Mae Rim House Architects: Estudio, WOS Architects Area: 500 m² Year: 2023 Photographs: Peerapat Wimolrungkarat Lead Architects: Prueksakun Kornudom, Ornpailin Leelasiriwong Interior Designers: Estudio Contractor: Krishna Malakerd Country: Thailand
Mae Rim House is a serene family retreat in Chiang Mai, Thailand, designed by WOS Architects as a harmonious blend of urban comfort and deep connection to nature. Located on ancestral land, the home features a double-height atrium, mountain views, and cross-ventilation that eliminates the need for air conditioning. With reused furniture from their former Bangkok residence, warm taupe tones, and indirect lighting, the house honors memory and simplicity. Thoughtfully placed balconies, planters, and open-air elements blur the lines between indoors and out, making this residence a model of peaceful, nature-conscious living.
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Nestled in the lush landscapes of Mae Rim, Chiang Mai,
Mae Rim House is a response to a family's desire to leave behind the chaos of Bangkok
and settle into a calmer, more nature-connected lifestyle.
Built on ancestral land beside their former vacation home,
the residence was envisioned as a permanent retreat
that blends urban comfort with deep ties to the surrounding environment.
Spanning 500 square meters, the home accommodates a family of four
and was designed to incorporate most of their furniture and appliances
from their previous Bangkok residence.
Architecturally, the two-story structure takes the form of a long silhouette resting on a hillside.
A steep gable roof slopes down toward the edges of the upper floor,
ensuring the home maintains a balanced and grounded appearance.
Inside, the house is divided into two wings,
joined by a dramatic double-height atrium that serves as the heart of the home.
This central space contains the staircase and a connecting bridge,
and it opens fully on both sides to invite in the mountain air and natural breezes,
enabling effective cross-ventilation without the need for artificial cooling.
The southern wing houses two bedrooms with views of the mountains and the Mae Saw stream.
On the ground floor is a bedroom for the elderly parents, while the master bedroom sits above.
The northern wing features a guest bedroom downstairs and an open lounge area upstairs,
both seamlessly integrated with the central atrium.
This spatial arrangement provides privacy,
while also offering unique and dynamic views of the natural landscape from every room.
On the second floor, the steeply pitched roof creates a loft-like atmosphere for the master bedroom and lounge.
However, careful design prevents any sense of confinement.
By cutting and lifting sections of the roof, balcony spaces are created,
allowing light and air to flow in from three sides.
Integrated planters bring small trees into the space, blurring the lines between indoors and out.
Lighting in the home was designed to avoid harsh overhead sources.
Instead of downlights, illumination is indirect.
Light bounces gently off the high ceilings, creating a soft, relaxing ambience.
Wall sconces and floor lamps further enhance this atmosphere,
supporting the homeowner's vision for a warm and peaceful environment.
Natural materials, fresh air, daylight, and a strong connection to greenery are key pillars of the home's design.
Transition spaces like balconies, the open atrium, and the connecting bridge
enhance the feeling of openness and allow the house to breathe, both literally and emotionally.
May Rim House is more than a residence.
It's a thoughtful reflection on how to live in harmony with nature.
By weaving together memory, comfort, and environmentally sensitive design,
it serves as an inspiring reference for anyone seeking balance between urban living and natural serenity.
