Inspired by traditional courtyard houses, the Mulberry Grove Villas development combines flexibility and transparency to create a residential typology that is designed for Thai society. The development is an integral part of The Forestias masterplan, which focusses on three primary themes of serving the community, promoting intergenerational co-living and connecting with nature.
The ground level of the villas contains the storage and ancillary spaces, with an entrance hall for lift access. The rest of the site is landscaped, with the main living areas lifted up off the ground, akin to traditional Thai houses. These key spaces benefit from better ventilation, above the tree canopy, and are protected against flooding during the tropical monsoon season.
The main entrance leads up to the first level, which is centred around a large courtyard and overlooked by the family lounge and dining areas. Large sliding doors open on to the outdoor space, which is sheltered by a veranda on all sides. The courtyard is a key element of traditional Thai houses that connects the different rooms. It is a shared space that can accommodate a wide range of uses - and plays an important environmental role by drawing cool air through the house.
An absence of walls surrounding the courtyard allows everyone in the family to be a part of a collective. The grandparents’ room on the main floor of the house has direct views to the family lounge, which is overlooked by the family suite and the master bedroom on the upper floor. There are also several folding screens that allow spaces to be divided flexibly throughout the day.
At the heart of the development, the clubhouse is an arched timber structure that is made from 56 glulam beams. Its extended eaves shelter residents from the elements and rainwater easily drains away off the roof for collection. A central skylight allows light deep into the building and the high ceilings enhance ventilation performance.
The flexible space contains a gym, play areas for children, meeting rooms, co-working spaces and a library. The clubhouse connects with a private pool and steps down towards the forest to reveal spectacular views of the natural landscape.
