Patch House
Parin + Supawut has recently completed a restoration and retrofitting of a teacher’s accommodation and classroom of Chalermaneechai School. The local institute, situated amongst the aquaculture fields of Bang Bo, Samut Prakan, is reliant on philanthropy for extensive improvements and maintenance. The refurbishment scheme was commissioned not merely to rejuvenate its aged structure but to redefine the essence of the existing educational spaces.
Architectural Restoration & Interior Design.
Historical Context
This narrative unfolds against the backdrop of Thailand's architectural tapestry, offering insights into the ramifications of the project and its potential impact on a broader scale — working into the nationwide government issued architectural blueprints of the teacher’s accommodation and school infrastructures.
At its core, the project recognizes the historical and cultural significance of the school's structures, both dating back to the 1970s. Rather than opting for a complete overhaul, the renovation embraces a sustainability lens and architectural preservation ethos. The decision to renovate and repair, rather than rebuild, is not just a pragmatic response to budget constraints but a deliberate commitment to preserving the school's architectural heritage.
Design Methodology
The Patch House is a sensitive reconstruction of a typical three bedroom, two storey teacher’s accommodation that aims to maintain the original structures, in its literal and programmatic form.
The deteriorated and uninhabitable remnants of the initial dwelling were systematically disassembled to facilitate a comprehensive assessment of salvageable and repairable components. The structural integrity of the wooden beams and columns, as well as the enduring quality of the original hardwood flooring, persevered through the passage of time. Concurrently, the extant windows and doors underwent a process of disassembly, repair, resizing, and subsequent patching to seamlessly integrate with the newly configured openings of the residence.
Construction Process
Budget constraints demand a delicate equilibrium between architectural precision and flexibility. The unpredictable existing site, coupled with a lack of comprehensive documentation, poses unique challenges. Working with unskilled labour requires an intuitive approach, simplifying construction drawings and relying on the logic of existing framing divisions. The result is a meticulous yet pragmatic approach to the reconstruction, a detailed patching process of the architectural skin, ensuring that the intervention is not only transformative but also feasible within the confines of the project.
Layout
While maintaining the original functional layout, the space is optimised for contemporary living, featuring tailored storage solutions for the three inhabitants. The introduction of a double-aspect living area, effectively dividing the space into zones that showcase different facets of living without physical interruptions. This approach enhances the spacious feel while introducing a dynamic and flexible living environment
Materiality
Staining plywood emerges as a cost-effective and sustainable choice for the scheme, allowing the utilisation of grade B and C plywood by elevating their aesthetic appeal. The use of a traditional colour palette of Thai houses, reimagined into bespoke stains, introduces a harmonious blend of colours that not only creates spatial divisions but also acts as a humble homage.
Exterior
The connecting outdoor courtyard was designed with the well-being of students and educators in focus. Safety and maintenance considerations are seamlessly integrated into open flexible spaces that can be shared with the school grounds, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.
The primary focus revolved around optimising the interior living space, thus necessitating allocation of the resources from the inside out. The exterior facades of the building retained its original modest aesthetic, maintaining consistency with its previous iteration through the use of identical cladding materials and colours. External modifications are subtle, only prevalent in the adjusted proportions of openings — offering glimpses of the colourful stained walls inside.
Architect: Parin + Supawut
Area: 200 sqm
Year: 2023
Photographs: Parin + Supawut
Contractor: Chok Furniture
Engineering: Pairoj Wiboonpote
Clients: Chalermmaneechai Wittayakarn School, Unique Plastic Industry
City: Samut Prakan
Country: Thailand