Built little over a year ago, the Banyan Tree Riverside Residences represents a convergence of exclusivity, sophistication and luxury on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, Bangkok. Consequently, it’s already a landmark on the skyline of the Thai capital. The 45 floors house 133 residential units that are either accessed through a tropical garden welcoming guests or via a private mooring. Both were designed to ensure discretion. Full of details such as a lift from the lobby that opens on to each unit directly. The use of top-quality materials in select additions to the complex enhances the many virtues of this privileged setting.
Indeed, in support of its commitment to exclusivity, the Singapore-based SCDA studio behind the project used international suppliers. They specifically used those whose demanding requirements in materials and modus operandi could match the sophisticated tastes of the guests as well as the city itself. Therefore, the Spanish firm COMPAC contributed over 800 square metres of Unique Venatino™ technological quartz from its Unique Collection™.
Serenity and elegance to welcome guests
A serene, discreet and elegant ambience. This was the goal for the project, to ensure guests perceived they were entering a privileged space from their first glimpse of the complex. This is one of the reasons for SCDA selecting materials designed by the Spanish company.
Based on Unique Venatino™, which the local material supplier Pinklao Marble delivered on time and in due form. The design combines a unique sense of the elegance and serenity sought by the studio.
The subtle grey of the veins provides a touch of strength and energy. As well as a design that offers character and sensitivity in the lobby of the Banyan Tree Riverside Residences. It transfers a piece of nature inside the complex’s main reception.
From observing nature to urban landscape
Indeed, the Unique collection draws its inspiration from observing the beauty of nature, where no two elements are the same. Designs such as quartz with white background and veins inspired by the versatility and sophistication of white marble. This material provides the residential complex in Bangkok with a unique final result both in terms of aesthetics and functionality. In turn, technological quartz offers visual nuances to tailor the personality of each space. Meanwhile maintaining the material’s essential purity and luminosity. Here, it enhances this perception and sensitivity.
According to the specialised publication Arch Daily, Banyan Tree Riverside Residences stands out as ‘a distinctive architectural statement. Designed to be an urban riverfront sanctuary [it] is located just 16 metres from the riverbank [and] strives for formal simplicity complemented by crafted detailing to create an iconic and finely textured silhouette. The all-glass façade, both transparent and ephemeral, is a tribute to the building’s close relationship to the Chao Phraya River, Bangkok’s legendary “River of Kings”, ensuring that all units have sweeping views of the water’.
‘A sensitivity to the inherent beauty of natural materials’
In turn, and in its own words, SCDA studio seamlessly integrates architecture, interiors, landscape and product design to create holistic spatial experiences. Founded in 1995 by Soo Chan, it has received recognition such as the AIA NY Award for Architecture (2019). It has also won the Royal Institute of British Architects Award for International Excellence (2016). Their approach to work is summarised in its statement of principles. ‘A sensitivity to the inherent beauty of natural materials is expressed through clarity in construction details, and elemental architectural expression.’ This approach is similar to that at firms such as COMPAC. Expressed in the line of materials that recreate the elemental beauty of nature in unique, exclusive and sophisticated combinations. As seen in this benchmark luxury residential project in Thailand.
