ArcFirth

Architecture. ArcFirth produces creative architecture designs that relate to environment, and client requirements. Based in Bangkok, Thailand.

Consistently delivering on successful award-winning projects.

18/04/2026

Wang Katha, Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand- Roof design, Shade and Airflow

A week or so thinking while on Songkran Break in Thailand, then an hour session to sketch out an initial idea.

Large roof design shades the house from tropical sunlight, also allowing maximized cool air cross ventilation through the site and central courtyard.

Cross section design optimizes stack effect and cross ventilation, and protection from monsoon rains.

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11/04/2026

Horton Road House, Tasman, New Zealand – Quietly sitting within the Landscape

Designed to work on an East to West axis for views of the Tasman Sea, and North to South axis for passive solar gain (Natural warmth from the sunlight). Two large mono pitch roof wings visually merge with landscape. The wing design layout also creates a private central wind protected courtyard for all year round outdoor living. Restoring the land based on permaculture principles has resulted in an ecological haven full of newly introduced native plant species, vegetable gardens, fruit trees, and restoration of local bird life.

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15/03/2026

Brazil, Sao Paulo- Rozario, Gaspar- Canadian Well, or Passive Geothermal Cooling. Naturally cooled air utilising earth temperatures.

Site photos showing extent of large underground piping for the implementation of the Canadian well design.

Canadian Well, or passive geothermal cooling utilises 2m buried pipes in the ground for passive cooling. Winter air is pre-warmed, summer air is pre-cooled by using the natural earth temperatures in the ground. This temperature varies during seasons. The air is then pulled and distributed throughout the house.

Credit:
Site Engineer
Canadian Well Consultant, Philippe Cagnac
Contractor

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07/03/2026

Chumphon, Southern Thailand- Warm Tropical Modernism

Five villa development designed to quietly sit on the beach front, sympathetically integrating with the natural tropical environment. Warm feeling natural materials with tropical planting and landscaping creates relaxed beach vibes, ready for swimming, and paddle boarding. Large roof overhangs, and open breeze ways deal with high angled intense tropical sunlight, keeping the interior well-ventilated and cool.

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01/03/2026

Waipu Cove, Waipu, New Zealand- Sunlight, Topography and View

Designed to sit and disappear into the back hills of Waipu, the floor plan arrangement bends and folds with seasonal sunlight, topography and optimal views of Bream Bay and Whangarei Heads, New Zealand.

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14/02/2026

Renovation Project. Lake House, Lake Taupo, New Zealand

Taking an old 1970’s cement and asbestos board clad Bach (NZ word for beach house) and turning it into a new modern home. Multiple two-way living arrangements, centralised courtyard, large open plan living areas, natural light, fresh air, and incredible views of Lake Taupo.

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08/02/2026

Renovation Project. The Strand, Russell, Bay of Islands, New Zealand – NZ Summer Vibes

An existing 1970’s beach house gets a new lease of life. The architectural approach was to design a simple NZ beach mid-century design, with design interactions from NZ Historical Places Trust.

The layout incorporates a casual living arrangement based on a two-way outdoor living arrangement engaging with Russell Foreshore, Street, outdoor living areas, and centralised living area.

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25/01/2026

Urutawa Drive, Kerikeri, New Zealand- Simplicity, Economy and Efficiency

Responding to climate and site, the design overlooks an established wetland, garden area, and faces due North for optimal sunlight.

Large roof overhangs shade the house over summer keeping it naturally cool, and lots of windows flood the house with natural sunlight during winter warming the interior.

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04/01/2026

Coatesville House, Rodney, New Zealand- Reaching for The Sun

Reaching out like a folded hand towards Northern sunlight, this house fully engages with the natural climate and environment. Sunlight fills the interior during winter warming the insulated concrete floors, keeping occupants naturally warm. During summer the house opens up for natural air flow, plenty of seasonal shading from optimal roof overhangs, keeping occupants cool.

This is a 100% passive design, not reliant on active system for heating or cooling. This is achieved through a specific site design response.

Awarded Winner of the; Residential Concrete Sustainability Award Sponsored by Cement & Concrete Association of New Zealand (CCANZ)

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13/07/2025

Huia House, Upland Road, Huia, Auckland

Invisible Architecture

Huia house is barely visible when looking from a distance. The house bends, stretches with landscape, opens for optimal sunlight exposure and views. Clad in Corten steel, the house rusts away into the surrounding landscape.

The house has two main elevations, North elevations for maximum sunlight and natural warmth, and South elevation opening to Manukau Harbour, Auckland, New Zealand.

Credit:

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