Colonial Lanna Architecture

COLONIAL
LANNA

ARCHITECTURE
IN

CHIANG MAI

PAK LUENG-ON







COLONIAL
LANNA

ARCHITECTURE
IN

CHIANG MAI

PAK LUENG-ON



For me, the blend of western flair and indigenous identities across
all regions creates a colonial style in each of the different areas of
colonial architecture.
It is like an adaptation to the lifestyle of each region, not alienating
and also enhancing the beauty of that locality.



137
PILLARS HOUSE

The beginning of 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai derives from the history
of Baan Borneo, or House 137 Pillars – which used to be the headquarters
of the Northern Borneo Company Limited that was built in the late 18th
century.

In the past, the wealth and position of homeowners in Chiang Mai were
often recognized by the size of the Lanna Thai houses they owned. es-
pecially from the number of poles the house has. The more pillars, the
more it represents wealth or rank. There are many journalists and writers
who are impressed with the history and beauty of the house. Asked why
this Borneo house doesn’t have a name. Once there was a publisher who
wanted to write about the ‘house with the most columns’, so Uncle Jack
Ben, who owned the house at the time, decided to count the number of
pillars, which was 137 and as recorded in the old map of Wat Ket. There is
a reference to the ‘137 Pillars House’, which translates into English as 137
Pillars House.













LANNA
HILL HOUSE

Lanna Hill House was designed by one of Thailand’s top architects to reflect the
best of local and colonial design. The result is a beautiful villa constructed from
only materials, including reclaimed teak throughout. The villa is furnished exqui-
sitely with locally sourced materials including rattan, teak and bamboo.

















PING NAKARA

BOUTIQUE HOTEL AND SPA

The increasing political and trade relationship with Western countries had an influence on Chiang Mai
architecture. Colonial-style buildings and Victorian ginger-bread motifs were adapted and combined
with the traditional wooden structures built by local craftsmen, forging a new and exquisite style, a
unique Lanna architectural expression.

Over the intervening years, many of the old buildings have faded and fallen, and the few remains were
not ideally suited to modern ways of living. A desire to preserve this valuable Lanna architectural in-
heritance is the origin of the hotel. The breath of the yesteryear has been revived in the creation of new
buildings which harmonize the atmosphere of times past with the needs of modern life.









RAMING TEA HOUSE
SIAM CELADON

Raming Tea House, Siam Celadon, is located on the banks of the Mae Kha River. It was originally
the house of Khun Anukorn Buri. Nimakorn family tree You are Thai people of Chinese descent. re-
ceived the title of Khun in the reign of King Rama VII during the reign of Khun Anukornburi This
house was opened as a building materials shop called Nim Chiew Chaat. After Khun Anukornbu-
ri passed away in 1952, his heir, Mr. Banyong Nimakorn, opened a clinic called Dr. Sompho Clinic.
Later,itwassoldtoMr.NitWangwiwat,owneroftheteabusiness,onAugust6,1986.Afterthat,KhunNitrented
thehousetootherpeopletomakeitanItalianrestaurant.Until2002,heenteredtorenovatethebuilding,whichat
thattimewasverydilapidatedandopenedateashopcalledRamingTeaHouseSiamCeladononAugust1,2003.















THE
INSIDE
HOUSE





The Inside House is a warm private hotel in the heart of downtown Chiang Mai. The property resembles
the charm from the 1920’s of the Lanna Colonial style which gives you a safe home-like atmosphere.
The Inside House brings a peaceful hideaway to the vibrant neighborhood with an elegant architecture
immersed in the lush tropical landscape. In addition to its unique design and decoration, this is the only
hotel in Chiangmai that has 14 in-room private swimming pools. All areas are intimately private with
soft neutral tones throughout. A blend of home-like retreat and delicate Thai craftsmanship is prevalent
all over the property. It is very impressive that this place can easily make its guests feel at home while
staying inside their house.