Fluidity in Compressed Spaces: House R3 In Thailand

The continuous sight of straightened glass tends to hurt the eyes. But curved glass is an element that can add so much more character to a structure. In Bangkok, Thailand, House R3 uses curved glass to give a sense of fluidity to the home clad in a light pink color. House R3 is a 400-square-meter home designed and built by studio PHTAA. Using curved glass, this home located on a compact roadside in Bangkok possesses a distinct facade that allows for more sunlight.

Fluid Privacy

In all five levels, the house features living spaces that maximize the availability of space for a family of five. Each of these floors’ bedrooms has matching plans. That and they take advantage of the curved glazing that punctures the rooms. For privacy, curtains can be pulled around the glass walls that open onto covered balconies on both levels. The second floor which only stands as the main living room meanwhile has a straight, glazed wall on the side. The remaining walls are lined with wooden panels. Dark wood joinery alongside mid-century furnishings line the room too for warmth.

Open to the Familiar, Closed to the Strange

To give the family more privacy, House R3 infilled the road-facing facade with concrete panels, making it entirely solid. The other side of the house, however, faces a quiet street so the wall facing this has floor-to-ceiling glazing. On two levels, the glazing curves inwards to create a wavy facade. This front part of the home also has all the living spaces and faces the road of the peaceful village, hence the abundance of open windows.

A pink-toned slatted gate separates the home from the street and offers access to the ground floor. Here, the family has an area for their two vehicles. This area also stands opposite a circulation space with a curved concrete staircase and kitchen.

Photos by Kukkong Thirathomrongkiat

Related read: Why are Liminal Spaces so Unsettling?