The Forestias in Bangkok offers more than just “living in the green”: Foster + Partners are designing the dream of luxury living in an urban forest with the mega-project in the Thai capital – with the Six Senses Residences as the exclusive residential highlight.
It is, without exaggeration, a century-defining project: The Forestias is a 64-hectare urban development area on the outskirts of Bangkok , unlike any other. It combines residential spaces, workplaces, and public facilities in a unique way – by embedding them in an urban forest. This “forest is the heart of the project, reflecting the relationship between the built and natural environments,” according to Foster + Partners,the architectural firm responsible for The Forestias.
More than half of the project is dedicated to forest and green spaces. The southern part is designated as a luxury residential area, featuring a variety of building types. High-rise buildings with condominiums for smaller families are planned, as well as low-rise apartments. Additionally, there will be a settlement for large families, where multiple generations can live together or side by side in several homes, along with apartments specifically designed for elderly people – including nursing services. Moreover, there is a section near an artificial lagoon for a total of 27 exclusive, ultra-luxurious villas: the Six Senses Residences.
Exclusively in the green
“The luxury villas follow the core principles of The Forestias master plan,” explain Foster + Partners. “They are inspired by traditional Thai architecture to offer the highest level of sustainability, well-being, and connection to nature.” The Residences have been designed so that “there is a spectacular view of the surroundings from everywhere, with a focus on high-quality materials and flexible living spaces suitable for the entire family.”
To optimize both the view into nature and cross-ventilation, the ground floor has been elevated by a half-story. Here, in addition to the large kitchen-living-dining area, there is a “grandparent’s bedroom” – as the Six Senses Residences also focus on multi-generational family living. Below this level are the garage, utility rooms, and two guest rooms.
Naturally in nature
The entrance to the house can be reached via the front terrace – either by a stone staircase or the private lift, which connects all floors. At the back of the villa, the garden has been raised to allow ground-level access to the infinity pool, which connects to the large terrace. On the upper floor, you will find the parent’s bedroom and two children’s rooms, each with its own bathroom and WC. Additionally, there is a full-width balcony at the back and another large shaded terrace at the front.
Throughout the house, two materials dominate. Stairs, floors, furniture and wall cladding, and ceilings on the upper floor are made of wood, while the terraces and walls on the ground floor are made of natural stone. Only the roof is constructed from aluminum – though it has a wooden underlayer. Its overhanging, wavy form not only ensures optimal rainwater drainage but also provides shading, just like the sliding louver system on the facades. The perforations in the system also allow for air circulation within the villa. Sliding doors throughout the house offer the flexibility to divide large spaces into smaller ones, creating privacy.
Living in luxury together
An exclusive “clubhouse” is available for residents of the Six Senses Residences. It houses a private wellness center, and a large infinity pool at the edge of the lagoon is also available for all residents. Furthermore, events of all kinds are held here for the residents.
“Living at Six Senses redefines living,” say the responsible parties. “Beyond the stunning environment, our approach is based on emotional hospitality for people who call this place ‘home.'”
Text: Michi Reichelt
Fotos: Weerapon Singnoi, Foster + Partners
