Situated in the heart of Bangkok’s inner core this project serves as a model for development and living in the city. Tucked away from congested Sukhumvit Road the landscape was envisioned as an urban oasis; an escape from busy urban life using the themes of serenity, privacy and tranquillity.
The project is divided among a mix of uses and spaces ranging from the public streetscape, semi-public function courtyard serving the office tower and lush private gardens and pools for the residents
This seamless transition from busy public road to the private gardens in the back has been one of the key successes of the landscape design. The public plaza along the main road and below the elevated sky train stations serves as a welcoming point and buffer from the crowded surroundings. As visitors progress further from the road they are greeted by a large multi-purpose courtyard, which serves both the public and the project’s residents. As users reach the rear of the site, the private realm becomes progressively more green and intimate.
Following the client’s philosophy of “less is more”, the landscape design uses simple, bold and clean lines. Within this simple geometric framework, visual and spatial interest is developed by contrasting light and dark materials, and layering of plant materials, ground plane and overhead structures. Reflecting ponds and overhead structures create dynamic patterns and rhythm with shadow and light.
One of the main features is the trellis, which maintains a sense of openness and simplicity on the ground plane while creating a cohesive space by linking the different landscape and architectural elements together.
Integral to the design has been the use of water, which activates the space by creating a living environment. It also serves as a calming feature by reducing the perception of noise from outside.
Surrounded by a forest of skyscrapers, the gardens have been designed to create a series of more intimate space. This has been achieved by introducing tall trees with straight trunks of 10m or more, reducing the scale of the surrounding architecture and screening views to give a sense of privacy. The planting strategy employs a variety of shades of green, contrasting textures and subtle use of colour creating visual interest and depth.