The Indigenous Character of Tai Yai House at Tor Pae Village, Mae Ngao, Khun Yuam District, Maehongson Province, Thailand

Abstract

        This paper is a brief summary of Survey report on a preliminary study of the spatial organization in Tai Yai house at Tor Pae Village, Mae Ngao, Khun Yuam, Mae Hong Son Province, Thailand.

        The study focuses on indigenous characteristics of Tai Yai house emphasizing the spatial organization of the house in relation to its function, form and material. These factors have been influenced by culture, believe and lifestyle of Tai people. Data was collected in 2003 and the case studies are the present the houses in Tor Pae village,

        In general, “wat’ is both the social and the religious center of many Taivillages. Surrounded by Tai house, a roof thatched with Teak leaves rested on wooden pillars and beams, interior had wooden floor with fixed room dividers enabling to precisely define the living space into living room, bedroom, kitchen, storage, toilet. The features of the external appearance, such as the construction materials, the Steeply pitched roof, wide eaves, the ponds, wooden granary, spice garden and animal shed under the house can be seen in Tai Yai houses in Tor Pae village today,

        The Spatial Organization of Tai house comprises of three main factors. They are function, form and material. Each part of the house has been influenced by different factors mainly are: Tai culture (social structure), Tai belief and ritual (festival) and Tai philosophy of life (lifestyle). In conclusion, it can be found that the indigenous characteristics of Taihouse are influenced by their culture, ritual and philosophy of life.