When faced with the decision of what type of home to live in, one is spoiled for choice these days in Phuket. Going far enough back in time, the choice was easy when the only options were wood and palm fronds. Fast forward and now corrugated tin is added to the mix, then cement, composite roofing tiles, and now nearly anything is possible if you’re creative (and rich) enough. Though materials are only one piece of the puzzle, even with just a handful of construction materials, the possibilities are nearly endless. 

Although it’s falling out of favor for more modern and easier-to-construct styles, a small variety of Thai-style architecture can still be found in Phuket. The most immediately noticeable and distinctive feature of Thai architecture is the steep peaked roofs with upturned eaves typically referred to as Chedi roofs. Nowadays this style is predominantly found in Buddhist temples, often adorned with intricate carvings and decorative motifs. 

Thai-style houses often prioritized the function of form being perched atop posts. This feature serves several purposes including protection from flood waters, easier to ward off pests like termites and snakes, and creating a shaded area for parking and other purposes. An elevated house also catches the breeze better and allows air to flow underneath helping to keep the house cool. These houses were traditionally constructed primarily of wood, but limited availability and increased price pushed trends towards concrete structures with wooden accents. 

Another type of architectural style found in Phuket, and undoubtedly the most well-known, is Sino-Portuguese. Phuket's historical ties to Chinese and Portuguese traders helped create an architectural landscape of buildings that showcase a fusion of Chinese and European influences. These colorful and ornate structures feature intricate latticework, vibrant facades, and decorative tiles. Another distinctive feature is the "five-foot way," a covered walkway at the front of the buildings, which adds charm to the streetscape, inviting exploration and immersion in the island's colonial past. Traditionally, these buildings are “mixed-use” with residential quarters on the upper floors and a business enterprise on street level.

With Phuket's growing popularity as a luxury destination, contemporary villas have practically become the norm. These modern dwellings often feature sleek lines, minimalist designs, and expansive glass walls that blend seamlessly with the surrounding tropical landscape. Infinity pools, private gardens, and rooftop terraces sometimes offer ocean or mountain views. One reason this style has become popular is that an attractive finished product can be achieved using lower-quality materials. Better quality materials and more well-thought-out design plans set higher-end contemporary villas apart from the rest. 

Learning that there’s a strong influence of Balinese-style architecture in Phuket should come as no surprise considering its proximity to Bali. Balinese style is an amalgam of ancient Hindu concepts and traditional Javanese. Design elements include a central outdoor courtyard with indoor areas ringing it in separate structures.  They often feature intricate woodwork, thatched roofs, open-plan layouts, and oversized doors and windows creating a smoother transition from indoors to out.