Integrating the old house with the extension was challenging. The architect decided to create a “connecting zone” between these two parts. “We relocated the original staircase into this space, which helped free up usable areas in the old house, both in plan and section,” he said.

The whole staircase was dismantled and moved, down to the original redwood – a Thai hardwood – handrail. This was an important gesture as the staircase was one of the key elements of the old house that the owner had fond memories of. 

“This central connecting space allows the lower and upper floors of both buildings to flow together smoothly, while hidden sliding doors between the rooms provide flexibility in how the spaces are used, and how much privacy they offer at different times,” explained Chooduang.

The first storey of the original house now boasts a capacious double-volume living room, connected to the dining room by a sliding door. From there, another sliding door leads to the pantry and kitchen, in the rear extension.

These interconnected spaces are ideal for gatherings. Together, they can accommodate up to 20 people. “This is now the heart of the home,” said Chooduang. Between the old house and the extension, he inserted a small garden that draws daylight deep into the interior. The living room in the old house and the family room in the extension share the same view of this sliver of greenery.

The old house’s second storey now holds the master bedroom suite, while the sons’ bedrooms are in the extension. A second staircase leads from the extension’s second storey to the husband’s studio on the third. This level also includes a prayer room, a laundry room, a small balcony for drying clothes and a larger one for enjoying the outdoors.