Laab Is More

A Harmonious Blend: 'Laab Is More' – Where Family and Tradition Flourish

“Laab is more than just a classic northern meal; it represents this modest family’s way of life.”

Nestled within the heart of a historic village in Ban Waen Subdistrict, Hang Dong District, the house is surrounded by the homes of extended family. The owner desired a haven that offered both privacy and a welcoming space for gatherings with his loved ones. He sought a design that departed from the traditional wooden structures of the surrounding residences and minimized wood usage due to potential maintenance challenges.

The architects faced the task of crafting a space that catered to the owner’s multifaceted life. As house owner is a photographer, he craved a peaceful and secluded environment for work and creative pursuits. However, he also embraced a modern lifestyle, enjoying skateboarding and the company of friends and family while gathering for traditional meals like laab. He held a deep connection to his rural roots and wished to maintain a sense of connection with nature. To address these desires, the design team created a functional space that seamlessly integrated with the owner’s lifestyle.

Notably, the cooking area features a low floor-level section, ideal for preparing and chopping laab ingredients, fostering a communal experience for the owner and his guests. Maintaining privacy amidst the close proximity of neighboring houses was crucial. The architects achieved this by incorporating strategic wall placements. The central core of the house echoes the traditional Lanna dwelling style, featuring a split-level living area. The upper floor offers dedicated spaces for work and sleep, catering to modern living needs. The lower level boasts a relaxed living room that seamlessly connects to a multi-purpose terrace. This outdoor area embraces the laab-making tradition, providing designated areas for Studio Sifah opted for a distinct material palette. The wavy metal roof sheets, crafted from BlueScope Zacs Cool in Asian White color on Aussie 700 corrugated profile, harmonize with the surrounding zinc and fiber cement roof. The wall cladding echoes the size and texture of wooden panels traditionally used in rice granaries, a familiar element in the Northern region. The architects cleverly separated the roof and the wall elements, creating a gap that visually lightens the structure. BlueScope Zacs Cool in Asian White color on Aussie 700 sheets were folded and finished with rubber strips, resulting in a clean and sophisticated detail. Concrete and steel construction were employed to evoke the lightness of traditional wooden vernacular houses. The design incorporates thoughtful details like small light openings in the lower wall sections and ventilation gaps in the upper part. The strategic use of steel reflects the spirit of Northern craftsmanship while seamlessly integrating with the simple, rural character of the community.

Laab Is More embodies the essence of fusion aesthetics. It champions contemporary living while preserving the soul of rural life. The architecture itself narrates a story through a distinct language that the studio aptly describes as “ordinary yet extraordinarily cool.” The design’s hidden coolness lies within the ordinariness of Northern elements, like laab, subtly weaving the spirit of the people into the contemporary architectural language.