Lanna and Ruan Kalae Architecture

Thai architecture is one of the most recognisable features of the unique tradition and culture of Thailand. The most popular Lanna style architecture was created during the Kingdom of Lanna, from the 13th to 18th century. The Kingdom of Lanna is located in the Northern regions of Thailand.

This style was originally constructed completely of teak wood, and usually raised on stilts in order to prevent flooding during the rainy seasons since Thailand is a tropical country. The space may also be used for work such as weaving, carving and textile dyeing during the dry season. The sharply slanted roofs provide a run-off for rain. The architectural concepts used in these houses are ideal for the tropical climate, such as allowing air to flow through, under, and above the house. This gives a natural 'cooling' effect for the comfort of the people inside it.

Owning a Lanna house also portrays the high status of the owners due to the costly and extensive process of building and carpentry. 

Another name that this style goes by is Ruan kalae. What distinguishes Ruan kalae from other traditional Thai houses is the 'V-shaped, hand carved Kalae which may be found on each side of the roof. Some believe that the Kalae is meant to symbolise two birds used to scare away crows which were said to bring bad luck. It has also been said that it represented buffalo horns. Others say that the Kalae was forced to be put by Thai people to differentiate between the Thai and Burmese people.  

The house itself consists of two structures on the same elevated level but with separated roofs; one structure is a bedroom and the other is the kitchen. The two structures are separated by a walkway known as the chan hom. The walls of the structures usually slant outwards as it goes up, giving the structures a stronger support. This outward slant is called faa Tak. In front of the house is a porch called teon, which is used as a welcome area for guests. The bathroom is a square-shaped, roofless structure built from bamboo is usually located away from the house, near a pond. The bathroom is referred to as tom nam.

Above the bedroom door, a wooden carving is usually placed as people believe that it drives away evil spirits. This wooden carving is known as the ham yon. 

Similarly, at the bottom of the doorway lies a piece of wood spanning the width of the doorway, used as a boundary marker to remind those outside the family line not to enter the bedroom. This piece of wood is known as the kom pratoo. 

Although there is much more to the Ruan Kalae than what was explained above, we can already see that the structure is excellently made with a balance between aesthetics and pragmatics. Lanna architecture openly expresses the Thai culture and shows us the lives that which the Lanna people lived.