Pridi 25

Pridi 25 is a mid-century, two-story house located in Bangkok’s Sukhumvit area. This house showcases several elements typical of the Thai houses built during that period: a low-sloped roof, vertical brise-soleils, timber doors and windows, rough-cut mountain stone wall cladding, and steel security grilles. Uniquely patterned for each house, the grilles were commonly placed between the outer glazed openings and the inner insect screens—a practical response to the demands of tropical living in a hot, humid climate.

The renovation seeks to preserve and accentuate these original features while adapting the house’s five bedrooms and five bathrooms to contemporary living. The original building structure remains intact, while the floor plans are reconfigured for modern use and a better spatial flow.

Some security grilles are repositioned to create a new-old front facade. Their original patterns are replicated in aluminium, replacing steel for easier maintenance; their scale enlarged from individual openings to the entire façades.  Removing certain grilles and adding contemporary security measures helps open up the previously caged-in interior.

Original parquet flooring in good condition is preserved; replacement is from reclaimed hardwood planks. In the main living and dining area, removing the low gypsum-board ceiling reveals the original timber floor structure above, restoring its presence while increasing the sense of height and space. Most original timber door and window frames are also refurbished.

Aluminum fabrication photos courtesy of RES (formerly KUN Decorate)