Above: Architect Donal Coyne says the 30m pool
acts much like a bookend, holding everything
behind it. The villa, pool and adjacent buildings
were designed and built in such a way as to have
minimum impact on existing vegetation so the
completed property benefits from the seclusion of
dense jungle on both sides.
Facing page, top and lower: A Thai sala – a roofed
pavilion with no walls – sits at each end of the
pool providing relaxed outdoor lounging with
spectacular views.
search | save | share at
recreation area containing a family room,
pool table, bar and multimedia room.
Traditional touches are also seen in
the interior aesthetics, particularly in the
formal reception room/library, where
the slate peaked roof creates a teak-lined
cathedral ceiling. The simple palette of
materials also includes teak for the floor
and bookshelves.
Fretwork above these shelves also fol-
lows a traditional Thai pattern, but here it’s
used to screen air conditioning services.
“However, all the glazing slides away
and pockets, plus there are ceiling fans, so
it’s possible to live al fresco. The air con-
ditioning is there as a back-up if needed.”
Looking back on the 11 years Coyne was
involved from start to finish on the project,
he says its success lies in the owner’s vision
and passion, together with a shared belief
that the design was right for the land.
“If you look at the initial sketch and the
final villa, they’re not far apart. Your first
response when you look at the land is often
the best one, because its not compromised
by cost, code or a client’s changes.”