J Residence

This private garden, designed for a successful businessman, enjoys a tranquil setting next to an old golf course on the outskirts of Bangkok. The garden encompasses traditional Thai ideas, creating a beautiful setting that also provides edible plants. The green space was created to be an extension of the house, comprising a series of “Garden Rooms.” Here the owner could invite his friends to visit and enjoy the facilities.

The landscape setting on this 1.5-acre plot evokes peace, providing the perfect place for the owner to relax and also to entertain friends. We devised a masterplan that would address the needs of the owner from the very moment he arrived home.

The strategically purposed set of “Garden Rooms” that serve different functions throughout the day begins with the Arrival Court. When the owner returns after work or from his travels, he is welcomed home with a clean and simple courtyard, right in front of his doorstep. The road surface is kept to a minimum, just enough to connect the Arrival Court and the parking lots.

Two major landscape elements, the Tree Gallery and the Main Axis Corridor, function as circulation backbones, enticingly leading the owner and his guests to different parts of the garden. One may be drawn to the edge of the property to the pergola positioned within its watery setting, or perhaps enticed to walk along the boardwalk, enjoying the sound of trickling water along the rock pool or finding one’s gaze drawn toward a feature element, such as an imposing ceramic pot framed by a wooden arbor with creeping plants hanging down.

Each “Garden Room” is attached to the main circulation corridors. As an extension of the main house, they each offer differing purposes, such as a function room, a party room, a play room, a sitting room, a reading room and a dining room, and so on. But these outdoor spaces are composed of living elements: groundcovers, shrubs, hedges, and trees. Without any concrete barriers, the breeze wafts through the garden, providing a refreshing touch. The ceilings of these external spaces consist of green canopies, allowing the sunlight to permeate while also providing cooling shade. Outdoor seating under large established trees creates a wonderful area for al fresco dining. For inclement weather, additional seating is set beneath a large wooden pergola, while bronze statues of rabbits look over a manicured lawn.

Since ancient times, Thai gardens were created to be productive, providing edible plants and herbs. A traditional Thai garden is known as “Pak Suan Krua,”, literally translating as “kitchen garden.” This same concept was applied to the garden at J Residence, but the productive garden here hides in plain view, and appears at first glance to be just like an English garden. Pathways are set amidst fruit trees.

While the old golf course no longer was in operation, it provided a verdant background with pleasant scenery. To maximize the potential of the garden, the design team strategically blurred the borderline. Instead of establishing a boundary to separate the garden from its surroundings, they proposed a Reflecting Pond at the edge to integrate the garden with the neighboring golf course, resulting in spectacular views.

The garden design succeeds in bringing all the areas together, drawing the visitor in to explore and allowing the owner to share his tranquil setting with friends.