Walled monk's cell by Suriya Umpansiriratana | Church architecture / community centres

Photographer: Pirak Anurakyawachon/Spaceshift Studio Bangkok

Design intentions

First, a large wall shields the monks' quarters from the clamor of the road, creates privacy and serves as alandmark for the temple. This wall remains open to the view downhili towards the acean, and encloses an outdoor courtyard for the monks' daily activities. Second, two large water tanks holding 6000 L are placed inside the tight bend in the wall created by the hairpin turn. Here they gather rainwater from the roof. Since this is the top of the site, no pumps are required to supply the monks' daily activities, showers and toilets. Grey water continues downhilI to feed creepers planted along the base of the wall by the road. These will gradually grow up over the wall, further shielding the monks' cells from noise and dust, and softening the weight of the wall. The slope, the wall and the rain - everything is brought tagether in a cycle.

Building Area: 130 sq.m

Watkhaobuddhakodom, Chonburi Province, Thailand

- Anan Yuenprakon
- Natapon Nimlamai
- Pirak Anurakyawachon
- Panicha Bhusarakumtrakul

Structural Engineer - Tanya Ongsiriporn
Constructor - Anan Yuenprakon

Photographer: Pirak Anurakyawachon/Spaceshift Studio Bangkok