Thai Style House

Thai style houses are arranged relates closely to the family structure. The house begins with a " stem family " after one of the children gets married. It is a Thai custom for married men tolive with the wife's family as it is believed that this will cause the least conflict between the two families. A traditional Thai house is raised above the ground to a just above head height. The varying levels of the different sections of the house are determined by the different functions and create a flow of space which is almost modern in feel. The 30 - 40 cm. differences in height are also very suitable for sitting with the foot resting comfortably on the lower level, therefore, effecfively turning the upper floor level into a bench. There are many considerations which led to a raised house being highly desirable. Firstly, it provides a sense if security, privacy and shelter. Secondly, it provides flood evasion. At other times, the underneath of the house becomes a useful muti-purpose area. It can be used to store agricultural implements and provides space for activities such as playground and working area. However, many people regard the keeping of animals underneath the house as unhealthy because it makes the area dirty and foul-smelling. Thai style house is a mutti-purpose house and can be expanded to get along with the size of the growing family.