Six low-rise residential buildings have been completed along the edge of the central forest at The Forestias, a mixed-use development in Samut Prakan province, on the eastern edge of the Bangkok metropolitan area.
At Mulberry Grove The Forestias Condominiums, the residential areas are raised above ground. The space underneath allows air to circulate, helping to keep the living areas cool, while the elevation protects the development during heavy rainfall. The approach applies passive principles found in traditional Thai architecture to a contemporary apartment development.
The project was designed by Foster + Partners through its local company F&P (Thailand). MQDC, the Thai property developer behind The Forestias, announced on 25 August that the condominiums were fully complete and ready for occupation.
The development occupies more than 16 rai, or approximately 2.6 hectares, and contains 269 homes ranging from one-bedroom apartments to penthouses. It also has 537 parking spaces. Construction began in April 2021.
Raised homes respond to Bangkok’s tropical climate
High ceilings and open spaces between rooms allow air to move through the apartments. Overhanging roofs and sliding screens provide shade and protection from rain across the wraparound balconies.
The upper floors look across the surrounding tree canopy. At ground level, a pedestrianised landscape links the six residential buildings with their communal facilities and the adjoining forest.
The environmental measures include photovoltaic panels for renewable electricity generation, passive cooling and ventilation strategies and an adaptive façade. The condominiums aim for LEED Gold certification.
Open lobbies lead towards the forest
The buildings are seven or eight storeys high and stand along the perimeter of The Forestias’ central forest. Their open lobbies extend into the surrounding landscape, avoiding a sharp division between the internal communal areas and the planted ground outside.
Inspired by traditional Thai courtyards, the lobbies provide shaded meeting places at the base of each building. Foster + Partners says they are intended to encourage interaction between residents and form the social focus of each building.
The central forest covers 30 rai (4.8ha approximately). Another 5.8ha of greenery is distributed across the wider masterplan.
Boundary walls and hedges have been visually reduced at neighbourhood level. Residents from across The Forestias can use the forest, while Mulberry Grove has its own clubhouse and smaller shared living and dining areas within each building.
Makerspaces face communal hallways
Each apartment contains a flexible makerspace for crafts, repairs and personal projects. Located between the communal hallway and the more private rooms, it forms a visual and spatial link between the home and the building’s shared circulation areas.
Mulberry Grove is part of an intergenerational housing plan that places several residential types around the forest. These include Whizdom high-rise condominiums for smaller families, Mulberry Grove low-rise apartments, villas for extended families and The Aspen Tree residences for older people.
The completed condominiums form one part of Mulberry Grove and the wider The Forestias development, where work continues on other residential components.
Images: Courtesy of Foster + Partners
