Lantern House | Photo: Rungkit Charoenwat
REAL AS TECT CONVEYS ARCHITECTURAL WORKS THROUGH DESIGN THAT SEAMLESSLY CONNECTS IMAGINATION, FUNCTION, AND SPATIAL CONTEXT, CREATING ARCHITECTURE THAT IS MEANINGFUL TO PEOPLE AND THEIR REAL LIVES
TEXT: REAL AS TECT
PHOTO & IMAGE CREDIT AS NOTED
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WHO
REAL AS TECT was founded by Methawin Isarat and Hathaikarn Ratnusak, a duo of young-generation architects and designers brought together by a shared passion to embody the studio’s name, ‘Real as Architect.’ It’s a reflection of our commitment to practicing architecture with utmost sincerity and vigor as true professionals.
WHAT
We specialize in creating ‘Livable Art,’ transforming architectural designs into functional masterpieces. Our approach prioritizes harmony with the surrounding context and meaningful storytelling, while remaining grounded in the reality of the site and responsive to its users.
Binary Cafe | Image courtesy of REAL AS TECT
Binary Cafe | Image courtesy of REAL AS TECT
WHEN
The studio officially came together in 2023, born from the fundamental belief that great design must never be detached from reality. We believe that architecture should authentically capture and reflect the unique essence of its environment.
WHERE
Our canvas knows no bounds. Whether situated in a bustling urban landscape or a serene natural setting, we are always ready to explore and unlock the full potential of every location, creating new dialogues between the architecture and its surroundings.
WHY
We believe that the heart of sustainable architecture is to act as a vital bridge that seamlessly connects ‘imagination’ with the ‘real way of life,’ in order to achieve a perfect balance between artistic aesthetics and daily living.
Terrarium House | Photo: Rungkit Charoenwat
Terrarium House | Photo: Rungkit Charoenwat
How do you define your own style of work?
We define the style of REAL AS TECT as ‘Practical Artistic Reality’: creating artistic spaces that can truly be lived in. We do not view architecture merely as a functional structure or a static sculpture; instead, we strive to design forms and spaces that possess intrinsic artistic value while seamlessly accommodating daily life. Our work often features a refined simplicity intertwined with organic, curvilinear lines. By emphasizing the honesty of materials, we allow the surrounding context, light, and shadows to act as living elements of the artwork, evolving throughout the day.
What inspires you and what principles do you apply to each project?
Our inspiration often stems from ‘The Extraordinary in the Ordinary.’ We believe that the existing context of a site and the authentic lifestyle of its users are the finest raw materials for creating architecture. We draw inspiration from subtle environmental elements; such as the way natural light shifts throughout the day or the path of a breeze through a space and translate them into organic, curvilinear architectural forms.
Our core working principle is ‘Sincerity & Balance.’ We remain sincere to the honesty of materials and functional requirements, while meticulously balancing ‘artistic aesthetics’ with ‘living comfort.’ Ultimately, our goal is for every REAL AS TECT project to serve as a space that continuously inspires its inhabitants every single day.
Lantern House | Photo: Rungkit Charoenwat
Lantern House | Photo: Rungkit Charoenwat
Which project are you most proud of and why?
Our proudest project is ‘LANTERN HOUSE (Hachi Khaoyai)’ because it presented a significant challenge in harmonizing architecture with the majestic and vast natural landscape of Khao Yai. Our core objective was to create privacy while remaining open to the surrounding landscape. To achieve this, we embraced the concept of the ‘Lantern House’; a beacon amidst the vast forest focusing not just on illumination but on crafting an aesthetic of light and shadow within the darkness. We utilized fluid, curvilinear lines to soften the building’s presence and carefully placed openings so natural light becomes an integral part of the interior space during the day. Conversely, at night, the glow from within radiates softly outward, transforming the structure into a gentle lantern that offers warmth and guidance within the forest. For us, Hachi Khaoyai is not simply a residence; it is a testament to how sincerity towards the site and courageous design can cultivate truly enduring aesthetics.
Lantern House | Photo: Rungkit Charoenwat
Which part of the process do you enjoy the most during work?
My favorite part of the process is ‘The Moment of Realization’ when the lines of our imagination begin to manifest into reality on-site. It spans from the very first curvilinear sketch on paper to the day we witness skilled craftsmen meticulously bringing those structures to life. Especially in a project like the Lantern House, seeing the first light glow amidst the forest at night and realizing that the space could truly deliver the intended emotions and value to its users was an incredibly fulfilling moment. It reinforces our passion and reminds us of what it truly means to be a ‘Real Architect.’
Patta House | Image courtesy of REAL AS TECT
Patta House | Image courtesy of REAL AS TECT
If you could invite any ‘creative’ for a coffee, who would it be and why?
If possible, I would choose Frank Gehry. He was an architect who proved to the world that architecture can be a powerful, limitless form of art. I am deeply inspired by his courage to transform complex lines and seemingly impossible forms into tangible reality. If given the chance to share a coffee with him, I would love to exchange perspectives on managing ‘fluidity’ in design and how he balances radical imagination with functional requirements. For us at REAL AS TECT, the greatest challenge is ensuring that a piece of art can function perfectly as a living space, and there are few people who embody that idea more clearly than him.
Patta House | Image courtesy of REAL AS TECT