| Mission Statement and Design Philosophy |
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DESIGN AESTHETICS: CREATING INDIVIDUAL HOMES THAT WORK WITH THE ENVIRONMENT Most clients approach an architecture firm because they admire its style of work. Ton Company emphatically does not have a signature style: we prefer to allow our clients to take the lead in this area. However, with 50 plus completed projects around the region, it is easy to distinguish some basic aesthetic principles in our work. We tend to favour clean simple lines that complement Krabi's beautiful scenery, framing it, rather than trying to dominate it. We believe architecture should unite man-made structures with the environment, so our buildings are low density and make full use of natural light and ventilation, as well as creating flexible spaces that blend interior and exterior. We pride ourselves on attention to detail, so all decorative finishings have a high level of craftsmanship. DESIGN STRATEGIES: CO-OPERATING WITH THE CLIMATE Good home design is not just about surface style. Ton Company's design philosophy is rooted in practicality: when form follows function, the result is a more liveable space. This is particularly true here in Thailand, where houses simply cannot be designed and built the same way as in the west. With blazing sun and torrential rain during the monsoon season to contend with, the single most important influence on our work is the climate. Our approach is to work with the elements, rather than against them, as this results in a more functional home, as well as being more environmentally friendly. Some basic, climate-related recommendations we make, that can apply to any project, are to build a house on columns; to build on not more than half the available land; and to create a plan that is specific to the land being used. Building on beam, rather than slab (directly on the ground) allows cooling ventilation under the home, as well as protecting the walls from the damp and humidity that can plague other houses during the rainy season. Incorporating high ceilings and cross-ventilation into the design also creates living areas that do not require cooling with air con, for at least part of the day. We take 50:50 as a maximum ratio of permanent structure to garden; though a smaller house size may worry some clients, this is usually before they realise the amount of time spent outdoors here. Warm temperatures mean al fresco dining is possible year round, with a covered roof to protect from the elements. Similarly, Ton Company also suggests a pool or, at the very least, some sort of water feature as part of a home: this is essential if building with a view to rent the property in the future, and can also be considered very important if the home will be lived in for long periods. Regarding the design itself, it is rare that a ready-made plan can be used as is, even if it has previously seemed ideal to the clients. This is for the simple reason that every land plot is different and room orientation will be a key factor in determining comfort levels after moving in. For example, bedrooms may need to be moved in order to avoid strong morning sunlight; or the terrace raised or lowered to take advantage of views. Ton Company will carry out a full topographical survey on every proposed site which will not only determine the floorplan and elevations, but provide valuable assessment of factors like flood risk. Elements such as a car port to protect vehicles; a boundary wall to protect the property from snakes, stray dogs and other pests; integral water heating and storage are also things that should not be overlooked in this tropical clime.
The weather in Thailand also dictates the materials Ton Company prefers. We steer away from finishes that will age quickly, go mouldy or require frequent maintenance, such as wood frames and sandwash floors. We also use innovative technology such as Dry-Tech roofing, which prevents leaking during monsoon season, in order to provide structure that will stand the dual tests of time and the elements. We actively research the latest developments in the fields of construction and energy efficiency. Once the budget for the project has been established, we will choose the best available materials for the job. VALUE ADDED SERVICESAll of these factors can be overwhelming for first-time home builders, so part of Ton Company's service is to offer powerful visualisation tools to all clients. Our experts in 3D design can create multi-perspective images of clients' future homes, right down to the interiors, with tile plans, built-in cabinets and so on, so they can get a real sense of how it will look before moving to construction. With a proven experience in holiday home rental, we are also able to offer advice and guidance on designing villas for this market, so that practical features such as a technical room and owners' storage can be built into the blueprint, rather than added as an afterthought. A dedicated project manager, who is present from the early conceptual stages right through construction, will manage the finances to ensure the creation of a beautiful and functional residence within the clients' budget.
Pierre-Yves Loriers is the Managing Director of Ton Company Ltd., a leading manager and developer of exclusive Holiday Villas in Krabi, Thailand. For more information on the comprehensive villa design, construction and management services offered by Ton Company Ltd, Please contact us at (075) 695-633 or by email at:
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