David Collins Studio, the award-winning London-based interior architecture and interior design studio, continues to expand is presence in Asia with the opening of The Ritz-Carlton Residences at MahaNakhon, Bangkok.

The Ritz-Carlton Residences from part of the iconic MahaNakhon building, a mixed-use development that includes a high-end boutique hotel, retail space and an outdoor public plaza. Designed by Ole Scheeren, the MahaNakhon is located in the heart of Bangkok’s central business district connecting Silom and Sathorn Roads with direct link to Chongnonsi BTS.

With the launch of The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Bangkok, David Collins Studio continues to expand its footprint in Asia, from Hong Kong and China to Japan and Thailand. In recent years, the London-based studio has embarked on a variety of high-profile regional projects in the residential, retail and hospitality sectors.

David Collins Studio was appointed to design the public spaces and leisure facilities in The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Bangkok. The interiors concept is natural, crafted and layered, reflecting the precision of the building’s architecture as well as the homeowners’ appreciation for sophisticated interior concepts.

“Our intention was to create a classical and timeless interior architecture and design concept, imbued with a distinctively Thai sensibility,” explains Simon Rawlings, David Collins Studio’s Creative Director. “By immersing ourselves in the culture and indigenous craftsmanship of Thailand over the nine-year lifecycle of the project, David Collins Studio has brought a definitive sense of place to the Residences, reflecting the cosmopolitan and international nature of Bangkok.”

THE LOBBY

Drawing on Thai forms, materiality and architecture, the lobby’s design and palette provides a calming refuge for homeowners seeking to retreat from the stress and noise of the city.

A central water bath features floating decorative lotus flowers and running water, setting the scene through sound, scent and play of light. The studio studied how the sunlight enters the space to create a beautiful soft glow throughout the day and into the night.

Behind the reception desks, shagreen panelling is overlaid with angular strips of bronze metalwork. The panelling concept is inspired by nature, evoking the forms and colours of trees and the distorted perception of peering through a forest. This unstructured layering of strips contrasts with the measured proportions of the interior architecture and the rigid form of the building itself.

The main lobby space features Thai-inspired ceiling details that leads through to a candle-lit carpeted colonnade, creating a journey for residents as they move from the outside world to the inside. Here the walls are lined in Thai silk while furniture pieces include carved wood and rattan slipper chairs, sofas and tables in silver travertine and bronze. To reinforce the residential mood, objets d’art and artworks, carefully curated from around Bangkok, are dotted throughout the space.

THE AMENITIES

On the amenities floor, the same Thai architectural vernacular continues, from the slight pitch of the ceiling to the timber beams, plaster ceiling finish and silk-lined walls.

The spaces are designed as little pockets to be discovered with practicality and function at the core. Beginning with the lounge, the colour palette introduces stronger shades, with a series of orange and golden hues mixed with the silver travertine, reflecting the bold colours found around the city itself. Maintaining the sense of place, the panelling and timber cladding, along with furniture featuring metal-clasp finishes, echo the detailing of historic Thai buildings.

The gym, comprising a relaxation space and dedicated outdoor terrace, features timber panelled walls and white lacquer, creating a mood that is energetic, light and airy. Continuing to the yoga studio, the vibe becomes calmer with warm timber cladding with subtle Thai touches.

The cinema resembles a smart club, realised in navy blue and red with ivory accents. The walls are lined with acoustic fabric for sound absorbency while the chairs have automatic reclining options for supreme comfort.

THE POOL DECK

The pool deck surrounding the 25-metre pool is divided into a series of space, each serving a distinct function. One sun deck includes circular rotating sun loungers, another is designed for enjoying cocktails, a separate area offers space for barbequing and dining while another section features a jacuzzi and rain showers.

Adding an element of nature to the urban setting, the pool is enclosed by waterfalls and planting sourced from the local night-market. Pyramid Thai tiles, locally made in a custom champagne colour, add texture to the surfaces. The changing rooms, steam room, sauna and shower area are lined in the same traditional tiles, evoking a sense of quiet calm.

THE CLUB

The multi-functional club offers residents a sophisticated space to host a private cocktail party, a dinner catered by a private chef or intimate business meetings. Designed for maximum flexibility, the area features various rotating screens that pivot to create a multitude of spaces – a dining room, a library, bar, meeting room or TV room.

The bar boasts a dramatic marble counter with a huge mirror hanging behind it, reflecting the cityscape and bouncing the light around the area. David Collins Studio has earned a reputation for attention to detail and this is evident in the floor featuring a beautiful chopped marble mosaic with a small intricate pattern.

The main space of the lounge includes a series of seating areas that overlook the city, offering postcard-worthy views of the Bangkok skyline.

Here the furniture is more contemporary to bring this space a slightly different mood. While the hammered nickel references more traditional Thai materiality, the matt-brass dividing screens create intimate, private seating areas within the space.

Design:

David Collins Studio