designboom_on a site uniquely situated between lamyai tree orchards and rice fields — boasting views of the mountains of northern thailand — chiangmai life architects (CLA) has designed a modern residence named, a tale of earth and wood. the architects were tasked with interpreting natural materials through a contemporary lens, and integrating the home in harmony with its environment and surroundings. the use of adobe brick walls and wooden roof structures were designed to make this earth and wood residence meet needs of a 21st century family.

on a site uniquely situated between lamyai tree orchards and rice fields — boasting views of the mountains of northern thailand — chiangmai life architects (CLA) has designed a modern residence named, a tale of earth and wood. the architects were tasked with interpreting natural materials through a contemporary lens, and integrating the home in harmony with its environment and surroundings. the use of adobe brick walls and wooden roof structures were designed to make this earth and wood residence meet needs of a 21st century family.

wood elements throughout the home have been employed as naturally as possible to show off the structural and decorative features of the design. the wood was sealed and treated with clear oil to celebrate ‘nature’s own design’, bringing out the characteristics and imperfections inherent in the timber. the residence’s walls are built from adobe bricks self-made from local clay, sand and bamboo shavings. while small irregularities, round corners, and texture gives clues to the underlying material, the finishing is so smooth that differentiating between earthen walls and conventional walls is nearly impossible. meanwhile, lime has been combined with fine earth powder to achieve a strong and water-resistant outer coating.

throughout the dwelling, flooring is derived from stone tiles, further enhancing the use of natural materials and providing a cooling effect that is both practical and comfortable to touch. to keep the carbon footprint as low as possible, and add a local touch, the car port, barn and entrance gate were all made of bamboo.