With each new structure, it becomes evident that Thai architecture holds more depth and complexity than what meets the eye.
Throughout Thailand, there’s a dazzling array of gleaming wats, majestic palaces, and a blend of both classical and modern residences. Bangkok, in particular, is not just a thriving business district but also a vibrant architectural showcase. From malls adorned with flickering lights to residential complexes that push the boundaries of traditional design, the city’s skyline is a testament to both innovation and cultural heritage.
But there’s far more to Thai architecture than what’s immediately visible. Here’s a look at some of the country’s most stunning projects, all of which were winners and highly commended at the 19th PropertyGuru Thailand Property Awards.
Architectural mélange in Bangkok
Bangkok’s architectural narrative is a mix of past, present, and future, with mixed-use developments, residences, and office towers all competing for visual space. Mixed-use spaces – which combine residential, office, retail, medical, recreational, and industrial components – fit especially well into the cityscape.
Gaysorn Village (Winner, Best Mixed Use Development), by Gaysorn Property Co., Ltd., exemplifies this fusion of architectural styles. This ‘village’ showcases a mix of Western aesthetics with distinctively Thai architectural touches. Comprising Gaysorn Centre and Gaysorn Amarin (Winner, Best Retail Development), Gaysorn Village has a cohesive design inspired by postmodern elements. The village’s interior incorporates the ‘Cocoon’ design language, which aims to convey a unified and immersive experience for visitors.
The redesign of Gaysorn Amarin (formerly Amarin Plaza) preserves iconic elements such as the spiral staircase, ionic columns, Roman façade, skylight, and forum. These features, updated with modern interpretations, breathe new life into the shopping and office building complex in the heart of Ratchaprasong.
Precision and form in contemporary Thai architecture
Modernist and contemporary architecture are known for their clean lines, geometric shapes, and innovative use of space. Emphasising minimalism, these styles merge form and function, with bold, angular designs that challenge traditional norms. While modernist buildings often feature rectangular shapes and sharp angles, some elements of contemporary architecture introduce flowing lines and organic elements to create a sense of movement.
While these modernist and contemporary styles are prevalent worldwide, Bangkok’s architectural scene uniquely combines these influences with the city’s traditional landmarks.
At the bustling intersection of Sukhumvit and Ekkamai Roads, APAC Tower (Winner, Best Office Development, Best Office Architectural Design, Best Office Interior Design, Best Office Landscape Design) will soon rise in the city’s Central Business District. As the first office building in the area to achieve the prestigious Fitwel 3-star rating, APAC Tower epitomises precision and modernity. Its rectangular prism shape shows structure and precision, a theme carried throughout the building, from its sharp angles to its distinctive serrated façade.
Similarly, the understated appeal of modern design is evident in Piman Group’s Portrait Mittraphap (Highly Commended, Best Luxury Housing Architectural Design – Northeast). This Khon Kaen development embraces purely modern architectural elements, offering a refined style for homeowners seeking elegance in their abode.
Thai grandeur and European elegance
Visitors to Thailand can marvel at historic palaces alongside modern landmarks such as The Elephant Tower, the Robot Building (Bank of Asia Tower), and King Power MahaNakhon. Throughout the country, there’s a fascinating mix of structures – whether commercial, residential, or royal - that appeal to every taste.
It’s no wonder, then, that developments such as The Palazzo Pinklao – BOROM and The Palazzo Krungthep-Kreetha by AP (Thailand) Public Company Limited, fit naturally into the cityscape. These residences are designed with European influences, particularly in their palazzo-inspired façades.
The Palazzo Pinklao – BOROM (Winner – Best Luxury Housing Architectural Design – Bangkok), designed by At Forty Architects, reinterprets classical elements to create a fascinating front. Its unconventional design is marked by hip and gable roof styles, with a contrasting olive green and classic gray color scheme that highlights its European features.
Meanwhile, The Palazzo Krungthep-Kreetha (Highly Commended, Best Ultra Luxury Housing Interior Design – Bangkok) integrates classical European design, characterised by a continuous horizontal hipped roof that gracefully spans the building’s elevations. Double-height arched portals and decorative wrought iron accents on the façade echo the elegance of classic European buildings.
Another European-inspired project is the upcountry development Casa Vacanza Khaoyai (Winner, Best Housing Development – Khao Yai) by KPN Residence Company. This Mediterranean-style villa brings a fresh touch to the Thai housing scene, offering future residents a combination of character, elegance, and comfort.
Classic lines, future vibes
There’s timeless architectural style, and then there’s retro-futuristic architecture, which transcends period designation and defies most trends. Retro-futuristic architecture mixes design elements from earlier decades with what architects at the time envisioned as futuristic. The result is a style that feels both nostalgic and forward-looking — in other words, designs that seem to exist outside of time.
This concept is nicely captured in The Standard Residences, Phuket Bang Tao (Winner, Best Branded Residential Development) by CG Capital Advisory Limited. Designed by Creative Crew architects, the residence draws inspiration from classic Thai architecture and merges it with a modern aesthetic. Clean lines and curved surfaces, reminiscent of mid-century design, harmonise with Bang Tao’s lush landscape. The aim is to create a look for the project that gazes at the past while setting its sights on the future of Phuket leisure.
Greek and Roman influences in Thai design
Grandeur of scale, simple geometric shapes, distinctive Doric detailing, and dramatic use of columns are hallmarks of Neoclassical architecture. Drawing inspiration from ancient Greece and Rome, this timeless style has made its mark on Thai shores as well.
JBAS ARCHITECTS masterfully fuses Greek, Roman, and modern influences in conceptualising The City Rama5-Nakhon In (Winner, Best Mid-End Housing Development – Bangkok), an AP Limited development. The Nonthaburi project will feature modern Neoclassical concepts, with a refined interpretation of Doric elements from classical Greek and Roman architecture.
Building with nature: The art of bioclimatic and material design
While classical and European-inspired architecture highlight aesthetics, bioclimatic design prioritises ecological balance. Bioclimatic architecture focuses on materials and products chosen for their environmental impact and the way they interact with their surroundings, aiming to develop spaces that support both wellness and sustainability.
Consider the design of QAV Residence (Winner, Best Wellness Residential Development – Phuket) by RD Property Development Co., Ltd. The development elegantly combines Balinese aesthetics with carefully integrated bioclimatic elements. Far from the typical air-conditioned ‘box’ of most structures today, this upcoming Phuket residence artfully weaves Balinese architecture, contemporary design elements, and eco-friendly principles into a harmonious whole.
Sansiri Public Company Limited, meanwhile, takes a different approach with THE TALES (Winner, Best Luxury Housing Architectural Design – Phuket). Here, the emphasis is on using materials such as genuine wood and natural stone to blend the residence seamlessly with its natural surroundings. The development integrates layers of natural elements to reflect Thai identity and create a luxurious yet nature-centric living experience.
