Cheewit Cheewa Home of Nature | Teerachai Leesuraplanon & Thitiphong Phoonthong

Cheewit Cheewa Home of Nature, also known as The Sikhio Natural Agriculture Learning Center, is an innovative educational architecture project by Teerachai Leesuraplanon and Thitiphong Phoonthong. Conceived by Dr. Mavin Dankul, the project embodies the vision of a borderless classroom, expanding the Project Approach model of learning through immersive outdoor experiences. Its primary goal is to cultivate life skills, environmental awareness, and sustainable living practices among children and youth.

Rooted in the integrated learning philosophy “From Seed to Table,” Cheewit Cheewa combines soil restoration, water management, renewable energy, and a zero-waste system. This holistic approach encourages self-reliance and promotes Thailand’s sufficiency economy principles.

A Site Intertwined with Nature Set on former rice fields along the upper Lam Takhong Canal, the site benefits from fertile soil and abundant natural resources. The presence of a traditional rahad vid nam, a locally crafted water wheel, exemplifies indigenous self-sufficiency and continues to operate as a sustainable irrigation device. The learning center embraces this natural setting, allowing architecture and landscape to coalesce as an educational tool.

Sustainable, Low-Energy Architecture Responding to Thailand’s tropical moist climate, the design employs passive cooling strategies, reducing reliance on mechanical systems while maintaining indoor comfort. Reclaimed timber is used extensively, serving as a carbon-negative material that sequesters CO₂ and reduces the ecological impact of new construction. This commitment to sustainability reinforces the project’s environmental ethos and showcases responsible material practices.

Blending Form, Space, and Materials Cheewit Cheewa harmonizes with both local culture and nature through a thoughtful interpretation of vernacular architecture:

• Form: Low-pitched gable roofs and repeated formal patterns create unity, rhythm, and contextual sensitivity.
• Space: Semi-open learning areas blur boundaries between indoors and outdoors, inviting natural elements into the educational experience.
• Materials: Locally familiar materials, such as brick for solidity, perforated blocks for ventilation, and reclaimed wood, provide ecological value while integrating seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.

Architecture as an Educational Tool At Cheewit Cheewa, architecture itself becomes a medium for learning. The design communicates sustainability, self-reliance, and cultural resonance, demonstrating how built environments can inspire environmental stewardship and practical life skills in young learners.

All Photographs are works of  Rungkit Charoenwat