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New Property Development
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Phuket Seaview Villas is a village-style group of ten single and double storey residences taking shape on 8, 500 square metres of hillside land to the west of Patong. The project developer, Ajarn Boonyuen Jamphon, is Executive Director of Phuket Consultant Group Co. , Ltd. |
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He chose the site for this project because of the magnificent views of Patong Bay and beyond, to the west, and the majestic surrounding hills further inland to the north and east. The area is central to many facilities, with Patong Beach being just five minutes away. Two golf clubs are also just minutes away, whilst Phuket Town, Kata beach and Karon beach and the marine tourism hub of Chalong are all within a 30-minute drive. The project is due for completion early next year. Travelling from Phuket Town, over the snaking mountain road to Patong, the village is entered halfway along the 'down' side, on the left, from an alluring, winding driveway with high granite rock walls on either side. These walls immediately give an impression of privacy and security. At the crest of the driveway, the site opens out along wide cemented roads in crescent formation along the lefthand side, with a higher, central area to the right. The five two-storey houses are approached first, where the land is higher, with the remaining single-storey units being at the lower, seaward side of the site where the land drops away quite dramatically to a boulder-strewn, wooded hillside, the town of Patong and the sea beyond.
The overall architectural style here is Southern Thai. There are no high pointed roofs as are found in more northerly areas, but lower multi-faceted ones covered with Thai clay tiles, or 'din paow'. These are similar to those found on Thai temple roofs, the difference being that temple ones are generally glazed whereas Aj. Boonyuen's are unglazed. Because of the small size of these roof tiles and the winds and rain that occasionally batter Phuket, water ingress between the tiles necessitates an under-layer of galvanised, corrugated steel to ensure thorough weatherproofing. The steelwork I noticed on one of the uncompleted houses did indeed look thorough. All roofs are suitably overhanging, to prevent the scorching midday sun from overheating external walls, and also to render them relatively dry during the island's downpours. The ceilings of the overhangs are solid-wood, rendered, as are the gable-ends. Additional carved panels topped with wooden spires make a nice finishing touch to the gable-ends. The houses are supported externally by either circular or square-shaped columns, which are finished in the sandwash covering found extensively on Phuket. On the columns, driveways and ample balconies of these properties, this sandwash is done in an agreeable mix of beige and grey. Walking into one of the almost-completed, single-storey units, through decorative wooden doors bordered by pillars and stone planters, I stepped down into the central living area off which lay the three bedrooms, two bathrooms and kitchen/dining area. A lot of thought has obviously gone into the floors and ceilings on this project. Ceilings all have decorative wood-faced central recesses housing lighting and fans, and floors are inlaid around the edges with a mix of terracotta and glazed tiles. The floor tiles are predominantly large Chinese crystal glazed tiles, highly polished and allegedly harder than marble, thus rendering them more scratch and wear-resistant. A large inlaid rectangular motif sets off the centre of the living area which is clearly designed to be uncluttered by too many scatter rugs or carpets. The glazed windows and doors throughout are topped by additional windows having wooden grilles reminiscent of marine duckboards. The effect is easy on the eye and affords additional daylight to flood in. Wooden cornices and sunken lighting complete the architectural aspects of this area.
At the far end, a single door leads on to a full-width curved balcony topped with a stainless steel railing. The lower part of the house wall is made of the same granite rocks as the main driveway wall, and the sandwash floor is inlaid with the same terracotta and glazed tile as in the interior. The kitchen area, just off to the left as you enter the house, is compact but very adequate and well fitted with wooden cabinets. Standard equipment comprises an oven, stove and extraction hood, fridge and microwave. A door at the end of the well-lit kitchen leads to a pathway leading along the full length of the house, and ending in a substantial circular terrace having the same architectural features as that of the main terrace. The master bedroom is entered through a decorative wooden door, and the room's architecture is similar to that of the living area. The ensuite bathroom contains a variety of different colours: sandstone textured wall tiles, along with creamy-pink crystal glazed ones, grey slates on the floor and a black granite washbasin top, together with wooden mirror surrounds, create a gentle-enough atmosphere in an area that I like to consider sacred much before noon.
The second bathroom is not ensuite, being situated between the two other bedrooms directly off the living area. Colours and materials are similar to those in the master bedroom, and fittings throughout are of good quality. Extraction fans and additional ventilated windows complete the inventory. The floor plans differ, of course, for the double-storey units. The larger houses have double carports, bigger living areas, bathtubs in the bathrooms and a sizeable terrace on the upper floor from which the panorama of Patong can be enjoyed. Two of the bedrooms will be air-conditioned, and each house will have its own TV antenna and satellite dish. Furniture will optionally be supplied by the project management, and the emphasis will be on natural, relaxing colours and styles, probably of rattan. The site will be landscaped with an abundance of large trees, in order to blend in with the surroundings. Extensive areas will also be laid to lawn. Site facilities are expected to include a swimming pool, with clubroom and small restaurant. Double-storey houses have sufficient garden area to include private pools if desired. Site maintenance and security will be supplied by the project managers.
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Tropical Living: Oct 2002, Volume 2 Issue 5 |
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