Thai Traditional Filtering [246]

This traditional window solves filtering by means of very low-tech, precarious materials and constructive forms. What's so special about it is that there is no glass. The exterior elements are four independent horizontal pivoting shutters that also count with a horizontal pivoting louvered blind. The intermediate part has a handrail and in the interior there is usually some kind of thin curtain.

This picture is made from a public street in Bangkok, Thailand. Though it is a free access way there is still no glass. The two shuttering systems are used both alike giving a dynamic image to the facade. (NOTE: the studied case is not the one shown in this picture, which is a simplified example of the one exposed later)

Section of a more complete window located in Chian Mai, a rural area of north Thailand. All the elements are wooden, except for the iron anchorages and fittings and the little square glasses on the upper part of the window. This frame is usually cladded by a wooden lattice instead. All the shutters are openable up to 180 degrees, in order to control air drafting and views. The upper shutters have a fix pannel and a horizontal pivoting louvered blind.  

General view of the building: 
Place: 
Bangkok and Chian Mai
Thailand
Period: 
Observations: 

The only photograph I took from outside reference is included in the book "STAIRS&RAILINGS" by Architects49 Ltd., from the series "Thai Architecture Elements" by Li-Zenn Editors.  

Architect: 
Photographer: 

Cristina Ferrés; Somkid Paimpiyachart/ Sawapat Chaiyarek

Authorship of the graphical documentation: 

Cristina Ferrés, Architects49 Ltd.

BY: 
ciefgies