This house was designed to accommodate an expanding family. Initially a family with three children, this expanded as they grew older and had families of their own. Though living under the same roof, each family has their own private living quarters. The client wanted to maintain the atmosphere of a warm, family home rather than a condominium-style residence. The designer was inspired by the game UNO Stacko which is a popular family puzzle game. It also reflects a sense of balance in which each family is an important piece of this unique architectural puzzle.

With the concept of close family relationships as the foundation of the design, the family home began to take shape. Sensory architecture was applied to create connections between the residents. Spaces were designed to enable the family to see and hear one another or smell the aroma of cooking coming from the kitchen. These little things are characteristic of a close-knit family atmosphere. This is particularly precious in an urban environment where close relations are not easily formed and many people live lives isolated from one another, often eroding family bounds.

A sense of family is imbued throughout the design. Apart from the unique orientation of the units which creates a connection between different areas, the whole family literally lives under the same roof. This is reminiscent of the traditional Thai houses in which a large roof covered the cluster of rooms and living areas. A return to these traditional family roots evokes a feeling of comfort and contentment.

Thai vernacular architecture is designed for the tropics where it rains for most of the tear. Good ventilation is therefore essential for cooling down interior spaces. The challenge was to apply these fundamentals to a modern design in order to minimize the need for air conditioning and reduce heat retention within the home. Modern homes tend to retain a lot of heat during the day and residents often often come home to a warm house in the evening. However, this is not the case in UNO Stacko.

Though sensory architecture can be interpreted as intrusive, it can also be viewed as a reflection of concern for one another. The fragrance of flowers from another residence, or the murmurs of other family member, creates a feeling of warmth and belonging. Its design is an expression of multi-dimensional family dynamics.

This house successfully satisfied all the client’s requirements and is a unique architectural extravaganza. It is not only aesthetically stunning but also serves all the purposes and functions of a home. Needless to say, the client was very impressed with the design and final outcome. Their previous residence was a standard, generic house design. This new home, however, tells a story and offers a different perspective to their daily lives.

Stacked modular units create the unique exterior form, and each floor caters to different functions. The second floor is designed to be the heart of this five-member family home where all convene for daily activities. This area houses the living, dining, pantry and library as well as an outdoor area for rest and relaxation.

The other floors are self-contained family units, or personal penthouses. These all have their own full function living, dining and pantry areas. Two small guest rooms with en suite bathroom can be converted into children’s rooms in the future. The master bedroom is exceptionally designed with a superb view, a large bathroom and a walk-in closet.

The design of the exterior and interior are coordinated in a modern contemporary style using wood laminate flooring. Chevron patterned timber flooring enhances the aesthetics and offers a more cushioned feel to walk on. The floors are also colored to create a different ambience in each room. For example, the parents’ private living area is a dark walnut color, creating a calm contemporary atmosphere.

The overall color scheme of the house is light warm gray with splashes of vivid colored furniture and accessories, such as the navy-blue dining chair. This creates a bright and cheerful environment. The house itself is not designed to stand out, nor to make a bold statement, but rather to serve as a gallery or blank canvas which complements artistic elements such as designer furniture, sculptures and painting. Above all, it is a home to a multi-generational family and will continue to be the heart of the extended family for generations to come.