MahaNakhon
A jaw-dropping spire rising over 1,030 feet high, MahaNakhon tower, Thailand’s tallest skyscraper, is the newest construction in Bangkok's financial district.
Designed by German architect Ole Scheeren, formerly of OMA (Office for Metropolitan Architecture), the mixed-use high-rise appears to be pixelated with an exterior broken up by bands of cubes. These incongruous surfaces, which create the appearance of a laceration in the tower, provide terraces and balconies with unobstructed panoramic views of the city.
Scheeren says that he hopes the design will challenge the more typical monolith-style of many contemporary towers and create “the visual effect of disintegration,” according to Curbed.
The name MahaNakhon comes from the translation of "Bangkok" in Thai—Krung Thep Mahanakhon—meaning “great metropolis.” While it certainly leaves a dramatic impact visually, the high-rise was designed to minimize impact on its environmental surroundings, with waste water treatment before release, low-E triple-glazed glass windows to insulate the residences, a large landscaped greenery area, energy efficient lights and elevators, an automated parking system, and VRV air conditioning systems, according to MahaNakhon's website.
Five main elements comprise the 1.6 million-square-foot, multi-purpose tower: The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Bangkok; The Bangkok Edition, a luxury boutique hotel; MahaNakhon CUBE, a smaller commercial retail component; MahaNakhon Observatory—a multi-level tourist destination with exhibition and retail; and MahaNakhon Square, an outdoor landscaped plaza.
Ritz-Carlton Residences, Bangkok
The 209 Ritz-Carlton-branded residences—offered for $1.4 million to $10 million—include terraces and "skyboxes" that make each home feel like a penthouse. Ranging from two to five bedrooms, as well as single-floor and duplex layouts, the homes provide sweeping panoramic views, high ceilings, and stunning interiors. Inspired by the work of David Collins Studio, these residences offer a choice of two interior design styles: contemporary classic or contemporary modern. Residents also enjoy a wide range of Ritz-Carlton amenities, such as The Owner’s Lounge, which is exclusively accessible by residents.
Ritz-Carlton Residences
Bangkok EDITION—a collaboration between Marriott International and renowned hotelier Ian Schrager—is the sixth EDITION-branded hotel in addition to those in London, Miami, and New York. It offers an exceptional lodging experience with modern, personalized service, for which the boutique luxury hotel is revered.
MahaNakhon Rooftop Bar
The MahaNakhon Observatory offers visitors the feeling of walking on air, with a rooftop viewing platform from the highest point in Bangkok, and a cantilevered glass balcony that extends beyond the building. There is also a rooftop bar, which will be open every night. Tourists may purchase tickets for the Observatory, which also features a dedicated exhibition at the base of the tower, celebrating the history and future of Bangkok.
MahaNakhon Square
MahaNakhon Square is a 1,0763.9-square-foot landscaped public plaza in front of the tower. Designed for cultural and activities, including art exhibitions and concerts, the Square provides a lush and tranquil oasis in the middle of Bangkok’s bustling business district.
MahaNakhon Cube
The MahaNakhon Cube, a smaller structure within the development, will offer over 10,000 square feet of Bangkok’s finest commercial retail, dining, and lifestyle outlets, including international brands like L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon and a Dean & DeLuca Gourmet Food Hall, which is to be expected, as the building’s developer, Sorapoj Techakraisri of PACE Development Corporation, bought the upmarket grocery chain in 2014.
The project has been estimated to have cost $620 million.
Images courtesy of MahaNakhon
