PHRH

PHRH (Phetkasem Rowhouse) is a renovation project of a 4-story old shophouse that is over 20 years old. In the past, it was used as a retail space on the ground floor and a storage warehouse on the upper floors. The building owner desired to transform it into a residential space for a family of three, considering the limited width of the shophouse's central section, which is just 4 meters wide.

Our design approach for this project focused on creating openness from within, maximizing visual space, while preserving a sense of spaciousness and warmth ideal for relaxation and family activities. Given the building's age of over 20 years, we conducted a detailed study of its existing structure before beginning the design process.

During the design phase, we reconfigured almost the entire interior layout to break away from the shophouse's previous dense structure. This was achieved by connecting different levels vertically through the removal of the old staircase, and repositioning it to the side of the parking area on the first floor for improved access to the upper floors. This modification also increased the usable space on the first floor within the building.

The second floor of the building now serves as the central family space, consisting of a living room, kitchen, and dining area. Additionally, a small library area extends outward as a floating platform, providing a cozy space for reading. The third and fourth floors each accommodate one bedroom with an ensuite bathroom.

Throughout this renovation, we maintained the building's structural integrity by preserving the original reinforced concrete frame as the primary structural element while strategically reinforcing it with steel structures where needed. This ensured that the additional load from the changes did not compromise the building's overall stability.

By thoughtfully dividing the space into four levels, we have not only optimized the interior but also created a sense of openness, extending from the lower levels all the way to the rooftop. This design has not only increased natural light penetration but has also significantly improved thermal comfort by enhancing air circulation within the building.

Overall, the Phetkasem Rowhouse renovation project stands as a testament to the transformation of an aging shophouse into a harmonious and comfortable living space for its new occupants.