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Published on August 10, 2007

Modern style is a new trend in housing that approaches design by focusing on the inside of a house and the use that will be made of it, rather than concentrating on what it looks like from outside.

As a result, modern-style houses have a block shape, making them appear different to more conventional styles, such as classic, Thai and contemporary residences, which have more exterior features, such as eaves, edging and cornices.

Home Builders' Association president Sakda Kovisut, who also managing director of Royal House, says home-owners these days are more concerned about the functional qualities of a home's interior rather than exterior appearance or decoration, so modern-style designing had become a new trend for architects.

The procedure begins by asking customers what they expect of their new house and what kind of activities their family enjoys at home. The architect then designs the interior of the house to serve their demands, expecting that the functions of the residence will match the customers' lifestyle.

If they want a fitness room, a special relaxing area or a working room, the architect will first design for the main functions, including bedrooms, living room, bathrooms and kitchen, and then add rooms for the extra functions. Then he will turn to how the house looks from the outside, and it being modern style, the exterior will be a series of blocks and straight lines.

However, to "soften" the outside appearance so that the house offers a warm welcome to visitors, the architect will often recommend a colourful finish.

"This does not suggest a fantasy finish, but rather a mix and match of colour tones to go with white-coloured window frames. Perhaps bright blue matched with light brown, or bright green and dark green on the same walls, like an artist painting a picture," Sakda says.

As well as modern-style houses, there will also be contemporary and classic designs on display at the fourth Home Builders' Expo 2007, opening next Wednesday in the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre.

Sakda says land-owners who are planning to build houses can shop at the five-day event, because there will be up to 100 housing designs displayed under different design concepts by as many as 50 home-building firms who are members of the association. Styles will include modern, modern classic, contemporary, Balinese style, Thai traditional and Gothic. Prices will range from less than Bt1 million up to Bt100 million per unit.

"In my opinion, modern style is the new trend, but some home-owners may want to build a contemporary house, or use Balinese style or Gothic. They can find many new ideas for building their home at this event," he says.

Visitors will also see new-technology construction materials, including house paints, roof types and laminated floors, to help them decide what will match their housing style.

The association expects up to 100,000 visitors at the five-day fair and is targeting deals worth Bt1 billion during the event and up to Bt3.5 billion from associated promotions.

Sakda says before land-owners build their home, they should know what they want and try to work out the usual activities of family members. These things will help an architect to design a house to serve the family's needs precisely.

Somluck Srimalee

The Nation