Mallika Jongsiri
Abstract :
This study examines the renovation of a 161-square-meter residential unit in the Golden Coast Condominium, comprising an entrance hall and corridor (26 sq.m.), three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a living area, a pantry, and a dining space. Recent trends in the housing market indicate a steady increase in demand for second-hand residential properties across both low-rise and high-rise segments. Key drivers include lower purchase prices compared to newly built units, limited availability of land for new residential projects, and evolving lifestyle patterns among urban residents. As a result, renovating existing housing units for personal use or rental investment has become an increasingly practical and attractive option. The main objective of this project is to explore the purpose, concept, and design strategies for transforming the existing space into a functional and contemporary living environment. The renovation applies principles of spatial reconfiguration, interior design, and furniture arrangement to reinterpret the residential environment. It transitions from traditional patterns of use toward a renewed spatial meaning—representing a conceptual shift that transcends time and transforms space. This approach enhances both functional efficiency and aesthetic quality while responding to contemporary lifestyle requirements. The design process also considered construction efficiency, reuse of existing materials, and compliance with condominium regulations regarding installation procedures, technical standards, and construction schedules. These constraints informed both planning and execution, ensuring a balance between design intentions and practical limitations.
The results demonstrate that the renovated interior successfully transforms the existing space in line with its intended functions and embodies the principles of Regenerative Design. The project illustrates how adaptive reuse can create sustainable, flexible, and meaningful residential environments suited to contemporary living. This study contributes to advancing knowledge on adaptive reuse and regenerative design strategies in urban residential developments..
Objectives :
This project aims to examine the purpose, concept, and design strategies for transforming an existing building into a renewed spatial form (Transforming Space). The study focuses on creating a design that enhances the residential experience, introducing new ways of living while maintaining functionality and comfort. It emphasizes high-quality interior renovation that aligns with the specific objectives and requirements of the property owner. Additionally, the project considers construction methods, material reuse, and budget planning to ensure both practical feasibility and efficiency. By integrating these elements, the study demonstrates how adaptive renovation can respond to current housing market trends, support sustainable living, and embody the principles of Regenerative Design, creating meaningful and adaptable residential spaces suitable for contemporary lifestyles.
Conceptual Framework :
Adaptive Reuse or Regenerative Design represents a design approach that transforms existing buildings into renewed and contemporary spaces (Transforming Space). This approach revitalizes older structures by adapting them to current lifestyle needs while integrating modern materials, equipment, and technologies. In the context of the current housing market, where the demand for second-hand properties is rising due to affordability, limited land availability, and evolving urban lifestyles, such a framework provides a practical and sustainable solution for residential renovation and investment.
Key aspects of this approach include:
i. Functional Space: Existing floor areas are reconfigured to meet new functional requirements. Furniture layouts, circulation paths, and surface materials are adapted to optimize usability and enhance the overall living experience.
Transforming the space through a new concept into a contemporary perspective. The design details are as follows
Material 1–3
• Entrance and Pantry overlaid with SPC flooring
• Balcony: overlaid with wood-pattern floor tiles
Material 4–5
• Bathroom overlaid with floor and wall tiles
• Replace sanitary ware and accessories
Material 6
• SPC flooring for the common area and coverage to all bedrooms
Material 7
• Existing wood floor overlaid with SPC flooring SPC flooring
ii. Design Concept: The conceptual design emphasizes surfaces, color schemes, textures, and lighting to create a renewed residential atmosphere that is both warm and relaxing, reflecting contemporary aesthetic and lifestyle preferences.
New functional requirements. furniture layouts, circulation paths, and surface materials are adapted to optimize usability and enhance the overall living experience
iii. Interior Design: Innovative materials and technologies, including modern electrical systems and smart devices (Internet of Things), are incorporated to support convenience, efficiency, and a connected living environment.
This conceptual framework highlights a holistic approach to residential renovation, where spatial transformation, interior aesthetics, and technological integration work together to create adaptable, functional, and meaningful living environments. By applying the principles of Regenerative Design, this framework addresses both practical and experiential aspects of contemporary residential living, making it highly relevant in the context of second-hand housing redevelopment.
