Issue 4 | Feature brought to you by Mandalay Beach Villas
An analysis of the organic architectural expressions of Mandalay Beach Villas
Mandalay Beach Villas, six incontestably oceanfront residences on the north-western edge of Koh Samui follow a design philosophy that, while tried and true in other parts of the world, is still relatively unique to this Thai island.
Simplicity, neutrality and tranquility are three words that play into Organic Architecture; the design philosophy by which Mandalay abides. Originally coined by the iconic American architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, Organic Architecture promotes harmony between human habitation and the natural world through contemporary design.
If humans are to habituate in one of the most stunning natural settings of the world; on a quiet, white sandy beach of a tropical island, the belief here is that nature should be incorporated into every element while maintaining an effort to also achieve a flawless, luxurious design.
The atmosphere of a coastal environment may be one of the least tangible elements of nature where Mandalay is located, yet one of the most prominent. To allow the sea breeze, salt air and sounds of wildlife into daily living, the Mandalay Villas have been created using “floating structures,” meaning that all hall and passageways are open air. To cross from the master bedroom to the spacious communal structure containing the living room, breakfast bar, dining room and kitchen, one must walk over the white sand washed tiles embedded into the grassy paths that connect the two.
SIMPLICITY
The aesthetic of the floating structures is simple; using basic, essential shapes without added ornamentation. The clean lines that dictate their look and feel remain a theme throughout every aspect of the property, from the narrow slant of the roofs to the sleek, state-of-the-art kitchen and out to the private infinity pool.
Each floating structure is comprised of materials that either came directly from the local surroundings or allow maximum vantage points. Walls that face the ocean are made of floor-toceiling panels of uninterrupted glass. Structural walls are built using stones from the mainland, allowing each property to blend in with the exact colours and textures of their natural setting. Smooth Sukabumi stone extracted from Indonesia is used for the flooring of the pool, and indoors the master bedroom has bamboo flooring from the abundant local vegetation.
NEUTRALITY
The local materials used in construction not only enable the development to blend in and harmonize with nature, but also denotes Mandalay’s commitment to sustainable living. Incorporating this commitment into both lifestyle and daily functions, only LED lights are used around the development while a heat-exchange system repurposes wasted energy from air-conditioning units into usable hot water. The innovative design of each villa maximizes natural sunlight and cooling breezes, resulting in significant energy savings. Finally, a natural water source on site provides a fresh and local supply to the entire development.
TRANQUILITY
With water provided from the on-site source, the babbling fountain just inside the front entryway, in perfect feng shui placement, immediately instills a sense of serenity upon arrival. Moving from one end of the villa to the other, large rooms with open spaces, clean lines and muted colors allow all attention to be focused on the salient view of the sea and sky directly ahead; a vision that accomplishes the feeling of tranquility like no other.
As Organic Architecture is an attempt to integrate usable spaces into a coherent whole; a marriage between the site and the structure and a union between the context and the construction, the luxurious residences of Mandalay Beach Villas are a sound representation.
