Unique house attracts curious visi tors

Photo: The significant girth of the pillars is obvious when compared to that of an adult male. Most houses in Laos, particularly in rural areas, are raised off the ground by wooden columns or stumps.

However, one family in Xayaboury province has added their own unique touch to the design by using tree trunks to support their house.

More than forty tree trunks wider than a person hold up Mr Thamma Chaikuang's family home in the province's Kaenthao district.

Many passer-bys are curious as to why the owner of the house decided to use whole trunks, removing only the bark, to support the house.

“I wanted to help conserve the traditional Lao style of housing for as long as possible for our children, because forests in Laos are rapidly being destroyed.

“This kind of quality timber will be increasingly hard to find, especially after 2020, when the government will cease all logging of native old growth forests,” Mr Thamma said.

His house is about 3 kilometres from the centre of town and has become well-known amongst local people and tourists, particularly Thai visitors who often make a trip to see the unique residence.

Mr Thamma and his wife have become known in local circles as Phor Toy and Mare Toy due to their unique house and the fact they have a daughter named Toy.

The house was built in 2005 at an unknown cost. Many people believe the house will only rise in value due to the rare materials used in its unique design.

It took two years to complete the house which is 11 metres wide and 30 metres long. The total height is seven metres. The floor is raised 4 metres above the ground. Each column's circumference is wide enough for two people to hug simultaneously.

Mr Thamma acquired the timber from authorities after the construction of a road in the province.

He discussed ideas with his family and they agreed to use the timber to build a traditional house which could later be used to welcome visitors interested in learning about the style.

Several years later the house is attracting tourists and local people wishing to experience a unique twist on a traditional Lao residence.

Mr Thamma's home is becoming increasingly well known by people in other provinces and neighbouring countries who are coming to visit the house in droves because it is believed to be the only one in Laos built in such a manner.

The owner does not collect entrance fees and welcomes all comers into his house in the true style of Lao hospitality.

Mr Thamma also uses his house to welcome government officials who come to learn about native timbers and relax.

“If you have money and buy a car, one day it will be rusted and old. But if you build a house it will last from generation to generation and can benefit the younger generations.”

Mr Thamma, who is the owner of a sawmill, is not afraid termites will attack his house as the timber is of very high quality.

Traditional Lao houses are raised on columns to create a space underneath that allows the house to cool naturally as well as serving as an area for the family to relax and undertake their daily activities.

Officials from the Ministry of Information and Culture recently travelled to the province and visited the house to suggest the owner submit a proposal for it to be declared a national cultural heritage site.

In the future, when the district has increased access to water supply the house should become more popular as a tourist site and attract more visitors to the province.

Despite the promise of increasing visitor numbers in the future, Mr Thamma said he will continue to welcome all visitors into his home free of charge.

By Phonesavanh Sangsomboun
Vientianetimes