The Sukhothai Residences, one of Bangkok’s most highly-anticipated residential developments, follows in the illustrious footsteps of its hotel predecessor and neighbour The Sukhothai, in offering sophisticated accommodation.
This 41-story luxury condominium shares the same internationally-renowned designers behind The Sukhothai Hotel - Kerry Hill and Ed Tuttle - who reunited to design The Sukhothai Residences, which houses 195 high-end residential units, including eight feature penthouses, in a sleek, modern exterior.
A look inside one of these fully-furnished penthouses, this 1,188 sqm duplex four-bedroomed en-suites unit with private swimming pool on Levels 36-37, gives a fascinating glimpse into the Sukhothai spirit.
Most of its furniture is of luxury Italian brands, including Promemoria, LigneRoset, Henge, and Porro. Other art-piece furniture and decorative items from quality suppliers such as Tanyarin and Alexander Lamont create seamless links between art and furniture, adding to the sense of uniqueness of this interior fitout that’s estimated to have cost somewhere in the region of THB 100,000,000 (US$ 3.2 million).
The overall design concept of the penthouse is contemporary Thai, with traditional Thai architectural characteristics adapted into a modern context – round columns and high ceilings, with space arrangements derived from traditional Thai houses.
But the most potent element of Thai culture in this design is the key colour scheme, based on the belief of ManeeNoparattana or The Nine Precious Gemstones, referring to precious gemstones traditionally believed to be the most auspicious.
Rama IV, former king of Thailand, respected ManeeNoparattana as an antique royal insignia signifying the status of the king. It’s believed the possessor of ManeeNoparattana will not only achieve social status, but also become the ultimate owner of great fortune and wealth.
These nine gemstones and their attributes are: Diamond (attraction and sexual power); Ruby (leadership and prestige); Emerald (mental power and health); Yellow Sapphire (safe travels and good luck); Garnet (success in business); Blue Sapphire (charisma and intelligence); Pearl (peace of mind); Zircon (balance and stability); and Cat’s Eye (wealth).
They’re all incorporated throughout the penthouse as talismans of good fortune, casting their centuries-old influence across this ultra-modern, chic setting.
Garnet (success in business) is applied into an illuminated diamond-shaped wall of the Entrance Area, reflecting the logo of The Sukhothai. The ceiling, painted with gold and silver leaf, replicates ceilings of temples, with pendants derived from lamps in traditional Thai houses.
The theme of the Master Bedroom and Bathroom is inspired by Diamond (attraction and sexual power), with Thai silk wall finishes arranged in a pattern thoughtfully modified from the traditional Thai Prakon carved wooden partition. The bed’s headboard partition in large-scale marble frame corresponds with the high ceiling and spacious ambience of the bedroom.
Pearl (peace of mind) is dominant in the Formal Dining Room with a unique design creating a luminous, elegant effect with Mother-of-Pearl mosaic ceiling, crocodilepatterned leather wall with inlaid Mother-of-Pearl and antique glass panels, a white marble dining table, oval crystal chandelier, and a display shelf cabinet with fabric glass glitzier panel.
The concept of the living / seating areas is derived from Yellow Sapphire (safe travels and good luck). The highlight of this area is an illuminated feature shelf that heightens the sense of grandeur, while the seating area is in a large scale, reflecting the preference of Thai people to have a grand seating stool in their houses.
In the Study/ Entertainment Room & Spa, the concept of Zircon (balance and stability) is applied in the overall colour, expressing a cosmopolitan look with a relaxing atmosphere. The rug is in a diamond pattern, reflecting the Sukhothai logo.
The Guest Bedroom design is based on the concept of Emerald (mental power and health), reflected in lotus-leaf wallpaper of silvery green colour. This room has a contemporary feel, offset by the bed’s headboard of white cracked ivory finish, conveying the importance of the elephant as a highly-respected animal in Thailand.
Comfort and relaxation in a dreamy, romantic atmosphere is predominant in the Daughter Bedroom, where Ruby (leadership and prestige) is the inspiration. Clear cabinets and furniture were selected to add a soft, feminine touch.
The Son Bedroom’s design is derived from Blue Sapphire (charisma and intelligence) with a traditional Thai character. The mattress is on the matted floor, demonstrating a traditional way of life, with the floor uplifted in the middle area similar to elevated Thai houses. Even the bedsheet is inspired by tie-dye fabrics of northeastern Thailand.
Modern conveniences abound in the Kitchen, fully equipped with Poggenpohl cabinets and Gaggenau appliances. But Thai tradition is never very far away, and the Gallery Hall design is from a Thai house terrace concept, with wood relief wall as backdrop for artworks by local artists.
Elsewhere, the Staircase, in alabaster onyx illuminate stone with LED lighting, reflects an amber tone against the silk wall in a traditional pattern with mirrors that indicates grandeur. Artwork in silver lotus leaves echoes this, with the lotus also signalling respectable status in Thai culture.
Water, another powerful symbol in Thai tradition, is present in the Lower Terrace Swimming Pool, a 17.2m long pool of Indian black granite surrounded by a timber floor of compressed bamboo.
For more contact: sukhothairesidences.com
