Project: Hill House
Architects: HAA Studio
Location: Khet Prawet, Thailand
Area: 6,221 sf
Year: 2020
Photography: Weerapon Singnoi
Hill House stands as a stunning example of how architecture can both stand out and blend seamlessly into its natural environment. Situated next to a tranquil lake and surrounded by lush trees, the house is designed to symbolize a modern mountain, with its striking white structure rising from a dark, rocky base. The gravel walls on the lower level mimic natural rock formations, while the sleek white cantilevered upper level creates a dynamic contrast, evoking a sense of elegance and modernity.
The design of Hill House is deeply rooted in its context. The owner envisioned a residence that would stand out but also feel deeply connected to the surrounding landscape. The architects responded with a bold vision—a house that mirrors the natural elements around it. The lower floor is enveloped in dark gray gravel walls, enhancing the rocky, earthy feeling, while the upper floor, a pure white box, contrasts sharply, symbolizing the house perched on a mountain. The cantilevered upper level adds drama to the structure, giving it a floating, almost ethereal quality.
The use of materials is central to the house’s identity. The gravel wall, bending in a flowing motion to resemble natural rock formations, grounds the house in its environment. The upper white box, while stark in its simplicity, is softened and given privacy through the use of aluminum louvers. These louvers not only add texture and rhythm to the design but also offer shade, essential in the hot tropical climate. The combination of washed gravel for the lower levels and the white concrete of the upper floor reinforces the metaphor of a house on a rocky hill.
The layout of Hill House responds directly to both the functional needs of the inhabitants and the natural surroundings. Private spaces, such as bedrooms, are elevated to the top floor, providing a sense of privacy and seclusion, while the living spaces below open up to a central courtyard and the lake beyond. The house’s strategic orientation helps mitigate heat from the southwestern sun through careful shading and the placement of louvers, creating a comfortable, climate-responsive environment.
Through its thoughtful design, Hill House achieves a harmonious relationship between architecture and nature. The modern, minimalist form of the white upper floor contrasts with the rugged, rocky appearance of the lower level, drawing attention to the natural landscape while offering a tranquil, private retreat for the homeowners. The cantilevered structure, the use of natural materials, and the integration of shading elements not only create a stunning visual statement but also ensure the house is both functional and sustainable in its tropical setting.
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