MYJ House: A Unique Brick Home Like No Other
Buildings have to face the realities of urban landscapes and their context. Issues can arise from the density of people and the proximity of adjacent structures. As such, it can make it difficult for one to have a moment of solitude. Within the heart of Prawet district of Bangkok, the MYJ House blends itself into its context by tackling these challenges head on. BodinChapa Architects designed this home to get the best out of the site’s constraints, supporting environmental performance while being in line with the user’s needs.
Sculpted Into Its Environment
Architecture always involves an aspect of responding to a particular context, whether physical or ethereal. MYJ House takes the necessary steps to position itself to maximize what its location offers. Sitting on a corner lot, the home enjoys the opportunities that come with fronting two streets. Its signature design element is the brick facade that wraps around the southern side of the building.
The brickwork dramatically rounds at the corner, detailed with perforations that resemble a weave or screen. It’s a visually stunning architectural feature that also reinforces privacy while still permitting light and wind to pass through. Extending along the southeast of the building, the brick parallels the slant of the roof, creating an interesting play of asymmetric volumes.
Designing For Natural Performance
Outdoor landscaping further aids in balancing the needs of the owner with what the vicinity presents. Both natural and built environments work in rhythm to meet the resident’s needs.
Natural ventilation is maximized in terms of the orientation, with the south and east side welcoming the wind. Openings throughout the numerous spaces across the house allows for cross ventilation. The pool and edible garden support the design’s performance by cooling the air to minimize heat gain and maximize comfort.
The kitchen, laundry, and staircase along the south side further protect the shared spaces from direct sunlight. Translucent materials along the stairs’ upper portions light up the lower steps. Skylights are smartly integrated, especially above bedrooms, to retain exposure to the outdoors in a manner that doesn’t sacrifice privacy All of these benefit the owners as it reduces the need for artificial lighting.
Working With Open Spaces
The living room, dining room, and kitchen open up to each other, allowing freedom of movement. In contrast, private spaces make room for withdrawal and intimacy. Level changes subtly define these separate zones without disturbing the openness of the interiors.
To make it even more spacious, larger, double-height spaces and openings increase the interior volume. Furthermore, they visually connect the floors while also creating an expanded surface that makes the finishes more impactful. The warm and natural materials of brick and wood create a cozy atmosphere that is further substantiated by the richness of natural light. Minimalist and contemporary interior stylings using clean lines and neutral colors add a beautiful contrast that creates a cohesive finish.
The natural components of the site are well-appreciated by the generous views of the greenery. The air and sunlight reach in through the large openings that blurs the distinction between the indoors and outdoors.
Freedom Within the Cityscape
BodinChapa architects deftly addressed to the difficulties experienced in urban living. An intentional study of the site’s characteristics, bolstered by a comprehensive brief of their clients, joined together to form the MYJ House. The structure’s orientation, use of gaps and buffers, layout, natural elements, and distinct aesthetics checks all the right boxes in response to its surroundings.
Read More: Striking Contrast from the Familiar: The Brick House in Pampanga by Gaga Design House
