The modern infinity-edge

The secret to planning your dream home? Open your eyes and go green

If you want an energy-saving home, your architect will need to know which way the wind blows - and track the path of the sun. These are the first steps towards keeping your future electricity bills low, says Khamron Sutti, architect and project manager for Surin Hill Development Co in Phuket.

For example, when Khamron designed a large traditional house featuring a cluster of rooms around a large central terrace for a customer in Phuket recently, he had to stand on the plot until he'd figured out exactly where the sun rose and set and the where the prevailing wind was blowing from.

"Once we know the wind direction, we can design the house and its windows to facilitate its maximum flow. This will save on energy costs for the homeowner because he or she won't need to use as much air-conditioning," he says.

Khamron also needs to harmonise his design with the natural surroundings. Like many of his foreign customers, his latest clients wanted an infinity-edge swimming pool, and these must be lined up with the backdrop of the sea to give the illusion of a seamless surface.

Modern and traditional styles have been mixed outside and in, where traditional Thai decor has been used to contrast with modern furniture made from dark leather.

"In order to keep the design close to nature, we used lots of windows and a wall that links the inside to the tropical garden and swimming pool outside. Anyone in the house gets a great view over the garden and Surin beach," he says.

Meanwhile, a big part of the overall design is lighting, which has an important role in accentuating certain architectural and natural details.

For a house like this - four bedrooms, four bathrooms, two living rooms and a swimming pool measuring five by 18 metres - you can expect to pay Bt90 million, most of which goes on land and construction costs, leaving Bt12 million for interior design.

Khamorn says that for a dream - and green - home, you have to get together with your architect and explain exactly what you want. Then listen to his or her suggestions for what is appropriate for your surroundings.

These are the ingredients for the perfect home.