The Forestias is a 157-acre mixed-use development project designed for human and environmental well-being in the Samut Prakan, Thailand. The forested neighborhood is focused on creating a happy, healthy community that embraces all generations under the vision “Imagine Happiness”.
Rethinking The Future Awards 2024
Second Award | Sustainable Project of the Year (Concept)
Project Name: The Forestias
Category: Sustainable Project of the Year (Concept)
Developer: Magnolia Quality Development Corporation Limited
Area: 636,800 sqm
Year: Completion 2024
Location: Samut Prakan, Thailand
Consultants:
Architect: Foster+Partners (Thailand), DT Design, Architect 49, Perkins Eastman
Main Contracter: Christiani & Nielsen (Thai)
Engineering: EEC Engineering Network
Sustainability: Atelier Ten (Bangkok)
Landscape : TK Studio, PLandscape
Photography Credits: N/A
Render Credits: Foster+Partners (Thailand), Manipulate Group
Other Credits:
The project aims to integrate its residents with flourishing natural ecosystems to provide a role model for sustainable urban development across Southeast Asia.
Designed to provide for all aspects of life under its sustainable concept, the Forestias comprises both commercial and residential zones, with a central forest and green community spaces catering to both residents and visitors. Its four residential concepts – Mulburry Grove, an ultra-luxury neighborhood of villas and condominiums under the concept of an ‘intergenerational living community. Whizdom, these condominiums unite vertical living with holistic well-being, connecting new generations with nature. The Aspen Tree, these fuII-service residences for elders are designed with the concept of ‘aging in place’, and Six Senses Residences, these residences form an exclusive neighborhood for only 27 families. Everything connects with nature. Living spaces are designed for ultimate comfort and offer lake and forest views. Additionally, the project boasts comercials buildings called HAPPITAT. This place offers lifestyle and family entertainment facilities, food & beverage outlets, activities for art & cultural pursuits, theatre, community markets, commercial spaces for offices, and public green spaces.
To address the social and environmental pain points of urban living, the project applies a multitude of innovative technologies and approaches to achieve sustainable well-being. In addition to devoting an unprecedented 56% of its area to forest and green spaces, the Forestias employs new approaches in its landscape and utility systems to minimize its environmental footprint. A cooling basin harnesses tree cover to reduce outdoor temperatures by 3-5°C, reversing the urban heat island effect. A central utility plant (CUP) supplies buildings across the site with cool water to avoid the heating impact of conventional air conditions.
The Forestias will achieve a carbon reduction of over 30,000 tons/year through CUP energy savings while also cutting 40,000 tons through cooling capacity installation. Cooling with chilled water provides an opportunity to apply innovative technologies such as radiant cooling, dehumidification, dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS), and AC with high-efficiency air filtration. This system is also crucial for enabling residents to enjoy the outdoors, while removing the disturbance of AC condensing units installed in homes, and it is a key element in biophilic design, connecting humans with the rest of nature for enhanced well-being.
The inclusive community is further fostered through convenient, accessible green transport. Infrastructure and design for sustainability also extends to zero-wastewater design and a smart grid to optimize energy efficiency.
