Kalae house

It is named after the decorative wooden carvings protruding from the top of the gables, features typically found in traditional northern Thai houses.

Kalae refers to the carved wooden rack attached to the gables of the house.

The wooded rack is extended to form a v-shape at the top of the ridge board.

Later on, when the construction material changed to clay roof tiles, kalae turned into a decorative element.

Kalae houses are designed to serve the daily routines of Lanna households.

The house direction is calculated according to the sun with the roof pediment always facing toward the south or the north.

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.

Old Chiangmai Cultural Center
A building group in adapted northern Thai style, at Thawan Duchanee's house in Chiang Rai . Note the kalae roof decorations above the gable.