Article by Pooja Wahane A review of the shared open space under the project name of Ocas at Hua Hin, by Landscape Architects 49 Limited, in Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand. Located in the beach resort town of Hua Hin, the Ocas condominium complex is spread over a sprawling 6.8 acres, revealing something previously unseen every time you look. Ocas has been worked into a unique space that maintains its own value. It has the highest percentage of common-use grounds per unit in all of Hua-Hin. Taking a stroll through this luxurious complex is like walking into a dream, with its infinity-edged swimming pool, lush green landscapes leading to the stunning beachfront, and absolute privacy. The Unique Concept of Private Vacation Villas Ocas is a three-story condominium complex comprised of tenant-owned, luxury vacation villas. Extended over a linear land shape, the complex is divided into two parts by mulit-leveled, landscaped green areas and a spectacular, infinity-edged pool that is the magnum opus of the design.
Ocas at Hua Hin. Photo credit: Krisada Boonchaleow
Plan Studio Co. Ltd. designed the project using a holistic approach, by laying out the buildings in an orientation that provides maximum shared open spaces, giving spectacular sea views to each villa. The wide-set, green open space in between favors the design against the soaring temperatures of coastal Hua Hin, allowing plenty of air circulation in addition to providing comfortable distance between parallel-running private villas.
Ocas at Hua Hin. Photo credit: Krisada Boonchaleow
The Linear Layout Along the Beachfront The functional space arrangement through a luxurious design yields more than 10,000 square meters of open space. Landscape Architects 49 Limited has focused on designing this open space as a recreational public area. The idea of creating a recreational space has been made a reality by lowering the landscape areas by two meters below the actual ground level, offering abundant privacy and cutting out visual disturbances.
Ocas at Hua Hin. Photo credit: Krisada Boonchaleow
Locally available plants such as coconut trees (Cocos nucifera) and sea lettuce (Ulva lactuca) are used in a clean attempt to create a beachfront atmosphere. Amalgamation of hardscape elements, such as the concrete pathways, and softscape elements such as the lush, green grass cover connect the common spaces between the front areas and the beachfront.
Ocas at Hua Hin. Photo credit: Krisada Boonchaleow
Ultimate Luxury Experience Bundled in a Private Villa Developed by Land & House, one of the largest residential developers in Thailand, Ocas is designed with a vision of providing the ultimate luxury vacation experience. Each villa of 90 square meters is designed in modern Western style, with a multifunctional living area, a spacious modular kitchen, and high ceilings. Two-meter projections enclose the floor-to-ceiling windows and doors at the ground floor, providing both ample daylight and soothing shade, creating the perfect outdoor seating.
Ocas at Hua Hin. Photo credit: Krisada Boonchaleow
Ocas at Hua Hin. Photo credit: Krisada Boonchaleow
Balconies with strong, transparent panels offering relaxing views seamlessly blend with the surroundings. Sun-lounging facilities on the roof offer tranquility with unobstructed, breathtaking views of the white sandy beach. Building a smart space requires smart decisions in terms of use of materials. Efficient materials not only enhance the user experience, but also give durability to the project and reduce maintenance costs. UPVC is used in windows and doors for its salt-erosion resistance and lightweight properties. Mosaic tiles are used for the pool bottom. Tastefully done interiors create a sophisticated ambiance. Indigenous materials such as river rocks and pebbles are used around the infinity pool, which helps in achieving a perfect balance between harmony in style and nature.
Ocas at Hua Hin. Photo credit: Krisada Boonchaleow
Beachfront Atmosphere The shared open spaces create endless possibilities for recreation, with an interesting mix of casual and formal seating areas. Five-meter-high concrete fences with rectangular pockets of minimal landscape around the property grant absolute privacy and the feeling of seclusion. Simple buff monotones of hardscape design elements emphasize connectivity and accentuate the surrounding natural texture. Eye-catching, lightweight materials are used for general elements.
Ocas at Hua Hin. Photo credit: Krisada Boonchaleow
Holistic Landscape Approach Carefully designed levels and mounds with lush green grass intervened with hard-paved walkways around the complex are perfect for a relaxing stroll in the evening. A fascinating play of levels is on display in the design of the public area. The saltwater pool and the gymnasium below it serve as community areas.
Ocas at Hua Hin. Photo credit: Krisada Boonchaleow
With this project, the architects have successfully revived the age-old concept of shared open spaces in residential settings. The modern infinity pool is designed with strong lines accented by a dark-stained hardwood deck bounded by a small concrete wall. Ipe wood decking has an extremely dense and tight grain, which offers slip resistance near the pool. Small pathways run parallel to the public areas, with a medium-sized screening of plants. This helps in maintaining the privacy as well as adding to the ambiance.
Ocas at Hua Hin. Photo credit: Krisada Boonchaleow
Wrapping Things Up In conclusion, impeccably designed private villas, breathtaking views, a residential beachfront location, and a chance at an exclusive retreat from our monotonous lives makes Ocas a perfect gift of a luxurious experience for your family and friends. It is truly a home away from home. Who says luxury can only be experienced on the rooftops of sky-high towers and bars under exotic swimming pools? Why can’t luxury be given a new meaning by breaking the old, mundane design bonds at your doorstep? Think!
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