Wan Dee Dee

Set along the Pho Sam Ton River in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, near the historic Elephant Kraal, this hybrid timber-and-concrete house is conceived as a final home and a welcoming retreat for visitors to the old capital. Designed as a place of rest for both body and mind, the project is rooted in the idea of creating a “good day” for everyone who arrives—Wan Dee Dee, a phrase that also echoes the name of the owner’s mother, imbuing the house with personal meaning and memory.

The architecture draws from local riverside typologies, reinterpreting the elevated Thai house in a contemporary language. Two volumes are arranged in an L-shape, connected by a central stair. The main house opens toward the river, while the guesthouse faces a garden and kitchen plot, with shaded ground space beneath enhancing openness and airflow.

A central double-height living hall forms the heart of the house, offering panoramic views and flexible use for gatherings or small cultural events. Combining timber, concrete, and generous roof overhangs, the design creates a calm, airy environment that balances tradition with modern living.