Japanese House II Pattaya by Mario Kleff
Brutalist-inspired residential architecture and structural design on Phra Tamnak Hill, Pattaya
Located approximately 150 meters from the coastline, the building was engineered to withstand coastal climate conditions, including wind exposure, humidity, and salt air.
Private Residence · Completed Project · Built Work
Designed and developed by Mario Kleff, integrating structural engineering, spatial planning, and architectural expression.
Note on roles: In Thailand, permits are issued under a licensed local architect (architect of record). Mario Kleff serves as the design architect, responsible for concept, design, and structural systems, working together with Thai architects and contractors during execution.
The Japanese House II is a luxury private residence located on Phra Tamnak Hill in Pattaya, a site-specific residential zone explored in Pattaya’s development context. It forms part of a series of three experimental residential structures developed by Mario Kleff, exploring the relationship between structural systems, minimalism, and spatial enclosure.
Finalized in 2016 following interior development and design modifications, the project is defined by a monolithic concrete envelope, internal courtyard organization, and a structural concept derived from symbolic geometry inspired by Japanese script.
The building represents an early application of Mario Kleff’s design philosophy “Structure Is Design”, where engineering systems determine architectural form and spatial hierarchy.
The project and its architectural concept were documented in an independent third-party publication, providing early external documentation of its structural philosophy and unconventional design approach.
Independent publication: “The architect who does things his way” — Real Estate Magazine Thailand, January 2009
“The creative design of this house is in the engineering, not in the decoration.”
Project Description
The residence occupies an approximately 800 m² plot and extends across three primary levels, with a total built area of approximately 1,420 m². The building footprint covers nearly the entire site, organizing all living spaces around an internal courtyard containing a swimming pool.
The program includes:
- Five bedrooms and nine bathrooms
- Central courtyard with integrated pool
- Open-plan living and dining areas
- Basement level for parking and technical systems
- Vertical circulation via integrated elevator
The design eliminates conventional perimeter openings at ground level, replacing them with a fully enclosed exterior wall system that prioritizes privacy, security, and internal spatial focus.
Architectural Approach
The architectural language combines elements of brutalist massing with minimalist spatial logic. The structure is defined by four large-scale reinforced concrete walls extending vertically through the building, forming both the load-bearing system and the primary architectural expression.
Rather than relying on decorative elements, the design emphasizes proportion, mass, and void. Natural light is introduced through overhead openings, large roof apertures, and courtyard-facing glazing systems.
“Architecture begins with structure — not with decoration.”
The conceptual foundation of the building is derived from a Japanese character symbolizing “home,” translating abstract geometry into built form.
Structural Strategy
The project utilizes a reinforced concrete structural system supported by integrated steel elements to achieve stability and spatial continuity.
- Deep foundation system based on symbolic geometric layout
- Massive reinforced concrete perimeter walls (up to 10 meters in height)
- Steel beam reinforcement integrated into slabs and girders
- Dense reinforcement grid using DB25 steel
Due to technological constraints at the time of construction, post-tensioning systems were not applied. Instead, structural performance was achieved through increased material density and hybrid steel-concrete integration.
These principles align with the signature architectural approach, where structural systems define spatial organization, material expression, and the overall architectural identity of the building.
Material and Construction
The building was constructed using high-strength concrete and structural steel supplied by regional manufacturers, ensuring durability under coastal environmental conditions.
- High-strength concrete supplied by CPAC
- Structural steel provided by Siam Yamato Steel
- Reinforced concrete grid with high-density steel placement
The exterior envelope is intentionally minimal, consisting primarily of exposed concrete surfaces, contrasting with a refined interior material palette of hardwood and natural stone.
Environmental and Site Constraints
Located approximately 150 meters from the ocean, the project required careful consideration of wind loads, humidity, and salt exposure.
- Sealed structural envelope to protect against coastal conditions
- Internal courtyard enabling natural ventilation and light distribution
- Material selection focused on long-term durability
Japanese architectural concepts were integrated into the courtyard, adapted to local climate conditions through the use of regionally suitable vegetation.
Development Background
The project was commissioned by private clients seeking a highly secure and architecturally distinct residence. The design process allowed for a high degree of creative control, enabling the development of a non-standard architectural solution defined by structural expression and spatial enclosure.
Primary construction works were completed in 2010, including the full structural system, building envelope, and core spatial configuration. At this stage, the project had already established its defining architectural character through its monolithic concrete structure and courtyard-based layout.
Subsequent phases focused on interior development, technical integration, and design refinement. Due to evolving client requirements and extended interior works, final completion — including finishes, systems integration, and decoration — was achieved in 2016.
Japanese House II is the second structure in a series of three “Japanese Houses” designed by Mario Kleff in Pattaya, each exploring variations of structural systems, minimalism, and spatial organization.
Recognition
The project received an Honorable Mention at the LIV Hospitality Design Awards 2023, recognizing its distinctive architectural concept and structural expression.
About the Architect
Explore the design philosophy and built work of Mario Kleff – Architectural Concepts & Project Portfolio
Market Context
Pattaya forms part of Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), a designated development zone with ongoing infrastructure investment, including highway expansion and planned high-speed rail connectivity to Bangkok. The area supports a mixed residential market comprising freehold condominium units (for Thai and foreign ownership under quota) and privately held land plots for low-rise residential construction.
Phra Tamnak Hill is a designated low- to medium-density residential zone located between Pattaya and Jomtien. Development is constrained by limited land availability, hillside topography, and access conditions, resulting in predominantly site-specific housing projects. Private residences in this area are typically developed on individually titled land plots, subject to local building regulations, height restrictions, and setback requirements.
Market activity is driven by a combination of owner-occupiers, second-home use, and rental demand. Property values are primarily influenced by location, land tenure, build quality, and proximity to coastal frontage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who designed Japanese House II?
The project was designed by architect Mario Kleff.
What defines the architecture of Japanese House II?
The building is defined by a structural concrete system, internal courtyard layout, and a minimalist design approach based on symbolic geometry.
Where is Japanese House II located?
The residence is located on Phra Tamnak Hill in Pattaya, Thailand.
Is Japanese House II part of a series?
Yes, it is the second of three Japanese House projects designed by Mario Kleff.