Kalae house
The kalae house or traditional Northern Thai/'Lanna house' is an architectural style of Northern Thailand, in the area that used to be called Lan Na, today known as Chiang Mai. The house is composed of two compartments sharing the same platform. It is named after the decorative wooden carvings protruding from the top of the gables, features typically found in traditional northern Thai houses.
The house is a combination of traditional Lanna and Tai Lue, TaiKhoen and Tai Yong ethnic groups’ residences. The influences from these peoples makes the houses diverse in terms of style, plan, decoration, development of the functions and house elements.
History of Kalae
The word “Kalae” has a root in the word “Ka-lang”, meaning a crossing over or overlapping. Kalae refers to the carved wooden rack attached to the gables of the house. The wooded rack is extended to form a v-shape at the top of the ridge board. The extended rack is in length. Kalae are notable for their engravings, the focus point. Both sides of the etch rack are usually birds. However, the rack can be carved in other patterns.Kalae used to be the frame designed to hold the roof together because the roof used to be constructed from banana leaf. Later on, when the construction material changed to clay roof tiles, kalae turned into a decorative element.
Kalae houses are designed to serve the daily routines of Lanna households. Furthermore, they indicate the status of the owner and symbolize fortune. Each part of the house serves certain functions. Kalae house characteristics show similarity to traditional Lanna house.
- Relevant beliefs: the construction is based on climate and wind direction. Thai building and living habits are often based on superstitious and religious beliefs. Many other considerations such as locally available materials, climate, and agriculture have a lot to do with the style.
- Relatives share the same land. Families live in the same perimeter surrounded by the fence made from bamboo, called “rua salap”, or bush.
Location
This style of home is primarily located in the northern provinces of Thailand, including Chiang Mai and the nearby districts; Hangdong district, Doi Saket district, Sankampang district, Sanpathong district, Chom Thong district, Mae Rim district, and Mae Thang district.The house direction is calculated according to the sun with the roof pediment always facing toward the south or the north. Most of the houses are built on larger properties. These homes are not as common as they once were as more modern designs have come into favour.
Elements
Proportion
Kalae complex has at least two compartments. The main compartment has five rooms. The house has columns aligned with the side of the house. The height measured from the ground to the Waeng or the girder is approximately. While the distance measured from the back of the Waeng to the pediment is approximately.Parts
The house is divided according to functions, as shown in the following list.- Bedroom: bedrooms are on the east wing. It is a large single room extending lengthwise. The room can be partitioned to create space for children by hanging up a large piece of cloth or curtain tied to the pillars. The room is divided into two obvious sections using a piece of timber, mai paen tong, as a divider so that the floorboards won't vibrate and disturb others. On top of the main pillar or sao ek is a wooden shelf purposely built as a shrine for household deity. The Thai notion of fear centres on the "spiritual world" such as "ghosts, unseen forces, and evil spirits". Thai people heavily rely on "supernatural powers" for protection in the domestic setting.
- Kitchen: also known as ruean fai. This area is for cooking and storing utensils.
- Toen or Veranda. The area is connected to the front terrace but one step higher. It is a multipurpose area with a short wooden wall separating the Toen from the bedroom.
- Shan: the terrace. This is the open space in the front. This is used as a washing area and is connected to the kitchen. The front terrace right off the veranda has a stand for water pots, han-nam with coconut shells, which is used to welcome guests.
- Beneath the house: This is called the tai thun ruean. This section is the storage area and is used to keep household implements like farming equipment and household utensils, and is also a place for livestock. As the phrase "Thai stilt house" suggests, one universal aspect of Thailand's traditional architecture is the elevation of its buildings on stilts, most commonly to around head height. The houses were raised due to heavy flooding during certain parts of the year, and in more ancient times, predators.