The Block House
CORE CLUSTER IS A DESIGN STUDIO THAT CREATES SPACES THROUGH THE HARMONIOUS INTEGRATION OF ARCHITECTURE, INTERIOR DESIGN, AND LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
TEXT: CORE CLUSTER
PHOTO: CHALERMWAT WONGCHOMPOO
(For Thai, press here)
WHO
CORE Cluster is a design studio working across architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture, with equal emphasis placed on all three disciplines.
The Block House
The Block House
WHAT
We believe that good architecture creates spaces that connect lifestyle and the environment in a balanced way. A project should not only be visually compelling, but also practical and naturally responsive to its surrounding context and green spaces.
WHEN
The studio was officially established in early 2023. Prior to that, we had the opportunity to design several residential projects as well as a number of other types of buildings. Those early works formed a foundation for learning through real use and construction, shaping the ideas and direction that define the studio today.
WHERE
Our studio is based in Si Racha, Chonburi. The decision to begin here arose during the COVID-19 period, when we spent much of our time living in Chonburi. We recognized both the opportunities in the area and the quality of life it offers, which made it an ideal place to build a practice.
Lucent House
Lucent House
WHY
Our intention is to act as a mediator that gathers all layers of information, whether client needs, site limitations, or environmental context, and translates them into design. Creativity becomes the tool through which we respond to constraints and transform them into meaningful solutions.
Lucent House
How do you define your own style of work?
We describe our work as modern, with a strong focus on spatial design and rethinking how spaces can be used in new ways. At the same time, we are interested in exploring innovative materials. For us, lifestyle, architecture, landscape, and interior design must be considered together from the beginning to the end of the process. A truly complete building does not emerge from one discipline alone, but from the harmonious integration of all elements
What inspires you, and what principles do you apply to each project?
Our primary inspiration comes from meeting and understanding each client’s lifestyle. No two are ever the same. This diversity pushes us to create new design responses rather than rely on formulas or repetition. In terms of principle, we constantly examine a project from two perspectives: that of the designer and that of the actual user. The goal is to ensure the work is not only conceptually appealing but also functional and sustainable in the long term.
Lane House
Lane House
Which project are you most proud of and why?
Lane House stands out as a particularly meaningful project. The site presented significant constraints, from limited land size and Feng Shui requirements to highly specific functional needs from the homeowner. Throughout the design and construction process, unexpected challenges continued to arise, making it a demanding project. However, when the house was completed and successfully responded to the owner’s needs, it brought a deep sense of fulfillment. Being part of that outcome remains a source of pride for our studio.
Lane House
Lane House
Which part of the process do you enjoy the most during work?
We are especially drawn to the initial phase of the design process. It is the moment when the entire framework must be envisioned simultaneously, from concept and spatial organization to structure, construction methods, and long-term maintenance considerations. If the conceptual foundation is thorough enough at the beginning, the subsequent stages can unfold more smoothly. For us, each new beginning is both the most exciting and the most challenging moment of the process.
If you could invite any ‘creative’ for a coffee, who would it be and why?
Vincent Van Duysen. We greatly admire his work for its delicate balance between artistry and architectural clarity. His designs appear minimal, yet beneath that simplicity lies a strong sense of atmosphere and emotional depth. Within restraint, there is a remarkable presence.