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For whatever reasons we come to this corner of the world, surely
the wonderful climate is a significant factor. Temperate conditions,
cool breezes, immaculate views, interaction with nature; for all
these reasons we embrace the great outdoors and try to do as much
living outside as we do in.
Architects these days are very clever and do their best to design
beautiful outdoor areas that make full use of the natural contours
of the land. Perhaps one of the most fundamentally tropical features
of houses built in Thailand
is the inclusion of a Thai sala or pavillion. In Thailand, the graceful
steeps and slants of the Thai style roofs are reproduced in smaller
scale to form an ultimately pleasing outdoor living space. The sala
is usually raised from the ground allowing air to circulate below,
reducing the temperature of the floor. No walls are constructed
on a sala; the structure is composed of a Thai roof, usually built
in whatever style the main house has used, four support columns
attach the roof to the raised platform, which may be contained by
a low railing. Shaded from the hot sun and open to fresh currents
of air, the Thai sala provides an area for comfortable outdoor living
and entertainment as well as being a visually evocative structure
in its own right.
Tropical Living has chosen the following four properties to illustrate
some of the different uses for these uniquely Thai outdoor living
spaces. We have selected properties from different geographical
locations to see how to take maximum advantage of the contours,
shapes and sights of each property.
We begin with an outstanding property perched upon a hilltop, 68
feet high, overlooking beautiful Surin beach. This family house
is a part of the Ayara I development and affords panoramic views
of the Andaman Sea and the Phuket
coastline of Bang Tao Bay. The house is set into the crest of the
hill and entrance is gained through the rear of the house at the
highest point of the site. As one reaches the open foyer, and catches
a glimpse of the extraordinary view, it is obvious why the owners
wished for as much outdoor space as possible. An infinity-edged
pool spills over the hill suggesting a steep cliff on the other
side. What actually lies beyond and below the infinity edge is a
most picturesque outdoor area. This Thai sala is set into the ground
accommodating up to six people around a small carved wooden table.
Thai cushions are scattered over the wooden benches and by night,
the soft glow of light creates an intimate atmosphere. Surrounded
on three sides by lush greenery this sala is made spectacular by
its position on the outer edge of the hill with the all-encompassing
view.
Despite the speeding wheel of industry in Phuket,
many areas of the island remain graced with scenic views of undulating
green hills where water buffaloes and many species of birds flock
for peace and quiet. Vichuda Hills estate is built upon 13 rai of
prime land in the Layan area. The design of the villas makes the
most of the outdoor areas. Extended walkways, terraces and lotus
ponds lead the owner, Mr. Daniel Ruggeri down the slope to his poolside
Thai sala. On this grassed hillside no shade is provided by trees
and so the construction of this sala next to the pool provides a
delightful respite from the hot sun in between dips. The sala looks
over the valley below and is open to direct sea breezes from the
Andaman Sea viewable in the distance.
When there are no sea views or meandering wildlife to gaze upon,
the
next best site for a sala is by the pool. Laguna residences, located
along the Banyan
tree Golf Course perimetre, were inspired by the Banyan
Tree pool villas. Architect Khun Jongrak has cleverly positioned
a Thai sala to the far end of swimming pool where the fresh breezes
passing over the fairways glide through the sala unobstructed by
buildings. The rectangular pool, which resembles the signature Banyan
Tree reflection pools, is bordered by flowering shrubs along
two sides, the house on one end and the sala on the other. By day,
this sala provides a quiet resting-place where the occupant's line
of sight falls between the golfers striding the fairways and the
inviting pool. By night, the sala becomes a romantic feature doubled
by the reflective pool.
Vista Ville located just minutes from the neon jungle of Patong,
is a fine example of the advantageous use of natural surroundings
to accentuate tropical outdoor living. The villas are built in a
European architectural style and so a Thai sala would not have been
appropriate to the development. Here, amid the luxuriant rainforest
is a thatch-roofed pavillion constructed of wooden logs set into
the hillside overlooking a tantalizing natural waterfall. The materials
used give the pavillion a raw quality that is blended and blanketed
by thriving jungle surrounds. Logs also form raised benches for
seating. A few soft cushions, a small portable table and intimate
lighting would augment this basic structure. The structure's
modesty shows a respect for nature and an appreciation for the great
outdoors. At Vista Ville, landscape architect Victor Choong used
local species to boost the existing landscape; this now attracts
flocks of birds and butterflies. The site of this pavillion is perhaps
one of the most beautiful and peaceful spots on the island.
Whether your property is seaside, hillside, engulfed by jungle
or right in the middle of town, the positioning of the sala is a
vital consideration. Of erecting a Thai sala, architect Adrian Koch
advises people to, 'remember that you are building a retreat and
so it is important to consider not only the view from the sala but
also the air flow and the sounds of the area. '
There are many specialist sala manufacturers on Phuket
Island. Available with varying roof styles including the ever popular
Ayuthaya style roof, the addition of a Thai sala to a peaceful area
of the garden will provide added incentive to be in the great outdoors.
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