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.
Sustainable Design for a Modern Era: Boonsong Osot’s Office and Warehouse in Nonthaburi
Boonsong Osot is a renowned Thai company specializing in producing herbal medicines. The goal of their new project is to construct an office and warehouse in the vicinity of Nonthaburi Province. The architect plans to incorporate parts of Thai house architecture into the design of contemporary office buildings, similar to how Boonsong Osot utilizes traditional Thai herbs in modern medicine. The project owner has three key requirements: an office building, a living area with guest bedrooms for company visitors, and a warehouse. The layout of the building is designed to accommodate different needs, and it is meticulously arranged in a sequence and pattern where the office area is positioned at the front. The offices occupy both the first and the second floors. Adjacent to that is the core section of the structure, designed as a space for both relaxation and leisure. The second story serves as a relaxing area and provides access to the bedrooms on the third floor.
Both portions are constructed with interlocking forms, with an open space towards the garden at the center to establish a tranquil ambiance. The main entry on the second level features a prominent walkway structure that extends outward. Parking is located in front of the entrance, and the warehouse is situated at the far end of the area.
Due to the congruence between the architectural concept and the style and features of traditional Thai houses, the building has been divided into zones, which also aids in facilitating ventilation. Additionally, it facilitates enhanced natural light access into the building’s interior. In addition, the team repurposed the walkway section that links the areas through a spacious outdoor terrace known as a “chaan” in Thai to establish a semi-formal multi-purpose area where users can gather, converse, and utilize as an informal meeting space. Furthermore, the primary functional space of the building was elevated to the second floor to prevent flooding and allocate the majority of the ground floor area for service purposes. This concept is akin to elevating the functional spaces on the stilts found in traditional Thai houses.
The roofs of the structures are gable roofs that resemble traditional Thai houses. However, the design changes the orientation of the roof ridge rotation to give the structure a distinctive form. As a result, when the buildings are viewed from different angles, they take on different shapes. The architects used metal sheets to construct the gable roof. This material supports the architectural idea, which aims to preserve the essence of traditional Thai houses. Metal sheet is quite important in this area of the task as it is easier to create a sloping roof ridge. Furthermore, the capacity to flex and bend into various forms, maintain continuity in various joints and accept the overlay of gutters and other systems.
The capacity of COLORBOND® steel to flex and bend into varied forms, maintain continuity in various joints, and support the overlay of gutters and other system parts has a significant impact on the particular architectural design of Thai houses built with modern materials.
The walls are double-layered, which helps prevent heat and sound, and prevents rainwater from flowing back into the building. All of this significantly impacts the particular architectural design of Thai houses built with modern materials. Metal sheet is used to maintain the structure’s architectural integrity and original aesthetic identity. Additionally, the architect employs a variety of materials, including wood, which is the traditional material used in Thai architectural constructions. Despite the multitude of distinct components associated with Thai houses, the language used in the design establishes a degree of resemblance that merges with a modern mindset; thus, it perfectly showcases the fusion of traditional and contemporary ethos of Thai herbal medicines produced by Boonsong Osot.
Engineering Precision: The New Foundry of the Royal Thai Naval Dockyard
The Foundry of the Royal Thai Naval Dockyard is a facility that specializes in manufacturing bronze propellers for naval vessels. Completed in October 2023, the foundry spans approximately 2,300 square meters. Initially located at the Thonburi Naval Dockyard in Bangkok, the need for relocation led to the establishment of the new facility at the Phra Chulachomklao Naval Dockyard in Samut Prakan province.
This relocation to a more suitable location minimizes its impact on the local community, environment, and neighboring structures a significant improvement over the challenges faced by the former site amidst highly urbanized residential areas. In this project, the architects used metal sheets for both the roof and the walls because the main function of the building is a factory where the construction required high and wide column spans so the choices of roofing and walling materials are quite limited. This leads to metal sheet, which is lightweight and easy to install.
This aligns with the architectural design direction in the details where steel sheets are used on the walls and the roof. One of the persistent issues faced by the old foundry was insufficient lighting, despite attempts to enhance natural light with electric lighting. This is coupled with the users’ requirement to utilize sunlight as the main source of interior illumination. The building also accommodated the furnace inside, which causes high heat. These factors necessitated the design team to comprehensively understand wind and light directions before orienting the building accordingly. Considering the need for optimal interior illumination and ventilation, the rectangular architectural form was realized to facilitate efficient space management for machinery placement and accommodate potential future expansion.
