Inclusive design is gradually becoming a fundamental commitment for Thai developers, ultimately aimed at creating better living conditions for everyone.
In Thailand, progress has been made towards creating more inclusive living environments. The Persons with Disabilities Empowerment Act of 2007 mandates home modifications for persons with disabilities, supporting the initiative for inclusive home designs. However, stronger enforcement of this policy is still sorely required.
But the goal is clear: every individual, regardless of age, ability, or physical condition, should be able to live comfortably in their home. Fortunately, many Thai developers are embracing inclusive design principles, with several award-winning developments leading the way.
[The developments and developers mentioned in this article are winners and highly commended at the 19th PropertyGuru Thailand Property Awards.]
What defines inclusive design?
Inclusive design is an approach that prioritises accessibility and comfort for people of all ages and abilities. Its aim is to eliminate barriers that result in unnecessary exertion for differently-abled individuals, making sure they can go about their daily activities with ease and dignity. An inclusive home is designed to be functional for everyone and considers both the present and future needs of its residents.
Luckily, more and more developers are taking note. For example, in Redwood Luxury’s development, ONE Residence: Lakeside (Winner, Best Lifestyle Housing Development - Phuket; Winner, Best Luxury Housing Architectural Design - Phuket, Winner – Best Luxury Housing Landscape Design – Phuket), no element of inclusive design is overlooked. Barrier-free entrances, accessible bathrooms with roll-in showers, grab bars, and non-slip flooring ensure safety and ease of use. The interior spaces are also designed with open-plan layouts and high ceilings, offering ample room for residents who use mobility aids.
Inclusive design touches should extend across the entire property, including essential and leisure amenities such as parking spaces, clubhouses, and other facilities. As an example, Princess Villa Ltd. and Lan Kwai Fong Group have ensured accessibility throughout their development, Sudara (Winner, Best Luxury Condo Development – Phuket, Best Sales Gallery Architectural Design). Its notable features include designated parking near the main lobbies to accommodate wheelchairs, elevated road crossings for easy wheelchair access, and wide corridors and doorways to facilitate movement.
Similarly, AssetWise Public Company Limited accounted for ease of access in designing The Honor Yothinpattana (Highly Commended, Best Luxury Housing Development – Bangkok). Some of the development’s noteworthy facilities, including its centrepiece landscape feature, ‘The Honor Park,’ and its clubhouses, are laid out for universal accessibility so that residents of all abilities can fully enjoy every space.
Universal design: The safety principle
Universal design principles focus on making spaces usable and safe for every individual, whether they have current mobility challenges or may develop them in the future. By addressing both present and future needs, these designs prevent residents from struggling in spaces with unnavigable layouts. More importantly, universal design principles help prevent the risks associated with poorly structured spaces.
When a property follows these principles, it incorporates features that clearly demonstrate accessibility was a priority from the very beginning.
Wheelchair ramps: Elevating accessibility
Wheelchair ramps are non-negotiable when it comes to creating environments where everyone can move freely. These ramps remove physical barriers so that individuals with mobility challenges can navigate spaces with ease. Ramps also benefit a wide range of people, including parents with strollers, those with injuries, or even delivery personnel with heavy carts.
Many developments acknowledge ramps’ critical function, including Rhom Bho Property Public Company Limited (Phuket)’s The Title Heritage Bang-Tao (Winner, Best Luxury Condo Interior Design – Phuket). Strategically placed ramps throughout the luxury development ensure convenience for senior citizens and wheelchair users. In a high-end development like this, other inclusive features are given equal weight, including slip-resistant flooring, step-free level surfaces, shower seats in bathrooms, and universal access toilets and elevators.
Accessible living spaces: Independence meets comfort
The accessibility of any residence isn’t simply a question of getting through the front door. More so, it’s about empowering individuals with disabilities and/or aging residents to live without limitations within the property.
Villas, in particular, exemplify this design principle by providing not only ample space but also design elements that promote easy movements. Their larger layouts allow for open floor plans, while features such as step-free entrances and wide doorways ensure that accessibility is built into the very foundation of the home.
A prime example is AAG Development Co., Ltd. (Phuket)’s Naturale Phuket Luxury Pool Villa (Winner, Best Luxury Housing/Villa Development – Phuket, Best Health-Inspired Development; Highly Commended – Best Luxury Housing Architectural Design – Phuket). This villa development puts accessibility at the centre, featuring step-free entrances, wide doorways, and open layouts that cater to the mobility needs of senior citizens and persons with disabilities. Its other commendable features include double master bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms with anti-slip flooring and walk-in showers. The villas also come with integrated services such as housekeeping and maintenance, rounding out the luxurious, worry-free living experience it promises future residents.
Mental health support: Beyond physical accessibility
Some developments take universal accessibility a step further by incorporating features that address not just physical well-being but mental health as well. KingsSquare Residence (Winner, Best Green Development; Highly Commended for Best Wellness Residential Development) by KING SQUARE DEVELOPMENT CO., LTD. (Winner, Sustainable Design Award) is a good example. Besides its accessibility features, KingsSquare has introduced a mental health therapy programme, designed in line with Fitwel standards, which aims to promote emotional and psychological well-being, particularly for senior residents.
Such therapy courses allow residents to participate in guided mental health sessions, offering support for stress management, cognitive health, and emotional resilience. By integrating mental health care into their wellness amenities, KingsSquare has offered residents an evironment that allows them to nurture both their physical and mental health.
Building inclusive communities
The essence of inclusive design also lies in how well a property fosters a sense of community. Developments that thoughtfully integrate features promoting accessibility, community engagement, and convenience are vital to creating truly inclusive living spaces.
A great example of this is LPN Development PCL (Winner, People’s Choice Awards, Top 10 Developer), whose properties consider close proximity to essential services like schools, retail centres, and hospitals. Their properties make it convenient for residents to easily reach amenities and services that make everyday living feel effortless.
