Amazingly beautiful Thai landscapes
Developers in the Kingdom have enhanced the appeal of their projects thanks to sophisticated landscape design
“A property with a beautifully designed garden stands out from its neighbours,” asserts Tawatchai Kobkaikit, managing director of Landscape Architects of Bangkok, a leading Thai design firm. “Imagine selling a home in a purpose-built project where all the properties look identical?”
Landscape architecture, agree design experts, sprinkles additional stardust on any property – a strong marketing tool in a competitive real estate market like the one in Thailand. A beautifully realised exterior gives a property a distinguishing identity.
Distinctive landscaping can also raise the overall value of a property by 10-12 percent. A recent study by Virginia Tech in the United States revealed that a house worth USD150,000 could add as much as USD19,000 to its overall value with the addition of an attractive exterior.
It is not a simple matter of just plonking a garden at a property and hoping for the best, however. Maintenance of an exterior involves time, hard work and money.
More: How Bangkok’s urban landscape will be redefined by green social spaces
“The homeowner should show understanding of the nature, be patient and embrace any changes that may occur,” adds Kobkaikit. “Even a very low-maintenance landscape still needs a little bit of loving.”
As competition among property brands in Thailand evolves, the landscape architecture sector in the country looks certain to grow ever more sophisticated.
“I think we will see more native plant species being used while still recognising the importance of high quality craftsmanship,” predicts Kobkaikit. “Previously, design has focused on heavy manicuring. I think we will see that loosen off with the focus shifting to a more organic use of nature.”
Evidence of high quality landscaping can be found all over Thailand – from the heart of bustling Bangkok to resort getaways such as Khao Yai, Hua Hin and Phuket.
Let’s take a peek at some of the Kingdom’s most exciting exteriors…
Andara Signature Resort and Villas, Phuket
The concept of Andara Signature Resort and Villas, winner of the Best Landscape Architectural Design gong at the 10th Thailand Property Awards 2015, is modern Asian with a light and airy atmosphere. The team from Paradise Designs Ltd has achieved its goal by installing ornamental vines all around the 38-rai property. Whenever there’s a light breeze, the wind whistling through the plants creates an appealing musical chorus.
Photo credit: Andamandara Development Co Ltd
Nusa My Ozone Khao Yai, Khao Yai
Due to its pleasant climate, Khao Yai is a favourite location for themed developments where designers have free reign to let their creative instincts run wild. Taking inspiration from the landscape in Tuscany, Italy, Nusa My Ozone Khao Yai is characterised by its distinctive open green spaces. At dusk, the manicured lawns take on a classically European hue that complements the architecture of the project’s seven Italianite properties.
Photo credit: Nusasiri
Magnolia French Country Khao Yai, Khao Yai
Magnolia French Country Khao Yai is another themed community in Khao Yai. The secluded countryside development comprises 18 vacation homes redolent of France. Residents and visitors can socialise and interact at a park built around a man-made lake with fountains. Tall native trees help cool the environment, while a real lake serves as a natural perimeter barrier for the 31-rai property.
Photo credit: MQDC (Magnolia Quality Development Corporation)
Veyla, ChaAm Residences, Hua Hin
There’s a verdant green labyrinth on the grounds of Veyla, ChaAm Residences, two hours or so south of Bangkok near the popular beach resort of Hua Hin. Using local Petchaburi brick, architecture firm 49 House Design created vein-like passageways through the foliage while taking into consideration the delicate seaside environment of Hua Hin. Fig trees act as natural walls inside the development.
Photo credit: Ideas 1606 Co Ltd
Phupimarn, Nakhon Ratchasima Province
With Khao Yai’s beautiful scenery as its backdrop, Phupimarn was renovated in 2010 at the request of the homeowner. Landscape Architects of Bangkok built a new entrance, but the traditional Thai atmosphere has been maintained. An open lawn, meanwhile, offers a private relaxation area amidst the lush greenery.
Photo credit: Landscape Architects of Bangkok
The Grand Pinklao, Bangkok
The Grand Pinklao integrates elements of a “clubhouse” throughout its design – meaning that there is plenty of scope for relaxation and leisure activities. Expansive grounds make finding a private space for some downtime simple, whether it is at the communal clubhouse at the main entrance or on the verdant back lawns of the homes.
Photo credit: Krungthep Land PCL/Landscape Architects of Bangkok
Provence Khao Yai, Khao Yai
Khao Yao’s rolling topography is similar to that of European regions such as Tuscany in Italy and the French region of Provence. Therefore, it was a natural step for Provence Khao Yai to replicate this rural feel. Landscape architect Christian Preaud and garden design consultant Xavier Braun incorporated ‘restanque’ (dry stone wall terraces) to instill added authenticity.
Photo credit: Preeraya Bunnag and Pete Chie
Silverlake Vineyard, Chonburi
Silverlake Vineyard, winner of the Best Landscape Architectural Design award at the Thailand Property Awards 2014, was built with the surrounding rolling hills in mind. Another project informed by Tuscany, Silverlake has bags of charm, encapsulated by nostalgic features such as aged pottery and bicycle flower holders.
Photo credit: Silverlake Vineyard Co Ltd
Now check out: 3 of the world’s most ambitious parks
Source : property-report.com
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