Magnolia Quality Development Corporation Limited (MQDC), one of Thailand’s leading property developers, is expanding The Forestias development on the outskirts of Bangkok. The company is increasing the project size from US$2.98 billion to US$4.14 billion, and the land size is being extended from 48 ha to 63.7 ha.
“We are building the world’s first town that is purposefully designed for healthier living,” said Thippaporn Ahriyavraromp, chairperson of MQDC. “It is being designed and built by some of the world's most respected experts as well as leading global institutions to ensure that every aspect promotes a better quality of life.”
Among the highlights of The Forestias is a massive 4.8-ha forest area at its centre, anchoring a diverse and rich ecological system that will develop naturally in the years ahead.
“It’s also the first time, anywhere in the world, that a forest of this size is being integrated into a city development to bring nature back into an urban setting, and which is one of the reasons why we call The Forestias an enchanted community district in the forest,” said Mrs. Ahriyavraromp.
The Forestias incorporates multiple residential components with villas and condominiums aimed at a diverse range of lifestyles and family sizes, as well as commercial space for offices, a sports complex, lifestyle activities, retail and food & beverage outlets, as well as family edutainment facilities in a Family Life Centre.
The development is strategically located on the Eastern Economic Corridor, which is predicted to be the fastest growing development corridor in Thailand, and has easy access to major highways and mass transportation systems.
‘Closer to nature’
There is a town centre for community and cultural activities, a theatre, an event hall, markets, and a 1.6 km elevated walkway that links many of the development's components and provides a ‘nature-walk’ that weaves above the forest.
Another highlight is a residential area that is specifically designed to make life safer and more convenient for the elderly, including specialised facilities for daily activities, a clubhouse, and trained care-givers.
Other features include a five-star hotel and a large medical centre with modern facilities and some of Thailand’s most eminent medical specialists.
Kittiphun Ouiyamaphun, project director of The Forestias said, “Everything at The Forestias is designed with a common purpose to promote the good health and happiness of residents to a level never before undertaken, including the layout of the public spaces, home layouts, choices of materials used inside and outside homes, the integration of 21st century life technologies, the management of natural light, noise, heat, airflows, as well as air quality and water quality.
“The cultivation of an immense forest, including a genuine deep forest area, at a cost of US$33 million is the centrepiece of our development, and helps people get closer to the diverse wonders of nature.”
Mr Ouiyamaphun added the forest is expected to act as a 'green lung', both for The Forestias as well as for nearby communities, and also produce a general cooling effect on the entire area, in addition to helping restore nature for the benefit of all.
"While being kinder to our planet ourselves, we also help our residents contribute to sustainability. For example, our state-of-the-art energy systems will help residents and visitors across the entire project reduce their carbon dioxide emissions by a staggering amount that is almost equivalent to what a 4,800-ha forest would absorb,” he said.
According to MQDC, the construction of road systems and the pilings for infrastructure on the project are already 90% completed.
Image: MQDC
