VIVE Bangna KM13 consists of two green areas, the front entrance and the development center, where the clubhouse is situated. Most landed residential developments in Thailand associate landscape design with facilities & green areas on a flat ground level. With this project, we strived to subvert such expectations, by complementing the essence of the architectural design, which sought to create a “Penthouse on Ground’.
The architectural concept was derived from the developer’s wish to create single houses that simulate the luxury of residing in penthouses on skyscrapers. To further develop the idea and create a unique garden, we approached every element, from the smallest detail to the overall layout and topography design, intending to make communal spaces that are visually exclusive & private.
While facilities like swimming pools are shared spaces, privacy is a common issue in similar housing developments in the country, where such spaces located on ground level may be visually exposed to the public. We implemented various design approaches in this project to mitigate the issues mentioned. By substantially elevating the swimming pool and the adjacent clubhouse, the increased level difference obstructs the view from the public road, enhancing privacy. Next, an organic and curvy design language was implemented, exemplified by landscape berms of varying heights and lush planting surrounding the area. These elements provide volume and rhythm when viewed from the side, softening the change in gradient between the road and the pool area.
The overall layout of the VIVE Bangna KM13 can be divided into three main areas as follows.
Main Entrance
A long, white, linear arrival gate spanning the development’s entrance, eventually merging into terraces of green landscape berms and expansive reflective ponds on both sides. The ponds are designed to reflect the sky and clouds above, while the berms represent rolling mountains. Residents approaching the entrance can feel transported to the top of a mountain.
Main Green Island and the Garden on Cloud
An extensive linear garden sprawls throughout the Main Green Island, serving as transitional space for all residents traversing from the Main Entrance. Residents can discover ample facilities such as a half basketball court, an open lawn with two aesthetic cloud structures that also functions as football goals, and pockets of resting corners where residents can enjoy a breath of fresh air under the shade of green canopies.
The garden is also flanked by green berms on both sides, filled with selected plantings. Towering trees such as the Norfolk Island pine, Australian silver oak, and Moulmein lancewood portray a pine forest reaching towards the contrasting sky on mountaintops, providing a verdant sight from every level of the 4-story houses around the garden.
The Garden on Cloud (The Clubhouse)
Venturing further into the lush garden, residents are welcomed by the sight of a cascading waterfall flowing from the organic pools, 1.5m above ground. By ascending a flight of steps, a panoramic view of the elevated pool fronting the clubhouse comes into sight, presenting a sense of leisure and enticing residents to relax comfortably. The clubhouse features many facilities, such as a gym for fitness, a game room, an outdoor pool deck with a communal kitchen, the main swimming pool, a kids’ pool, and a jacuzzi. From the highest point in the garden, residents can also enjoy an elevated lounge area while viewing the entire clubhouse and pool area.
We believe our main goal to complement the architectural concept of the “Penthouse on Ground” is achieved successfully with the “Garden on Cloud” in both function and aesthetic. The striking landscape of white and green is sure to provide a unique experience that elevates the residents’ quality of life, which is an essential selling point for the development.
VIVE Bangna KM13
Location: Bang Phli District, Samut Prakan, Thailand
Landscape Architect: STUDIO NDT
Landscape design team: Kittinai Kittirojana, Nina Srisamarn, Rattiyakorn Duangngoen,
Architect (Gateway & Clubhouse): N7A Co., Ltd.
Client: Land & House PLC.
Photography Credits: Panoramic studio
Text Credits: STUDIO NDT