austere geometric volumes compose white 'rupu house' in bangkok

Architect Jun Sekino constructs ‘RUPU House’, a small family residence in Bangkok that sets up a triangular-on-square design. The project's name derives from the Japanese word indicating an ’empty space in the middle’, as a nod to the structure's morphology and open ground floor layout. Following the initial plan of the construction's positioning according to the sun's direction and spatial distribution, the front part of the house which stands closer to the adjacent road presents an introverted form to maintain its privacy, while the back side remains open to the garden. The private zone enjoys direct sunlight as the open area connecting to the outdoors stays shaded throughout the day.

all images by by Nantiya Busabong

The project aims for a neat and simple design and follows a concept of assembling the simplest geometric shapes together. The design team places a triangle form on top of the square shape of the ground floor base with minimal decorative elements. The triangle mass is also reflected in the interior space, with the slanted ceiling cut to the roof angle creating a unique space. The plan forms a private working area for the homeowner on the higher part of the triangle, where the mezzanine is placed. The concept of simplicity does not only cover the architectural mass but also the material selection. White tones and subtle materials are chosen for almost all the exterior highlighting the simple geometry even more clearly.

the structure presents a triangular-on-square simple volumetry

the front part of the house stands closer to the adjacent road and presents an introverted form for privacy

the open ground floor stands in direct contact with the outdoor garden

the open area connecting to the outdoors stays shaded throughout the day

the project's name means ’empty space in the middle’, and nods to the structure's morphology

foyer area and shoe storage are positioned next to a floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the garden