A groundbreaking residential project in Bangkok has reimagined the concept of home fitness integration by incorporating a continuous running and cycling track throughout the entire structure. The Lane House, designed by CORE Cluster and completed in 2025, spans 850 square meters across a 640-square-meter plot in the Khet Bang Kho Laem district of Thailand.
Conceived during the COVID-19 pandemic when access to parks and public exercise spaces was severely restricted, the Lane House addresses the growing need for private outdoor exercise facilities. The architectural challenge involved creating an optimal layout that maximizes the length of a cycling and running track while seamlessly integrating it with all residential functions across the 850-square-meter living space.
To achieve maximum track distance, the design team organized rooms in a distinctive U-shaped configuration positioned along the perimeter of the site. This strategic arrangement allows the running lane to achieve optimal length when integrated with the building's structure. The innovative design features a continuous ramp that begins at ground level and wraps around the house's perimeter, gradually ascending through the living spaces on the second floor before reaching the master bedroom on the top floor, providing direct access for the homeowner. A complete lap of cycling or running corresponds to a 200-meter loop.
The U-shaped plan naturally creates a central courtyard space that houses both outdoor areas and an elevated living room. This floating living space, positioned in the middle of the structure, provides additional running space beneath while offering visual connections to other functional areas and the landscaped courtyard. The strategic use of floor-to-ceiling glass panels on all sides of the living room facilitates these visual connections and establishes a sense of shared space throughout the residence. Despite being situated in a separate structure from other rooms, the living room's function and central position embody the traditional concept of a hearth in domestic architecture.
The facade design emphasizes transparency and climate responsiveness, with walls facing the internal courtyard constructed entirely of glass to maximize visual accessibility between different functional areas. This design approach aims to connect indoor and outdoor activities while providing adequate natural daylight throughout the building. In contrast, exterior walls facing outward toward the surrounding urban environment, including a nearby large bridge and highway, are enclosed to maintain privacy while incorporating ventilation systems to accommodate Bangkok's hot and humid climate.
The construction features a sophisticated double-skin facade system using burnt-grey brick as the primary building material. An uninterrupted pattern created by two bricks placed diagonally to each other forms a distinctive geometric design across the exterior surfaces. This innovative brick pattern serves multiple functions: filtering incoming heat, preserving privacy from the busy urban surroundings, and creating unique light and shadow effects as the sun moves throughout the day. The choice of brick as a low-maintenance material with acceptable color deterioration over time ensures the house will age gracefully and remain in harmony with natural weathering processes.
Photographed by Chalermwat Wongchompoo of Sofography, the project showcases how contemporary residential architecture can respond to changing lifestyle needs while maintaining aesthetic appeal. The project represents a significant innovation in residential design, demonstrating how architects can creatively address health and wellness concerns through thoughtful spatial planning and material selection in urban environments.
