Designs for The Forestias – a new residential-led development with a large forest at its heart – have been revealed. Located on the outskirts of Bangkok, the project was designed by Foster + Partners through its local entity F&P (Thailand) Ltd.
The entire development is based on smart city principles, with autonomous vehicles, smart meters and sensor networks. It focuses on the themes of “serving the community, promoting multi-generational family co-living and reconnecting with nature,” said Foster + Partners.
Sunphol Sorakul, partner and director at F&P (Thailand) explained, “Traditional Thai families often have strong intergenerational ties that are being strained due to the demands of urban life, with the younger generation moving to the city for work while the children and the older members of the family remain at home.
“The Forestia’s masterplan takes inspiration from the layout of traditional Thai houses to create a contemporary interpretation in the form of a flexible community spaces, focused on health and nature, that can expand and adapt as the needs of the family grow.”
The site is divided into two zones: the northern areas encompassing more city level public functions, and the larger southern portion that is primarily residential in nature. At the heart of the site is a forest that defines the essence of the development.
Lush greenery surrounds the entire development with a range of different planted areas, offering a variety of experiences and functions within the forest, according to Foster + Partners. “The idea of healthy living has been brought into sharp focus by the Covid-19 pandemic. Establishing a positive relationship with nature is the key element that underpins the design of The Forestias masterplan.”
One of the highlights of the development is The Forest Pavilion - an ‘experience centre’ showcasing the vision of the project’s concept through immersive and interactive experiences. It features a canopy walk, an elevated platform that extends into the central forest green, allowing people to get up close and personal with nature. The Forest Pavilion links the more public-orientated northern area of the site with the residential south.
The southern portion of the site contains a range of different housing types from high-rise to villas, catering to a varied market. It includes three ‘Whizdom’ high-rise condominium buildings that are designed to suit smaller family units. There are also ‘Mulberry Grove’ low-rise condominiums that bring residents close to nature, as well as ‘Mulberry Grove Villas’ cluster-home residences for extended, multi-generational families who wish to live close together in multiple homes that are easily connected.
Another residential offering is ‘The Aspen Tree’ residences. These are designed to suit the special needs of older residents, with lifetime care services. Capping it all are super luxury villas called the ‘Six Senses’ residences.
Images © Foster + Partners
Note: The Forestias is being developed by Magnolia Quality Development Corporation Limited (MQDC). To find out about the progress of the project, visit the company’s website.
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