Lighting design that creates a warm and relaxing ambience at night through advanced technology and indirect lighting, reflecting the contemporary lifestyle of modern residents
New Style of Living is defined as the modernization of daily living, consisting of
• Enhance the function of the main entrance
• Transform the mood & tone of the common area, pantry, and bedrooms through wallpaper, curtains, and lighting design
• Increase functionality in the pantry and provide built-in furniture in the living room and bedrooms
• Upgrade convenience and amenities with new installations such as WiFi and IoT devices
Process / Methodology :
The design process started with analyzing the site and assessing the existing second-hand house to identify opportunities for spatial improvement and interior enhancement. Residents’ needs were surveyed to ensure comfort, functionality, and a relaxing atmosphere connected to outdoor spaces. Concept development focused on integrating the semi-outdoor area with living and dining spaces while maximizing natural light and planning nighttime lighting. Existing built-in furniture was evaluated for reuse, and surfaces, fixtures, and decorative elements were updated to give each bedroom a unique character. Careful material selection ensured a modern, cohesive, and aesthetically pleasing interior that revitalizes the house for contemporary living.
Techniques and Materials :
The adaptation of residential identity and technology, aligned with the concept of “New Look: New Style of Living,” is implemented through the strategic transformation of surface materials to generate a warm and relaxing spatial mood and tone. The design interventions are summarized as follows:
• The general floor areas are retrofitted with SPC synthetic wood flooring applied over the existing substrate.
• Bathroom floor and wall surfaces are re-cladded with new ceramic tiling, accompanied by the complete replacement of sanitary fixtures and accessories.
• The balcony floor is upgraded with wood-pattern ceramic tiles to enhance outdoor spatial continuity.
• Interior wall surfaces are updated with wallpaper finishes, and window treatments are improved through the installation of new curtains.
• All wall and ceiling surfaces receive new coating applications.
• Existing furniture components are surface-refinished using laminate veneer, including the resurfacing of doors and replacement of handles to maintain design consistency.
• New built-in furniture is integrated specifically into the pantry area to accommodate contemporary functional requirements.
• The electrical system, lighting fixtures, air-conditioning units, and associated equipment are inspected and upgraded to support current standards and advancements in residential technology.
Result / Conclusion :
This study examines the interior transformation of a second-hand residence through a design-led approach that prioritizes spatial adaptation to enhance functionality, usability, and aesthetic value. The reconfiguration of the entrance hall establishes a defined welcoming threshold for visitors, while the living area is expanded visually and experientially through a seamless connection to a 25-square-meter semi-outdoor balcony, offering uninterrupted sea views that reinforce the dwelling’s sense of place. The integration of the kitchen and dining functions within the main living area fosters a cohesive and restorative spatial atmosphere aligned with contemporary living patterns.
Although the three bedrooms retain their existing built-in furniture systems, new material finishes, fixtures, and curated décor were introduced to articulate differentiated spatial identities. Strategic lighting interventions further elevate the ambience, contributing to a sense of luxury and nighttime comfort. The outcomes indicate that renovation grounded in Adaptive Reuse and Regenerative Design principles not only responds to residents’ evolving needs but also strengthens property value and investment viability. By reinvigorating the second-hand residence, the project demonstrates a spatial and functional renewal that is compatible with contemporary living standards, reflecting a balanced integration of performance, well-being, and aesthetic refinement in modern residential design.
References :
Phuthiang, N. (2024). The adaptive reuse of an old building as a private art gallery: A case study of Warin Lab Contemporary, Bangkok. Journal of Fine Arts.
Ramasoot, S. (2022). Sustainability via adaptability: Learning from the Traditional Thai House’s Built-for-Change Architecture. Journal of Architectural / Planning Research and Studies (JARS), 10(1), 57–70.
Yoon-Jeong Shin, E. Joo Park, & Eunki Kang. (2025). Holistic approach to adaptive reuse research focused on the design strategy and its extended categories: lessons from a critical review. Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering. Advance online publication.