W House II by IDIN Architects – Elevated Modern Home Blending Mountain Views, Raw Concrete Design & Family-Centric Living

W House II by IDIN Architects is a striking architectural extension located in Nai Mueang, Thailand, designed as an evolution of the original W House I. Built to accommodate the expanding lifestyle needs of the owners, the new residence transforms the way the family interacts with space, nature, and daily living. While W House I will serve as a guest house, W House II becomes the primary family home—warm, expansive, and deeply connected to the surrounding mountain landscape.

A Family Home Elevated for View, Light, and Livability

One of the biggest challenges was the client’s wish for a single-story home where family members could stay visually connected throughout the day. However, they also wanted to preserve the rooftop mountain views from the first house and maintain open grazing space for their two beloved pet cows.

The architects solved this with an innovative concept: 👉 Raising the entire single-story home up to 7 meters, matching the height of W House I’s rooftop. This “floating” structure creates a two-level experience while keeping the ground floor open as:

• A green garden
• A natural grazing field
• A social outdoor space

This elevated design creates panoramic visibility, airflow, and strong visual connections—key elements in tropical architecture.

360° Views & Indoor–Outdoor Living

The upper-level home is bordered by a continuous wraparound balcony, allowing residents to enjoy shifting mountain vistas throughout the day. An elevated swimming pool is positioned on this level, offering an immersive outdoor living experience.

The building envelope features a dual-layer façade:

• Inner layer: full-height glass for natural light
• Outer layer: adjustable slatted panels for ventilation and privacy

This flexible skin allows the architecture to breathe while controlling climate and comfort.

Structural Innovation: Waffle Slab & Monumental Concrete Walls

W House II rests on two massive long-span concrete walls, giving it a sculptural presence. The elevated slab uses a Waffle Slab system, providing structural strength and an expressive architectural rhythm visible from below.

The choice of raw, expressive materials anchors the home in a contemporary yet timeless aesthetic.

Warm Minimalism: Material Palette & Interior Atmosphere

The interior blends raw concrete surfaces with warm natural materials, creating balance and harmony:

• Concrete walls flow seamlessly from exterior to interior
• Maple wood adds warmth and pairs beautifully with concrete
• Green India stone adds a sophisticated, modern touch in the kitchen
• An oversized, adaptable modular sofa in the central living area supports family activities and all-day lounging

This central living space becomes the heart of the home, aligning perfectly with the owners’ desire for togetherness and open connection.

A Modern House Designed Around People, Nature, and Daily Life

W House II is more than an architectural extension—it is a thoughtful response to lifestyle, landscape, and emotion. By elevating a single-story home to rooftop height, IDIN Architects created a unique residential experience that celebrates:

• Panoramic mountain views
• Family interaction
• Open-air living
• Respect for nature
• Structural innovation
• Minimalist yet warm design

All the photographs are works of DOF Sky | Ground