Architecture and plants can mutually enhance each other, becoming more than just the surrounding landscape of a building; they can also be an integral, inseparable part of the architecture itself. On a plot of land in Ratchaburi, Thailand, a province about 3-4 hours' drive from Bangkok, there exists a house blended with a small learning center under the roof of Cat's Claw Creeper that cover the roof. This image raises curiosity about the activities within. The essence of this design is centered around two types of plants.
The first plant is the bonsai: A bonsai is a small tree that is pruned and shaped to resemble a large tree in miniature, allowing it to be grown in a pot. The owner of this house is a serious hobbyist in bonsai cultivation. The practice of growing bonsai fosters concentration, tranquility, and relaxation. The owner is deeply passionate about bonsai and, through meticulous care, has achieved numerous national awards for bonsai cultivation. This hobby has led to the creation of a space for learning and gathering for bonsai enthusiasts in Ratchaburi, as well as offering short courses of 1-2 days for those interested in learning about bonsai cultivation.
This project comprises the following:
A café space, providing an opportunity for those interested to meet and discuss bonsai cultivation. A learning area with experts offering guidance on bonsai growing, complete with suitable tools and equipment. Accommodation for visitors from other provinces who wish to attend bonsai cultivation courses.
The project is situated in the front area of the existing house, utilizing an open space adjacent to the road, which was formerly a front garden. The architect has designed the building in an L-shape, leaving open space that integrates with the existing house, enhancing efficiency and preventing the old house from feeling cramped. Large trees are planted between the new and old houses, providing continuous shade to the building. Additionally, the building is elevated from the road, making the project easily visible to passersby. The objective of this project is to avoid the use of air conditioning in the café and learning areas, so the elevation of the building allows for optimal natural ventilation.
The second plant, Cat's Claw Creeper: Cat's Claw Creeper was chosen as an integral part of this architectural piece due to its dense coverage and seasonal flowering, which adds visual interest to the building throughout different seasons. The shade provided by this plant creates an appealing environment with sufficient light and shadow for daytime use. The Cat's Claw Creeper also serves as a construction material for this architecture, not merely as decorative greenery but as a human-crafted material that becomes one with the architecture and landscape.
The roof is raised higher than usual, partly to prevent heat from reaching the usable areas and partly to create a visual landmark that can be seen from the road outside the project. Meanwhile, another section of the building is designed with a sleeping area under the roof at the same height to offer a novel experience for guests, with the Cat's Claw Creeper covering the entire project.
The use of white steel structures makes the building appear light, airy, and harmonious with other materials. The wide column spacing allows for flexible use of the space. The architect has endeavored to maintain the character of a home, refining the roof slope to align with the direction of sunlight. The roof plane that requires sunlight is angled more steeply, allowing the south-facing roof covered by the Cat's Claw Creeper to capture more sunlight for photosynthesis. The choice of materials reflects simplicity, with polished concrete, wooden flooring, and corrugated roof tiles—local materials readily available in this region. These materials have been reinterpreted and assembled into a unique form, with plants draped over the building, elevated above the translucent corrugated roof tiles that shield from the rain. This results in intriguing shadows, and users within the building need not worry about rain. The design also connects seamlessly with the exterior, ensuring a continuous and shaded environment.
In summary, this architectural project successfully harnesses the owner's passion for cultivating small trees like bonsai and translates it into the planning, material selection, and the innovative use of plants as a construction material. This craftsmanship is closely tied to the environment, both within the project site and its broader context. Furthermore, the project creates a memorable image for external observers, reinforcing the belief in the owner's expertise and ability to cultivate trees of all sizes. It also offers a new experience for building users, emphasizing the beauty and serenityof small plants, which can greatly soothe the mind and spirit of those who engage with the space.
Team:
Architect: Studio Miti
Lead Architects: Mr. Padirmkiat Sukkan
Design Team: Mr.Kitipat Homsuwan, Mr.Waranyoo Chunwong
Clients: Mr. Thatsapong Buaphan
Landscape Consultants: Mr. Sompong Buaphan
Photography: Spaceshift Studio
