Architecture

Central Plains Houses (land)
There are a number of features that differentiate the typical central plains style house from those in other regions of the country, but the most obvious is the use of the highly visible centrally situated veranda. This large dominant feature is common on most houses in the hot central plains region and acts for much of the year as an outside living area.

Another, but not so obvious difference, is the use of the decorative wooden features called ngaos. These are positioned on the bottom of the roof gables. Their origins can be traced back to Khmer style architecture.

Some houses in the central plains have covered verandas running along the sides of the main house structure. It is not unusual to also have a communal veranda with several houses clustered around it and sharing its usage.

A relatively new feature to many central plains houses is the addition of wood-paneled gable walls and house sidewalls.

Central Plains Houses (on water)
Although many of the nation's klongs have long since disappeared, the so-called river houses are still a common sight in the central plains region. In the early days of Bangkok, there were literally hundreds of floating shop houses scattered throughout the city.

There are various designs and styles of these types of dwellings, but all are very practical in areas prone to seasonal flooding. A feature common to most is the use of loosely fitting floorboards so that they move freely with the water beneath them.

Some houses close to the river's edge are often anchored on posts above the water line. Others are built on bamboo rafts which enables them to float on the rising waters during flood conditions.

For more information on traditional architecture see:

	Northern Houses
	Northeastern Houses

Back to Top