Architect firm Inly Studio have expertly created a peaceful modern home design that complements both the hot and rainy climate of Chiang Mai, Thailand. Measuring 650 square metres, this impressive modern property features not just one, but three zen courtyards. The outdoor areas are bordered by sheltered walkways that shield from sun and rain. Wood slatted panels from the roofline prevent direct sunlight from overheating interior spaces, and edge to edge patio doors open up the rooms to the welcoming gardens. Ancient trees add majesty to the courtyards whilst contemporary interior spaces are decorated with minimal furniture. Wood tone warms monochrome decor and continues the beauty of nature within the home.
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- Photographer: Panoramic Studio
The first of three peacefully zen courtyard designs instantly communicates this Thai home’s wonderfully restful soul.
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A spectacular ancient tree brings a piece of natural history to the ultra modern property.
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A small pool design stretches cool blue waters alongside the gnarled tree trunk. The still surface seems to mirror the clear blue sky above.
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There is a built up deck around the outskirts of the picturesque courtyard, which provides an outdoor walkway between the rooms of the home. The deck also doubles as a garden bench where the homeowners can stop for a while and take in the revitalising green view.
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A path of rugged stepping stones winds across the pebbled floor of the second courtyard design, bringing footsteps right up by another enchanting tree.
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Patio doors adjoin indoor areas with the outdoor space, creating an easy harmonious flow.
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The interior volume that divides the two tranquil courtyards is a zen inspired design. The horsetail grass gives a modern feel to the outdoor landscape.
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A Thai dining set, with traditional low table and a pair of floor chairs, is situated to benefit from the through breeze entering three aspects of glazed doors.
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The triple aspect windows give the room an open outdoor feel.
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White concrete architecture builds a modern minimalist aesthetic, which complements the zen gardens.
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Black roof overhangs contrast darkly against the white exterior walls, emphasising and sharpening architectural line.
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An outdoor bench is set upon the terrace that links the two courtyards, creating a relaxing spot for reading, quiet contemplation, or gathering.
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The entire outdoor area presents as one space thanks to the glass wall design of the traditional dining/tea room.
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Tall grasses stretch along the boundary walls, growing a flash of lush greenery.
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Moving around to the front entrance of the home, we find more glorious trees basking in the sunlight.
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A solid concrete wall divides the front entrance from the private outdoor space. An overhang wired with spotlights provides shelter from the rain and adds illumination to the entrance path at night.
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Ground level LED lights guide footfall toward the front entrance.
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Overhangs around the edges of the courtyard mean that the space can still be used in the Chiang Mai rainy season, which lasts all the way from early May till the end of October.
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The entire side of the building opens up to a larger style dining room for entertaining.
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The wooden terrace extends the living space and connects it with nature.
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To continue the natural element of the gardens, wood panelling has been brought into the home to warm through the white colour scheme.
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Black framed windows and doors look crisp and strong in their light surrounds.
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Thailand’s warm climate means that outdoor areas can be frequented as much as interior spaces, and shade is a blessing.
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Uplighters showcase the trees at night.
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Expansive spaces build airy grandeur both inside and out.
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Slatted wood screens surround the roofline to protect the interior of the home from the direct glare of the sun.
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A formal dining area takes in a full view of the back courtyard, which is framed by enormous curtains on either side.
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The rectangle dining table fits neatly into the relatively narrow living space by the staircase.
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Glass balustrades leave the staircase design open to the living room and the beautiful vista.
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Black inlays smartly stripe the underside of the landing above the dining room, drawing the eye forward towards the lounge.
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A stylish Dyson blade-less fan keeps the lounge area cool.
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A chaise sofa tucks in underneath the open stair treads. The extended chaise section is situated on the outer side of the couch arrangement to set down a defined ‘room’ border. This formation also gives the comfiest seat in the house the most optimal viewing angle of the TV.
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High up on the mezzanine landing, the exterior wood slatted panels filter the searing sunlight.
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The kitchen is located at the opposite side of the dining room. Dark grey kitchen cabinets create stark contrast to the rest of the light decor scheme.
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Kitchen bar stools surround the kitchen island to make cooking a communal experience.
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The black and white bedroom has a unique platform bed design that accommodates twin double mattresses.
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Bedside storage cubbies are built into the bed’s unusually large frame. An elongated TV unit spans the full width of the room in a wooden finish that smoothly matches the bed.
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The private bedroom balcony is enveloped with wood planking, creating a warm embrace.
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Garage doors slide in both directions to allow the homeowners flexibility in deciding which part of the house they want accessed. The garage door slides to the right to open up the courtyards…
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… and slides to the left to reveal the main entryway once again.
