Siriban stationery shop won the award for outstanding architectural conservation building in the commercial category at the “architect’17” expo in May. (Photos by Methee Muangkaew)
After several of its historic buildings won awards at the prestigious “architect’17” expo, 141 more Sino-Portuguese residential structures in the heart of Trang will be conserved for their cultural value.
Methee Muangkaew TRANG – After several of its historic buildings won awards at the prestigious “architect’ 17” expo, 141 more Sino-Portuguese residential structures in the heart of this historic town will be conserved for their cultural value. Supawadee Jingjitr, a lecturer at the Faculty of Architecture at Prince of Songkhla University (Trang campus), said the faculty has identified 141 residential structures in the town to be submitted for local conservation. At this year’s expo, the popular stationery store Siriban won the award for outstanding architectural conservation building in the commercial buildings category, while Jing Jing hotel, Ban Sai Ngam and Ancient House 2486 received certificates as buildings worthy of conservation.
The balcony of the Jing Jing hotel is of unique design.
All the structures are situated in Nakhon Trang municipality, where the faculty has already conducted a survey. These buildings exhibit the harmonisation of eastern and western architectural styles of the past. Some of the buildings have been modernised but still maintain their architectural value. They are found on roads such as Ratchadamnoen, Kantrang and Phraram 6. The faculty will continue to help preserve these buildings in the future, said Ms Supawadee. Jirayut Pitpreecha, owner of the Siriban shop, was glad that the structure built by his grandfather more than 70 years ago received recognition. Mr Jirayut said his ancestor used to trade with merchants in Penang, Malaysia, so he decided to build the two-storey shophouses in a blend of neo-classic Chinese and modern styles by focusing on the façade and the roof. The building also features a multi-purpose inner courtyard, complete with a well, to reflect traditional Chinese beliefs. Historic Trang buildings to be conserved | Bangkok Post: learning