The traditional Thai Lanna house or khum and Baan Boran (ancient house) was erected for people of high rank. The traditional Thai house in the north is usually built in a twin style with a duplex of two adjacent houses. The general appearance is designed to protect against the cooler climate of the north. The ceiling is lower and the house is not raised as high above the ground, and there are fewer windows compared to the traditional Thai houses built in the central region and in the Isaan area.