Location: Rimtai Saitarn, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai, Thailand

House area: 2,637 square feet/245 square metres

Description: This weekend home is located 20 kilometres (12.4 miles) from the centre of the ancient city of Chiang-Mai, on a hillside surrounded by mountains and a natural stream.

The design is traditional both in its arrangement and appearance. The layout is simple, clean, and well suited to relaxation. The architecture, interior, and landscape harmonise with the surroundings, which include many traditional Thai dwellings. The overlapping roof signifies the vernacular appeal of the house.

The house has effective ventilation suitable for tropical architecture, incorporating shades to deflect direct sunlight and heat, and protect from rain. The use of materials includes traditional local products, such as teak for the shingle roof, column, ceiling, doors, and windows, with some terracotta wall tiles.

The plan is generally typical of north-Thailand houses, which have a pool at the heart of the house. The guestroom is an altered rice barn, and the recreation space from a traditional pavilion. The best views from the house are from the rear of the block, where the living room, multipurpose area, and pool have been located, to breath fresh air and enjoy splendid views of the rice fields and the surrounding mountains.