CPK75 House by AOMO – A Tranquil Bangkok Residence Inspired by Japanese Stone Courtyards

Located in the heart of Bangkok, Thailand, CPK75 House, designed by AOMO Architects, is a 650 m² private residence that redefines tropical living with a balance of calm, safety, and cultural inspiration. Completed in 2021, this five-bedroom family house is a modern architectural response to the client’s desire for serenity and harmony, while addressing unique site challenges.

Design Concept – Inspired by Ryoanji Temple

The client’s primary request was to integrate the spirit of a Japanese stone courtyard, reminiscent of the iconic Ryoanji Temple in Kyoto. Unlike traditional Thai homes that typically avoid enclosed courtyards due to intense sunlight and heat, AOMO Architects flipped the design strategy and introduced an “outside-in” approach.

The stone courtyard was brought into the heart of the home, creating a controlled environment shielded from external disturbances like nearby mosque sounds and odors from a local dumpsite.

Courtyard as the Heart of the House

At the core of CPK75 House lies a closed stone courtyard crowned by a dramatic skylight. This skylight, equal in size to the courtyard itself, invites natural light, projecting moving shadows across the pebbled ground throughout the day.

To enhance comfort, a chimney effect was designed using clerestory windows and a raised skylight structure. These openings, accessible via a roof hatch and catwalk, naturally ventilate the home by allowing hot air to escape while filtering fresh breezes inside.

Sustainable Ventilation and Shading

The design maximizes natural cross-ventilation with strategically placed windows and doors on the north and south facades, reducing dependency on air conditioning. A discreet aluminum-slat window allows safe, continuous airflow even at night.

Architects carefully studied shadow patterns to create clean, linear shade effects along the walls, offering both visual beauty and thermal comfort. Upper-level walls are deliberately detached from the ceiling, forming subtle gaps that release trapped heat while casting lantern-like light effects reminiscent of Japanese paper lamps.

Interior Design – Minimalism and Warmth

The interiors of CPK75 House embody simplicity and calm. Predominantly white surfaces blend with natural wood accents, reflecting the client’s preference for a peaceful and timeless aesthetic.

The courtyard seamlessly connects to the living and dining areas, expanding its visual and spatial impact beyond its modest 4x6m footprint. Long bookshelves along the corridor add functionality while strengthening the bond between living spaces and the courtyard.

Bedrooms and Privacy

The upper-level corridors are lined with carefully designed walls featuring linear cut-outs. These provide privacy for the bedrooms while framing unique perspectives of the courtyard below, maintaining a sense of openness without compromising intimacy.

A House Rooted in Serenity and Efficiency

Ultimately, CPK75 House by AOMO is more than a modern tropical home—it is a sanctuary where traditional Japanese influences blend seamlessly with contemporary Thai architecture. Through its integration of natural light, passive cooling, and a poetic stone courtyard, the house offers its residents a calm refuge from the bustling energy of Bangkok.

All the photographs are works of DOF Sky|Ground