In light of these factors, the design aimed to create openings that allow just enough natural light to enter. To minimize direct exposure of sunlight to the interior functional spaces and users, triangular openings were strategically placed instead of adding openings to the sides of the building. The design also aligns with the concept of simplified wave patterns caused by rotating propellers, resonating perfectly with the context of the project as a vessel propeller casting factory. The openings were positioned to bring in soft, diffused natural light from the north, creating a gentle ambiance within.
Additionally, the design of the building’s angled walls were carefully calculated and louvers were installed to help with interior ventilation while efficiently controlling the amount of natural light. These components prevent intense glare and heat from the afternoon sunlight coming from the west. Meanwhile, the skylights reduce the need of artificial lighting inside the building during the day. The louvers also contribute to the building’s appealing visual dynamics, beautifully harmonizing with the consistent presence of metal sheet throughout the entire architectural structure and fostering a unified aesthetic
MG House: A Modern Tropical Barn Blending Contemporary Design with Sustainable Living
MG House is residential house located at Joglo, West Jakarta. Finished in 2022, This project was built in a hook area of 366 m2 with GBA around 718 m2. One of the client's de-sires was to have a storage area large enough to accommodate his collections, resembling a warehouse or barn, but combined with modern contemporary tropical design elements. Therefore, the main concept of the house is to reflect a combination of modern tropical and barn style.
The main design approach was to respond to the tropical climate while creating an iconic structure that catches attention from both streets it faces. One of the key goals was to maximize the use of the surrounding garden area, ensuring a seamless connection between the house and it environment. The landscape design incorporates greenery, offering natural shade and cooling, which further complements the house's passive cooling strategies. By integrating the garden with the home's design, a harmonious relation-ship between indoor and outdoor spaces was created, blurring the boundaries between the two.
The Second Skin facade on the front elevation can filter air and sunlight from the outside. The combination of the metal roof and natural wood elements on the exterior creates a balance between modern industrial and natural tropical aesthetics. This fusion gives the house a warm yet contemporary look, making it stand out as a landmark in the neighborhood while still blending with the surrounding greenery.
In terms of materials, MG House was designed to be both durable and low-maintenance. The roof, made from COLORBOND® steel in Cocoa Brown color, was selected for its durability against the tropical climate. A layer of polyurethane (PU) beneath the metal roof offers excellent thermal insulation, helping to maintain stable indoor temperatures and reduce reliance on air conditioning. The roof structure itself is supported by a steel frame coated with anti-rust paint, ensuring long-term structural integrity. This combination of materials aligns with the modern tropical barn concept, while also addressing sustainability through the use of recyclable materials and energy-efficient design features.
METAL ROOF
The main roof of Indonesia Arena utilizes a space frame to support the large oval stadium, which can span up to 127 x 102 m. Metal was chosen as the roof covering material for its speed of work, cost efficiency, and ability to span such a wide area. To ensure the stadium meets the minimum acoustic requirements (NC 45-55 or 55-65 dBA), a specific insulation layer consisting of a spray cell, gypsum board, acoustic paint, and a specially calculated air gap was implemented
SUN PATH
One of the request also to allowing natural sunlight to come through. Giving opportunity for multiple facade opening, with the need of consideration with the building facing the west side
AIR FLOW
Natural air flow become one of the main request to be achieved in these design process. The wind comes from the west, giving the opportunity for making multiple openings, creating cross-ventilation
WATER LEVEL
The existing area, used to be being flooded because the surrounding condition. The water level reaches 50 cm from above the ground. The condition of the building and street level being on a same level, causing the ground floor inoperable
Material
Metal has been chosen as the roof covering material for its versatility and functionality. It can be shaped and expressed in various ways, proving that metal roofs can be explored with dynamic shapes and openings that effectively shade the spaces below. This design ensures that the semi-outdoor spaces are not only protected from rain and heat but also provide a comfortable environment for various activities.
