“Baan Sai Phraya” House Renovation Project

Ban Saiphraya renovation project is the revitalization of a riverside vacation house located along the Chao Phraya River in Tha It, Nonthaburi, Thailand. The house, originally built by the family’s grandfather for their grandmother, had been abandoned for more than a decade due to severe termite damage and deteriorated electrical and plumbing systems, making it uninhabitable. The project aimed to restore and adapt the existing architecture, both interior and exterior, to suit contemporary living while preserving the emotional and historical value of the house. The renovation was also intended as a meaningful gift to the grandfather in celebration of his 100th birthday.

The design approach is grounded in the concept of Adaptive Reuse, which emphasizes creating a dialogue between the existing structure and new architectural interventions while promoting environmental sustainability and cultural continuity. Three key design concepts guided the project: Connection, which emphasizes the relationship between interior spaces, the surrounding garden, and the Chao Phraya River landscape; Material Lightness, which introduces contemporary materials that are simple, visually light, and harmonious with the original architecture; and No Hierarchy Window, which explores the equality of visual perspectives between interior and exterior spaces while maintaining the privacy of the residents.

The spatial layout was reorganized to improve functionality and accommodate contemporary family activities. Service areas and building systems were consolidated into a service core to improve efficiency and privacy, while open-plan communal spaces were created to support gatherings and celebrations. Additional bedrooms were introduced to accommodate guests, and the building’s electrical, plumbing, and structural systems were comprehensively upgraded to ensure long-term usability.

The completed project has transformed Ban Saiphraya into a vibrant family gathering space once again. The renovation demonstrates how the adaptive reuse of an aging residential building can successfully integrate contemporary design with the preservation of architectural heritage, resulting in a sustainable environment that extends not only the physical life of the building but also the memories and relationships connected to the place.