Botanica Khao Yai, an Amazing Blend Between Nature and Architecture

Botanica Khao Yai, by T.R.O.P: terrains+open space, in Khao Yai, Thailand. Nature has always served as inspiration for architectural projects and Botanica Khao Yai is the best example that can be offered. In creating this unique landscape, the architects working on the project have borrowed elements from nature, using Khao Yai, one of the largest rain forests in the entire Thailand, as inspiration. Architecture has the power of creating amazing things, with nature serving as a supreme source of inspiration. This project was based on the natural landscape surrounding the area, on the quality of sunlight and also on the elements of forest. In the end, the final result can be presented as a blend between nature and architecture, with residents enjoying its unique features.

Botanica Khao Yai

From Abandoned Land to Inspiring Creation From the start, it should be mentioned that Botanica Khao Yai is closely located to Khao Yai, a renowned Thai rain forest. The original site of the project was once an agricultural land, being abandoned with the passing of time. The site is bordered by a local road in the front part and by a small mountain in the back. The originality of the project is given by it being separated into two main plots; the front plot is the one closely located to the road, being designed for residential usage, while the back plot is the one next to the small mountain, being designed as a public park and an area that welcomes both residents and visitors.

The Residential Blocks For this project, a series of residential blocks have been created, all of them being carefully arranged on the landscape platform. The interesting part of the project is that there are two blocks, one that is a simple residential building and another one that is not so ordinary. Stunning Architecture The architectural talent is clearly reflected in the latter, with its V shape, one part having living units on all of its six floors, while the other part being elevated four floors from the ground. The architecture takes impressive dimensions here, with the elevated units being built on gigantic concrete columns. Moreover, there are elegant villas with private gardens and pools that are located along the way. See More Articles Featuring T.R.O.P: terrains+open space:

• The Garden of Hilton Pattaya by TROP : terrains + open space
• Where Zen Garden Design Meets Enchanted Woodland: TROP’s Forest and Pool at Pyne
• Sky Pool Takes World Class Design to the Next Level

An Architectural Stroke of Genius Without any doubt, the architectural approach chosen for this project is modern, almost futuristic. Despite this approach, its resemblance with the closely located rain forest is amazing. The elevation of buildings at different heights with the help of the concrete columns is a stroke of genius, as it delivers an amazing variety of sunlight qualities. As we take a look at these, we can easily see the resemblance with the rain forest, with sun playing in the same way between the trees that have different heights. The gigantic concrete columns can be compared to the trunks of the trees, while the living units are actually the canopies. This project has managed to imitate nature in the most subtle way that it is possible. Every element has been chosen with high care, such as the local ferns that were used for the landform. The Path – Pedestrian Circulation Through a Unique Landscape In order for pedestrians to have the possibility of enjoying the newly-made landscape, a path has been created. This is not your average path, but one that has serpentines, winding up and down throughout the entire landscape. Apart from walking, residents are given the opportunity to exercise and get in touch with nature. The Path takes them to the most important public areas in the landscape, such as the lobby or clubhouse, allowing them to stay in the shade and protect themselves from the sun. The project is made even more interesting, given the fact that local materials, such as natural mountain stones, have been used in the creation of the landscape. Residents and visitors have the opportunity to enjoy the neighboring mountain from the park that occupies the second land plot. As this project was also based on the idea of sustainability, it should come as no surprise that there are sub-drainage systems in the area, in order to prevent eventual floods or landslides. Also, the excessive rainwater is harvested and collected, being used during the dry season for irrigation purposes.

The Hidden Dining Pavilion at Botanica Khao Yai

Among the most interesting things that you will discover here, there is the Dining Pavilion, elegantly hidden by a beautiful bamboo forest. The surprises continue with the green hill that was easily integrated into a reflected pond and the two swimming pools. On the right side of the park, there is a jogging track that can be used by both residents and visitors. There is also an elevated jogging bridge, which guarantees more than one route option for those who use it.

In conclusion, it is amazing how this project has managed to deliver a futuristic look, while maintaining so close a contact and resemblance with the rain forest. Residents have the opportunity to enjoy this fine blend between nature and architecture, with the beautiful panorama of Khao Yai always available. Modern architecture does not have to be abstract and cold; it can draw its inspiration from nature, as Botanica Khao Yai has clearly proven. Full Project Credits:  Project Title: Botanica Khao Yai Landscape Architects: T.R.O.P: terrains+open space Lead Designer: Pok Kobkongsanti Project Team: Peerasit Sangwanloy, Chanchai Wimonsirichotikun Client/Owner: The Scenical Development Company Limited Photography credit: Spaceshift Studio Pirak Anurakyawachon, Aranyarat Prathomrat Architect: Vin Varavarn Architects Co., Ltd. Interior Designer: Define Studio Co., Ltd., Mada Design Factory Co., Ltd. Structural Engineer: Qbic Engineering and Architect Co., Ltd. M&E Engineer: Thanavit Design & Engineering Co., Ltd., Water Thai Tech Co., Ltd. Contractor: Grand Frame Co., Ltd. Landscape Contractor: Invention Green Co., Ltd. Lighting Designer: Truelight Co., Ltd. Show on Google Maps Recommended Reading:

• Urban Design  by Alex Krieger
• The Urban Design Handbook: Techniques and Working Methods (Second Edition) by Urban Design Associates

Article by Alexandra Antipa Return to Homepage

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