Baan Suralai
Million dollar home with priceless views of Koh Samui and Koh Phang Nang.
Sector: Villas
Country: Thailand
Client: Private
Services: Master Planning; Architecture; Interior Design
Year: 2008
Budget: $500,000 USD
Size: 1,180m2
“While every MAP project has input from all directors, on Baan Suralai, MAP was the architect and the client. While this brought a degree of freedom, it also brought unique challenges.
The concept and design details were determined very quickly as the home is situated in the Bophut Hills, offering uninterrupted million dollar views of Koh Samui and neighbouring Koh Phang Nang. Challenges and constraints came from the steep site, the local Thai regulations and the builder’s capabilities.
As developers and designers MAP wanted a modern interpretation of the local vernacular, making it as contemporary as possible. The villa nestles into the hillside and makes full uses natural materials to be part of the surroundings, not at odds with them.
The villa has three buildings and a sala (open air pavilion) which seats up to 100 people undercover – a feature which is hard to find anywhere else on Koh Samui. The sala overlooks a 20 metre, black slate tile infinity-edge swimming pool which presents a beautiful pixilated effect when seen from the balconies above. The main building has a 180 square metre living and dining room with an open kitchen at its heart. There are three en-suite guest bedrooms below, all with sea views. Covered walkways lead to an annex with three master bedrooms, and onto staff quarters. When you add the gym and the large day room, it is the perfect party house.
Glass is used extensively in the project taking maximum advantage of the views of the jungle to the west and the beaches and towns to the north.
The project was completed in 18 months and while the directors enjoy Baan Suralai, it has its own website and is available for holiday rentals.”
