Reasons why Thai House Design is Different from Western designs

Thai houses usually have steep sloping roofs, high ceilings, and roofs with large overhangs. The overhangs give much needed shade from the hot sun and help keep temperatures down inside. The sloping roofs allow rainwater to get away efficiently, often into water storage tanks.

All houses will have fans and mosquito nets; upper class houses, air conditioners. Even in expensive moobaans (estates, projects) buildings are close together to give shade from the burning sun.

Benjawan’s new house is being built to a newer design with one sloping roof. It has the usual sharp gradient to take away the rainwater but is pleasantly attractive. Her Thai neighbours prefer the more traditional style. All the bedrooms have balconies though Thais rarely sit or relax in them. You’ll notice that as you’re driving around.

During the day, most Thais will wear long trousers to protect from the sun, and sleeveless shirts and blouses are not popular. When they get home in the evening, they sit in the shade, either under the trees in the garden or in a patio protected from the sun and heat.