Reconnecting with nature and community through design
The first phase of the Six Senses Residences The Forestias development by the Thailand-based developer MQDC has been completed. Following the key principles of The Forestias masterplan, the luxury villas are inspired by traditional Thai architecture to provide the highest levels of sustainability, wellbeing, and connections with nature. The development will be serviced by the nearby Six Senses The Forestias hotel and is designed to align with their pioneering approach to wellness, crafted experiences, care towards local communities and the environment.
Foster + Partners were initially approached by the developers in 2016. They had an exciting vision for a masterplan that would holistically address some of the country’s major challenges: an aging population, diminishing connections with nature, and a disconnect between contemporary city life and family traditions. Given the challenging brief, the architects were delighted to be appointed to lead the master planning process and design the architectural components of the scheme.
“The Six Senses Residences The Forestias is a private green haven at the edge of our masterplan. It offers an unparalleled living experience – with access to the very best services and amenities to promote physical and emotional wellbeing – while providing a strong sense of community. Every villa has been designed to optimize views of the spectacular natural surroundings, with an emphasis on quality materials and highly flexible living spaces that work for the whole family unit,” said Sunphol Sorakul, Partner, Foster + Partners.
The architects arranged different residential developments around the edge of the forest, including the Whizdom high-rise condominiums for young families; the Aspen Tree residences, which cater to the needs of older residents; Mulberry Grove low-rise condominiums, which bring residents close to nature; and the Mulberry Grove Villas, for multi-generational families who want to live close together in multiple homes.
According to Sorakul, the team worked closely with MQDC to develop their vision, with a series of monthly in-person workshops alongside local consultants. Moreover, every decision was driven by the desire to foster connections between people of different ages and the natural world. Boundaries between the residential components are deliberately blurred to enhance these relationships and establish a stronger sense of community.
The living quarters are raised up off the ground to enhance views of the surroundings, improve natural ventilation through the home, and create space for parking and MEP services below. The first level of the villas contains state-of-the-art dining and living spaces, the grandparents’ bedroom, and a shaded courtyard where the family can gather at the heart of the home.
A private infinity pool on the rear terrace appears to merge with the lagoon at the center of the development, while the rear terraces of the large residences connect with the forest, creating a seamless transition between inside and outside. The level above provides additional bedrooms and generous shaded terraces for socializing, relaxing, or practicing yoga.
The breathable design is driven by an internal system of sliding louvres, which allows air to circulate through the villa and offers maximum flexibility for residents. Living spaces can be opened up, to create larger communal areas, or shut down for more privacy. The facade is carefully designed to balance views of the surroundings and privacy for residents.
Timber screens on the first level are made from regionally sourced bamboo, with aluminum rain screens and stone cladding above. These screens provide shading and gently filter light into the living spaces, while also creating an elegant aesthetic that reflects the local culture and maintains a sense of seclusion. A large undulating aluminum roof – with a timber soffit – draws on natural forms, enhances water drainage, and features PV panels that provide energy to the home.
Residents will also have access to their own clubhouse, with a private health center and large infinity pool that connects with the lagoon. The grid shell free-span timber structure creates a flexible event space that can accommodate a range of different activities.
“For this wellness-oriented component of the masterplan, we have introduced more natural materials and patterns into the mix. The timber screens and soffit are made from compressed bamboo, which is locally grown within the region. The development provides the highest quality material finishes – from the fine grain of the timber to the gold stainless steel banisters,” concluded Sorakul.
Approximately fifty percent of the masterplan is now complete, including the Forest Pavilion, Aspen Tree Residences, Whizdom, and the first phases of the Six Senses Residences and Mulberry Villas. Looking ahead to the next phases of the masterplan, the Mulberry condominiums will complete early next year, and the retail component will be finalized towards the end of 2025.
