SHINKOLITE: TECT TALK
TRANSPARENT LIVING: DESIGN THAT TRANSFORMS THE MOOD OF A HOME
One of the key highlights at the SHINKOLITE booth during Architect Expo ’69 this year was an engaging and intimate conversation among four renowned architects: Vasu Virachsilp from VASLAB Architecture, Jirawej Hongsakul from IDIN Architects, June Sekino from Junsekino Architect & Design, and Thawin Hanboonsed from WARCHITECT, together with SHINKOLITE : TECH TALK under the theme “TRANSPARENT LIVING” design that helps transform the emotional atmosphere of a home.
The concept of “HOME” was revisited through the lens of emotional living spaces that evolve and respond to everyday life. Designing a home today therefore requires careful consideration of the factors that contribute to comfort and well being from understanding environmental context, material selection, and construction techniques, to the subtle design details that may not be visible to the eye, yet are deeply felt through the experience of living and interacting with space.
This conversation felt like an open front porch welcoming audiences into a shared space of experiences and perspectives from some of Thailand’s leading architects. Together, they explored the question of what “HOME” truly means as a reflection of individual identity both architecturally and emotionally and how thoughtful design can ultimately lead us toward a happier way of living.
VASU VIRACHSILP
VASLAB ARCHITECTURE
Beauty can be perceived through the senses. Well-balanced proportions create visual harmony, while a home that provides privacy and shields occupants from external noise fosters a deeper sense of personal comfort. Among all architectural elements, “LIGHT” is perhaps the most essential. Every room should receive natural light to create a connection between the interior and the outside world, while also establishing a relationship between the qualities of light and everyday living whether by helping reduce humidity or naturally eliminating bacteria.
With a strong preference for exposed concrete architecture, the next challenge becomes how to create comfort within such raw materiality. The answer lies in balancing concrete with softer materials like wood, alongside welcoming natural light through skylights or large windows designed according to the function of each space. This creates a harmony between the raw exterior and the gentle warmth within a balance that can only truly be achieved through thoughtful material selection and design execution.
On another level, the concept of sustainability has long existed alongside humanity, but it has become increasingly significant as the world grows more fragile. Sustainability in architecture is therefore closely tied to the idea of Timeless Design creating spaces that can coexist with us for generations without the need for demolition or constant reconstruction. At the same time, it involves adopting alternative materials that help reduce carbon footprints. Ultimately, moving architecture toward a more responsible future requires collaboration between manufacturers, architects, and project owners alike.
JIRAWEJ HONGSAKUL
IDIN ARCHITECTS
A home is a deeply personal form of architecture shaped by each individual’s taste and lifestyle. There is no fixed formula for residential design. The architect’s greatest tools are the elements of design itself space, light, and temperature all carefully orchestrated to create the emotions and atmosphere desired by the inhabitants. At the same time, good architecture should encourage greater interaction among people, ultimately leading to homes that bring genuine happiness to their owners. When the intended functions truly support everyday living, the completeness of habitation naturally emerges and that, in essence, is one of the most meaningful reasons to become an architect.
While material selection may follow the programmatic requirements of a project, it should also remain connected to context and functionality. In IDIN’s design approach, courtyards are often incorporated into projects. Although they may appear to reduce usable area, the true function of a courtyard lies in its emptiness which itself becomes a valuable use of space. Through a design approach that is enclosed outwardly yet open inwardly, courtyards promote natural airflow, bringing light and ventilation into the home to create a more comfortable living environment. Material selection must therefore work hand in hand with architectural techniques such as double-skin facades or double-roof systems, helping reduce heat while allowing materials to fully express their performance and character.
On another level, architects are both creators and destroyers at the same time, as every new beginning often requires the removal of something that once existed. This is why energy consumption and sustainability are issues architects must deeply recognize and actively address. The essence of sustainability is minimizing the burden left for future generations as much as architecture possibly can.
JUNE SEKINO JUNSEKINO
ARCHITECT & DESIGN
A home is perhaps the only form of architecture that responds most deeply to personal satisfaction. Although housing may appear to be one of the most fundamental human needs, with seemingly straightforward programming, every home presents its own complexity because each resident lives differently. Even when people share similar preferences, no two homes ever result in the same outcome and that is precisely the charm of residential architecture.
Looking back through the history of architecture, glass can be considered a major turning point in architectural design. It became a medium for controlling and moderating natural light, allowing it to enter spaces in carefully desired ways. Amid contradictory desires wanting large glass openings but fearing heat, wanting openness but worrying about mosquitoes architects have continuously explored different materials and methods for designing openings. This evolution of innovation has eventually led to modern alternative materials such as SHINKOLITE sheets.
At the same time, reflecting on his own work reveals that much of architecture’s fascination lies in the moments where different materials intersect and interact. The beauty of architecture often comes from the unexpected from the design process and construction stage to the moment residents finally inhabit the space. One example is the use of eaves or canopies. While they are designed to protect against sunlight, rain, and heat, it is important to remember that nature itself is part of our lives. A canopy that filters light, shields against rain, yet still allows views of the sky creates a living experience that feels more connected to the natural environment.
THAWIN HANBOONSED
WARCHITECT
Peace of mind is also a part of longevity the idea of living a longer and healthier life. Something as simple as naturally waking up to morning sunlight can influence well being, leading architects to seek materials that allow natural light to enter living spaces in balance with a more organic way of life. In architectural design, personal preference and budget often go hand in hand, and materials serve as the medium that helps create harmony between these two factors.
At the same time, one important focus is the clear expression of an “ARCHITECTURAL LANGUAGE.” Sometimes this means removing unnecessary elements in order to emphasize what truly matters with intention and clarity. The connection between spaces therefore requires artistic sensitivity much like composing a work of art to create meaningful living experiences through spatial relationships.
From the perspective of sustainability, architecture is not merely about selecting materials, but about creating a state of comfort and well-being through appropriate design techniques. This allows buildings to support long-term use while remaining aligned with the changing needs of contemporary society. Whether through renovating buildings across generations or designing spaces for aging populations, these approaches all reflect the idea of living for longevity in a world where both society and its inhabitants continue to evolve.
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