling Water, one of the owner's favorites. However, with such different physical site conditions, Falling Water's floating horizontal planes are re-interpreted as interlocking rectangular boxes of varying materials hovering one above another and anchored at the top by a vertically-oriented 'wooden box'. Here a rather grave color palette, namely khaki and dark brownish slate walls, weathered wood planes, black window frames and stainless steel details are those commonly associated with the male owner's line of work, hence a representation of his 'self'.
Together the rectangular masses of the house act as frames in various ways. The front porch, for instance, not only takes the shape of a frame, but also serves to highlight the presence of magnificent classic cars, private collectibles which bring pride and joy to the owner. From there, one proceeds to the entry veranda which is framed by the living room to one side, and the rugged slate wall of the pool house on the other. The pool house at a slight angle to the main house, constricting the entrance space, thus intensifying the contrast between the narrow entryway and the relaxing and lively courtyard beyond. The contrasting color palettes between the two areas-the solemn urban of brown at the bright vivacious hues of the pool and garden livened up by morning sunlight-help intensify the effect even further. The fact that all the major living spaces are arranged around this delightful courtyard space makes the green yard and the blue pool the heart of the house, the one key element that everyone can appreciate amidst the house's mundane surroundings.
In 1980, Prabhakorn received his Bachelor of Architecture degree from Chulalongkorn University. He continued his education at the Catholic University of America in Washington DC, where he graduated with a Master of Architecture degree in 1984. Whilst in Washington DC, Prabhakorn worked at Robert Schwinn & Associates in Maryland before returning to Thailand and joining A49 in 1985. At A49, he has been responsible for a wide range of projects ranging from mega complexes and high-rise buildings to houses. Most of these are located in Thailand, whilst others are located in other countries in the region, including: China, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam. His work has also extended outside that region, for example, to the United Arab Emirates and India. All add breadth to the A49 portfolio of work. His main role has been to establish major policies, design concepts and strategic planning initiatives. He was appointed as President of Architects49 Phuket in 2005 and President of Architects49 International in 2006.
Prabhakorn actively served the Association of Siamese Architects (ASA) as its Head of Public Relations from 1992 to 1994, as its Vice President of Foreign Affairs from 1995 to 1997, and as the President of ASA during 2002-2004. He has also participated in many subcommittees for both the ASA and the Architect Council of Thailand (ACT). He is an active Council Member of the ACT, with his present duties for them extending into 2018. He has been an Honorary member of the Japan Institute of Architects (JIA) since 2003.
Prabhakorn has been a key member of A49 since its foundation, and has the honour of being trusted by Nithi Sthapitanonda (the Founder of A49) to be President and Managing Director of 49Group.
In 1980, Prabhakorn received his Bachelor of Architecture degree from Chulalongkorn University. He continued his education at the Catholic University of America in Washington DC, where he graduated with a Master of Architecture degree in 1984. Whilst in Washington DC, Prabhakorn worked at Robert Schwinn & Associates in Maryland before returning to Thailand and joining A49 in 1985. At A49, he has been responsible for a wide range of projects ranging from mega complexes and high-rise buildings to houses. Most of these are located in Thailand, whilst others are located in other countries in the region, including: China, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam. His work has also extended outside that region, for example, to the United Arab Emirates and India. All add breadth to the A49 portfolio of work. His main role has been to establish major policies, design concepts and strategic planning initiatives. He was appointed as President of Architects49 Phuket in 2005 and President of Architects49 International in 2006.
Prabhakorn actively served the Association of Siamese Architects (ASA) as its Head of Public Relations from 1992 to 1994, as its Vice President of Foreign Affairs from 1995 to 1997, and as the President of ASA during 2002-2004. He has also participated in many subcommittees for both the ASA and the Architect Council of Thailand (ACT). He is an active Council Member of the ACT, with his present duties for them extending into 2018. He has been an Honorary member of the Japan Institute of Architects (JIA) since 2003.
Prabhakorn has been a key member of A49 since its foundation, and has the honour of being trusted by Nithi Sthapitanonda (the Founder of A49) to be President and Managing Director of 49Group.
In collaboration with Landscape Architects 49, we have extensive experience in master planning and urban design. We have worked for both government and private sectors from large urban development to planning of new university campus.