MAGLA: Runner-Up of World Design Awards 2021. In North Ekkamai, a medium-density residential area of Bangkok, the project locates in a young and vibrant mixed-use neighborhood consist of low-rise residentials, restaurants, crafted shops, start-up offices and international schools with lush greenery. Developer aims to propose a new collective housing standard as an alternative to suburban house offering an opportunity to live in the city. To integrate collective housing program with tropical climate and neighborhood environment, we explore the concept of “Natural Hybrid” and employ ideas inspired by nature with pragmatic approach through four strategies: Siamese twins, Porous façade, Green hybrid and Haptic material.

We arrange programs between collective and private with the concept of Siamese twins. We divide the residential volume into two identical masses which allow better ventilation, reduce density and provide more privacy. The project comprises of 90 residential units with 4 typologies and 15 rooms sizes. In each floor, eight out of fourteen are corner units. The corner units have been carefully planned to achieve the most benefit from this location. On the ground floor, each duplex unit has a private garden emphasizing the quality of living at home. The separate masses conjoin at ground floor and top floor, where public facilities are shared: large living room, co-working space, kids’ area, fitness and roof garden. The building becomes a vertical village containing collective lives within.

In response to tropical climate of Bangkok, we proposed a porous facade with operable windows and terraces to allow inhabitant to enjoy natural light and ventilation at will. To improve overall thermal quality of the facade, we utilized a random grid pattern of triangle profile louver to wrap over the building. The louver profile inspired from vernacular roof, works as a shading device for tropical sun light and rain. The air gap becomes an insulation that prevents direct sun light and ventilates heat radiation at the same time provides space for service functions.

With an inspiration from an agricultural landscape pattern, we propose the garden as a hybrid ecological system comprise of a collage of hardscape and softscape patches. We research and select collections of native plants not only for their visual aesthetic but also for thermal comfort function as to cool down and filtrate urban polluted air. The substrate layer of green roof system also works as an insulation preventing heat getting through the roof. An irrigation system is provided by rainwater collected in an underground tank, which also helps to store surface water in rainy season relieving flood problems.

Distinguishing itself from current real estate development in Thailand, the project aims to promote a different idea of luxury by introducing rustic textures and the natural characteristics of materials arousing the sense of touch. Warm tone walnut wood and natural grey stone surfaces have been carefully selected for their textures and shades to establish a primitive sense of Home. The space will be a living canvas waiting for further interpretations by its inhabitants.

Project Details
Firm
MAGLA

Project Name
SIAMESE TWINS

Architect/Designer
Methus Srisuchart

World Design Awards Category
Housing Concept

Project Location
Bangkok

Team
Methus Srisuchart, Ginggal Metchanun

Country
Thailand

Photography ©Credit
©MAGLA

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MAGLA, founded in 2011 by Methus Srisuchart (Architect) and Ginggal Metchanun (Landscape Architect), is a collaborative platform that allows multidisciplinary individuals to share ideas in their design process. We operate as a creative laboratory combining scientific methodology with aesthetic and craftmanship. We work both independently and collaboratively on various project types and scales with the ultimate optimism that the project will bring a benefit to both humanity and environment.

Methus Srisuchart received his Bachelor degree in Architecture at Chulalongkorn University, his Master Degree in Advanced Architectural Design at Columbia University and his Master in Collective Housing at ETSAM. Until 2011 he worked at SOM New York and Atelier Jean Nouvel.

Ginggal Metchanun studied Landscape Architect at Chulalongkorn University, her Master of Advanced Studies in Landscape Architecture at ETH Zurich. Prior to join MAGLA she worked at Whitehouse Landscape Architects & Planners, New York and LATZ+PARTNER, Germany.