Baan Nong Khaem Border Patrol School

In 2009, the Association of Siamese Architects under the Royal Patronage, in cooperated with Siam City Cement Public Company Limited (SCCC) and Office of the Vocational Education Commission, initiated a Green Border Patrol Police School project under the Royal Initiation of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn in three pilot areas: Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Prachuap Kiri Khan provinces.
Sook Architects Co., Ltd had been assigned the task of designing a school in Baan Nong Khaem, Amphur Chiang Dao, Chiang Mai province and Baan Chao Po Luang Uppatum, Chiang Rai province.
The design keywords were Green Design Intention, Community and Cultural Context, Sustainable Land Use, Tropical Design Solution, Occupant Health and Comfort, Energy Efficiency, Water Efficiency, Building Material and Construction, Flexibility & Adaptability and Post-occupancy Feedback.

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The Border Patrol Police School at Baan Nong Khaem was built in a hill tribe community, consisting of 1170 people and 250 Households, living along the Thai-Myanmar border and surrounded by mountains.
The dormitory for 40 girls, aged between 4-12 years old, was two-storey height, wood frame structure and wall made of hardwood and bamboo. These materials were found in the area. The building had a simple layout of a rectangular shape with a gable roof similar to a hill tribe vernacular architecture found in the area.
The two bedrooms were located on the second floor to keep the girls safe at night. Wall and window were designed to achieve thermal comfort in a naturally ventilated space to keep the building warm during winter and cool during summer.
The space on the ground floor was designed to be multi-functional, provide a wide range of activities and natural ventilation. The flooring materials were composed of clay and concrete mix.
Since the building was designed for children, the structural elements of the building, such as columns and beams, were designed as a play structure and sculpture. They were covered with multiple shaped walls for kids to climb or play hide and seek. The building was also installed with a stair and slide combination for those who enjoy slide down stairs without taking a step.