RESIDENTIAL architecture in Yangon, specifically single family home design,
frequently lacks consideration of energy efficiency, environmental concern and the use of local building materials, said architect Stephen Zawmoe Shwe at a seminar on March 8.

The seminar was part of the Association of Myanmar Architects’ continuing professional development program held at the MES building.

Stephen Zawmoe Shwe, who has led Spine Architects for the last five years, said too many Myanmar homes fall into the Thai school of home design.

“Many houses in Yangon are all about looks but designing a house is about much more than fashion. There are important issues such as space, function, safety and comfort that must be considered,” he said.

He added that some houses in Yangon are moving in the wrong direction.

“What I see in Yangon is that people are building houses to show off their
wealth and power. Designers and builders are putting less effort into dealing with the domestic design challenges that come with tropical weather.
“People are building houses that don’t fit in with this country and don’t meet domestic necessities.”

He added that houses built in tropical climates should have outdoor spaces like verandas, roof decks, open corridors and courtyards that provide natural lighting and ventilation, which helps to cool the house and lowers energy usage.

“But some new houses in Yangon are enclosed with fixed glass and have very poor ventilation. Then the owners install air conditioners to cool them down,” he said. He added that houses should include outdoor recreation areas that incorporate sun and rain shades, water features and landscaping. And he said choosing the right building materials is important too, adding that locally available marble and slate are earthy products that enhance domestic design cues.

“The look of a building should fit in or blend in with its location and context – it is certainly not appropriate to use a wildly imaginative design on a rich historical site.”

Stephen Zawmoe Shwe said Yangon’s designers and builders borrow heavily from planning books found in Thai supermarkets.

“House design in Yangon is clearly influenced by cheap imported house design catalogues. But there are valuable architecture and interior design magazines and books – from all across Asia and the West – that are available.

“They are worth looking at and I’d suggest that designers and developers here look beyond what they see everyday.”