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similar solutions. The underground feature can also avoid another important disadvantage for such
climate, the sandstorm. In addition, the living area can benefit from ventilation, created by
The traditional Thai house (Fig. 12) responds to its hot-humid climate with 3 imminent
characteristics including an elevated floor, a long and high-pitched roof, and a large open terrace.
The raised floor prevents sudden flooding, while it allows more wind to flow through the living
space. Due to the heavy rain during long rainy season, the roof requires fast drainage. With
limitation of roof tiles’ natural material in the past, the roof needs to be high. The roof also needs
to be pitched far over the verandah to provide shade for the door and window openings. The open
terrace links various sections of the house together and functions as a common space, as well as a
shading device for a cooler ground space. In the evening, the house and nearby trees can provide
shade to this area, making it a pleasant place for family gathering activities. These unique features
mark the traditional Thai house as the only vernacular house in the country.