Contextual
The roof shape is varied, with various forms cut, split, curved, and tapered to accommodate architectural aesthetics. Also, from the functional point of view, it can accommodate different activities and still has a pitched roof shame that is contextual to the surrounding area.
Shade
Tropical climates require shade in buildings, so the roof shape ensures that semi-outdoor spaces are not exposed to rain and heat. The roof openings and building cavities also allow extensive landscaping to be injected between spaces, creating a more leisurely vibe and resort-building style.
Contextual Massing
The building is designed from several building mass arrangements with their respective functions. It is shaded by a series of pitched roof explorations to provide a building expression that blends more with the typology of the surrounding residential buildings, which primarily use pitched roofs. The building masses are then cut to provide room for landscapes, a series of voids, and building cavities to ensure good natural air circulation and light into the building.
HAYWARD QUARTZ TECHNOLOGY FACTORY VIETNAM Redefining Industrial Architecture
The Hayward Quartz Technology Factory, located in the Vietnam - Singapore Industrial Park (VSIP 1), is a state-of-the-art industrial facility that highlights distinctive design, innovative use of steel, and sustainable design practices. Completed in 2008 and spanning 15,000 sqm, this factory represents a new era of industrial architecture, harmoniously combining visual appeal with technical excellence.
Unique Design: Redefining the Norm
Departing from traditional boxy structures, the Hayward Quartz Factory features a circular atrium and a vaulted roof, reflecting the inspiration drawn from the company's semiconductor products. This atrium acts as the centerpiece of the design, linking various spaces while flooding the interior with natural light.
Beyond its striking appearance, the design is highly functional, fostering a positive and open work environment for employees. These features establish the factory as a remarkable example of industrial design, raising the new benchmark in the region.
Innovation in Steel: Engineering Mastery
The factory's design prominently features COLOROND® steel, which plays a crucial role in its overall structure. BlueScope Steel delivered innovative solutions for the vaulted roof, balancing durability with aesthetic charm. The distinctive curves of the roof were made possible through this collaboration, highlighting the capabilities of prefabricated steel structures.
“Thanks to BlueScope's advanced steel, architects were able to expand the possibilities within Vietnam's industrial sector. The outcome is a building that combines remarkable strength with striking visual appeal, ensuring lasting structural integrity.”
Sustainability: Built for the Future
Sustainability is at the heart of the Hayward Quartz Factory's design. With a focus on employee well-being, the building features open, green spaces, ventilation, and ample natural light, reducing reliance on artificial lighting and fostering a comfortable environment.
The COLORBOND® steel roofing is designed for durability and requires minimal maintenance, enhancing the factory's sustainability. Additionally, the implementation of energy-efficient systems significantly lowers environmental impact, establishing the factory as a benchmark for responsible industrial design.
An Inspiration for Future Projects
The Hayward Quartz Technology Factory transcends its role as a mere production facility; it stands as a beacon of innovation, design, and sustainability. Its striking architecture and progressive material choices serve as an inspiring example for industrial projects throughout ASEAN, showcasing how functionality can beautifully align with aesthetic appeal.
Building a Greener Future: The DBW Garment Factory's Innovative High-Rise Design
Transforming vision into reality—maximizing land efficiency with a distinctive high-rise design, embodying sustainability aiming to green standard and worker well-being environment.
DBW Garment Factory, developed by Deutsche Bekleidungswerke Co., Ltd., is a striking example of modern industrial architecture that fuses cutting-edge design with sustainability and technological innovation. Situated in Long An province, just south of Ho Chi Minh City, this 5-story facility sets a new benchmark for garment manufacturing facilities across ASEAN.
Unique Design
The factory's design is a testament to the trend of optimizing functionality within limited land space by developing vertically (multi-story buildings), while still ensuring aesthetic appeal, sustainability, and a green, worker-friendly environment. The facade features louvered shading structures shaped in the iconic "DBW" brand name, reducing solar radiation and enhancing ventilation. An angled Low-E glass system on the East & West facades maximizes natural light while maintaining thermal efficiency. The most inspiring feature is the expansive rooftop garden spanning over 1,000 m2. This green oasis serves both aesthetic and functional purposes, cultivating fresh vegetables for the on-site canteen and providing workers with a visually stimulating environment. The design fosters a balance between industrial performance and user experience, setting new standards for comfort in factory settings.
