Phuket pads: Modern architectural masterpiece
PHUKET: Loch Palm Golf Course’s five-bedroom villa has got to be the most unique and unusual property in Phuket, breaking every design and construction norm.
Architecturally, the conceptual inspiration was drawn from the site and situation.
Located on the edge of the Loch Palm reservoir and golf course, the site is positioned between two geometrically flat, level surfaces and is an edge site between water and earth.
A moment of tension occurs where the two meet – before the wind and metaphysical forces create a ‘fold’ in space. The structure is inspired by, and seamlessly fused with, the landscape, rather than being an unyielding, dispassionate object forced into its surroundings.
The design is a ‘topographical dialogue’, a collision between the flat placid reservoir and the flat golfing fairways of green grass, resulting in an origami like form of folding planes. There are no windows, only spaces between folded massing. The angular lines carry the eye through the internal spaces, across the lake and beyond to the distant Red Mountains.
Around 150 tonnes of steel fabricated into four trusses form the structure, touching earth at four points only. Two dominant triangulated forms are a 1:1 ratio of earth and lake and form the essentially H-shaped plan with four triangulated courtyards at the perimeter. The house is split level, creating terraced internal spaces.
The angular roof shapes form dramatic interior spaces with all internal rooms opening to the garden and pool terraces. The living room and master bedroom, placed at the two lake corners, are terrace fronted and project over the water’s edge.
The second bedroom also fronts the pool terrace; the third bedroom is within a dynamic triangulated and sky-lit space with views of the lake. The upper level fourth bedroom has views over the angular roof to the lake and mountains. A wine cellar, gym and mechanical spaces are located on the lower level.
The exterior is clad in kiln-fired cement shakes. Large pivoting doors and windows that open entirely to the lake are clear tempered glass in a powder coat finish and aluminum frame. The salt water pools are hand-cast Thai tiles trimmed in polished black stone. The interiors are fitted with teak paneling cabinets and doors, Shiva black granite tops and tile flooring. State-of-the-art electrical and mechanical systems are provided and lighting systems are automated.
House details include: Indoor area 790 sqm, total area 1,905 sqm, swimming pool 126 sqm, seven baths (five ensuite), leasehold, 78 million baht.
For more information, contact Patrick Lusted at Siam Real Estate, quoting reference number HSIL7591. T: 076-288 908 W: siamrealestate.com
— Patrick Lusted
