User:NapasornCho

Kalae (Thai : เรือนกาแล) Kalae house originates from the Northern region of Thailand, in the area that used to be called Lanna or today known as Chiang Mai. The house composes of two compartments sharing the same platform. It is named after the decorative wooden carvings protruding out from the top of the gables, which are the notable feature typically found in Traditional Northern Thai house.

The house is a combination of traditional Lanna and ethnic groups’ residences, in which the minorities are Tai Lue, TaiKhoen and Tai Yong. These local houses are well known among Lanna Yuan people. With the minorities flee to Lanna, the influence from these people makes the house diverse in terms of style, plan, decoration, development of the functions and house parts.

History of Kalae
The word “Kalae” has a root from the word, “Ka-lang”, meaning a crossing over or overlapping.

Kalae refers to the carved wooden rack attached to the gables of the house. The wooded rack is extended to form the v shape cross at the top of the ridge board. The extended rack is 0.5 meters in length. Kalae is notable for its engraving, which is the focus point, out of all structures. Kalae is the signature of the house. Both sides of the etch rack are usually birds. However, it can be carved in other patterns. Kalae used to be the frame designed to hold the roof together because the roof used to be constructed from Banana leaf. Later on, when the material is changed to clay roof tiles, kalae turns into decoration element.

Kalae houses are base on Lanna household. The houses are designed to serve the daily routines. Furthermore, they indicate the status of the owner and symbolize fortune. Each part of the house serves certain functions. Kalae house characteristics show similarity to traditional Lanna house.
 * Relevant Belief; the construction is based on climate and wind direction. Thai building and living habits are often based on superstitious and religious beliefs. Many other considerations such as locally available materials, climate, and agriculture have a lot to do with the style.
 * Relatives share the same land. Families live in the same perimeter surrounded by the fence made from bamboo, called “rua salap”, or bush.

Location
Kalae houses are rarely found as common residences these days. However, they are primarily locating in the northern provinces of Thailand, including Chiang Mai and the nearby districts; Hangdong district, Doi Saket district, Sankampang district, Sanpathong district, Chom Thong district, Mae Rim district, and Mae thang district.

The house direction is calculated according to the sun. The roof pediment always faces toward the south or the north. Most of the houses are built in the vast land.

Proportion
Kalae complex has at least two compartments. The main compartment has five rooms. The house has columns aligned along the side of the house. The height measured from the ground to the Waeng or the girder is approximately 1.4 meters to 1.96 meters. While the distance measured from the back of the Waeng to the pediment is approximately 2.8 meters.

Parts
The house is divided according to functions, as shown in the following list.
 * Bedroom: bedrooms are on the east wing. It is a large single room extending lengthwise. The room can be partitioned to create space for children by hanging up a large piece of cloth or curtain tied to the pillars. The room is divided into two obvious sections using a piece of timber, mai paen tong, as a divider so that the floorboards won’t vibrate and disturb others. On top of the main pillar or sao ek is a wooden shelf purposely built as a shrine for household deity. The Thai notion of fear centres on the "spiritual world" such as "ghosts, unseen forces, and evil spirits". Thai people heavily rely on "supernatural powers" for protection in the domestic setting.
 * Kitchen: also known as ruean fai. This area is for cooking and storing utensils.
 * Toen or Veranda. The area is connected to the front terrace but one step higher. It is the multipurpose area with a short wooden wall separating Toen from the bedroom.
 * Shan: the terrace. This is the open space in the front. The front terrace right off the veranda has a stand for water pots, han-nam with coconut shells, which is used to welcome guests. Shan, the washing area, is connected to the kitchen.
 * Beneath the house: This is called tai thun ruean, This section is used to keep household implements like farming equipment, household utensils, and also a place for livestock. It is basically the storage area. As the phrase "Thai stilt house" suggests, one universal aspect of Thailand's traditional architecture is the elevation of its buildings on stilts, most commonly to around head height. The area beneath the house is used for storage, crafts, lounging in the daytime, and sometimes for livestock. The houses were raised due to heavy flooding during certain parts of the year, and in more ancient times, predators.

Decoration
Kalae is carved into different pattern; three birds, floral pattern, and clouds. The shape of Kalae differs from time to time; straight, curvy, and crossed.

Classification of Kalae
The architectural structure of Kalae house is classified into four types regarding their size and style; small size Kalae house, typical size Kalae house, large Kalae house, and large contemporary Kalae house.

Age of Kalae house
Kalae house is found more than two centuries. The appearances have changed over time. The development in terms of materials and tools used in construction is the primary contributing factor that causes Kalae house not only to age differently but also develop differently in terms of shape and style.

Example of Kalae house
Huean Kalae (Oui Paad)

Huean Kalae is the Kalae house own by Oui Paad Phothitha of Tambon Paphlu, Chom Thong district, Chiang Mai province. It was built in 1917. It is a small Kalae house with a raised floor made of hardwood and the roof is covered with wooden tiles. The house has three compartments; the largest one on the east is the sleeping area, the smaller one on the west is the kitchen, and the smallest one in the front is the storage for drinking water.