Innovation in Steel
At the core of DBW's construction is its steel framework, which allows for large, column-free spaces on five floors dedicated to production. The roof is made from COLORBONLY steel, integrated with Thermatech-technology, providing exceptional thermal performance. The innovative roofing design, with a slope of 9 degrees and an SRI (Solar Reflectance Index) greater than 80, reduces roof temperatures by up to 6°C, cutting cooling energy costs by 15%. The use of high-performance steel ensures both structural integrity and energy efficiency, underscoring the role of advanced materials in pushing the boundaries of industrial design.
Sustainability
DBW Garment Factory is certified for both LEED and LOTUS Platinum, positioning it as a leader in sustainable industrial development. Renewable energy systems, including biomass fuel for boiler and 165.1 kWp solar panels, power the facility, reducing overall energy consumption by 44.3%. Additionally, rainwater is harvested and reused for rooftop garden irrigation and restroom facilities, optimizing water efficiency. The use of autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) blocks further minimizes energy consumption for air conditioning, ensuring the building maintains high thermal performance while reducing environmental impact.
The building mass and primary functional layout are oriented towards the main road (Street No. 6) in the Northeast, which is a wide road convenient for both employee traffic and goods delivery while avoiding direct exposure to the hot Southwest sun.
As a pioneer in the development of sustainable, environmentally friendly industrial buildings, Thomas Hebestreit, Founder and CEO of Royal Spirit Group, once said:
“I was determined to build a model factory, setting new standards for world-class garment production. Thus, DBW was born.”
(Source: Forbes Vietnam)
A Mosque Redefined: A Gateway to Modern Islamic Architecture in Malaysia
Mentions of mosques or other Islamic-related architecture always reminds one of its minaret and prominent dome or at the very least, its geometric patterns. Masjid Daing Abdul Rahman in Nusa Idaman, Johor shall be considered as the ice breaker of this norm in Malaysia. One would have not guessed that it is a religious building but any other commercial works without its signage. The mosque is undeniably a beyond basic model within its context yet still features one of the most elementary components in many Islamic architecture, especially the one in a warmer climate, a mashrabiya screens. Evading an obligation towards the typical Islamic geometry, the screens feature a much more contemporary patterns approach to its counterpart. The conceptual idea came from leaves – a non-amusing, often ignored natural elements except that when it comes Autumn. In a tropical country, it is a safe bet to say that leaves are indeed the least appreciated detail in one’s everyday life considering the absence of such season. Present as both a decorative element and a shading device against harsh Tropical sunlight, the screens are made of solid galvanised panels. The choice for the material lies solely on the key factors of it being the most cost efficient and easy to maintain in a longer run compared to options like lightweight glass reinforced concrete or perforated aluminium panels. The layers of materiality between steel, glazed glasses and clay brickwork as the façade was a meticulous decision-making process to ensure that it become a unified element that protects the building, performing at its best within the climate.
With a total area of 2000 m2, the mosque is able to hold a capacity of 2000 people at once. The architecture was made to steer the community towards togetherness, not just about it existing as a worshipping place. Cafes were placed to bring in interfaith community within instead of it being exclusively for Muslims.
The segregation between genders—a vital element in designing a religious place, for the purpose of privacy, were address in multiple manners but prominently through the allocation of praying spaces. Men occupies the main prayer hall on the ground levels while women were given the first and the second mezzanine floors. The main prayer halls are equipped with a generous overspill area to accommodate larger crowed during Friday prayers. The mezzanine floors also double as classrooms and multipurpose hall, depending on the needs.
Nature was brought into the design by inclusivity of landscape within the building itself, promoting a vague experience between the outside and the inside. Multiple numbers of trees were placed within the overspill area as a way to achieve the said intention. The affect brought by the glass wall and the screens helps to further constitute a fine line between the interior and exterior, allowing visibility to and from the prayer halls indubitably without putting a discount on neither privacy nor comfort. The very same patterns from the external screen was repeated on the aluminium framed glass sliding door displaying an exceptional level of attention to details. The mosque has subtlety addressed every component of a religious building in a comprehensive manner, a nod to religion, culture and progression. Masjid Daing Abdul Rahman is the gateway for a fresh yet humble escape from the ordinary.