Introducing refined luxury

Working with a team of local and international design firms, SOM led the design of THE ESSE Sukhumvit 36, a luxury residential tower that brings a distinct and powerful architectural vision to Bangkok. Located in Thong Lo, one of the city’s most desirable neighborhoods, the building comprises 338 residential units and a range of amenities including a gym, infinity pool, rooftop gardens, and landscaped outdoor terraces. Upon arrival, residents are welcomed by a series of elegant lobbies, a library lounge, and lushly planted, intimate gardens designed to provide refuge from the bustle of the city.

Blending traditional and contemporary design

The building’s facade is inspired by the steep curved geometry of the traditional Thai roof, creating a harmony between time-honored architectural principles and contemporary materials. The facade is a typical curtain wall enclosure, with floor to ceiling glass above a concrete slab. Curved spandrels, made of painted-black aluminum plates, and vertical bronze-colored mullions create a woven texture that suggests the curvature of traditional Thai architecture. The result is a visually compelling addition to the city’s skyline. 

The tower is conceived as three slender masses that stack against one another. The ascending geometry and well-organized floor plates prioritize views and clearly express the building’s program. The podium is lifted from the ground plane to create a naturally ventilated arrival sequence for the residents. Due to limited space on the site, the podium accommodates a state-of-the-art automated parking system. 

Responding to climate

The intense tropical climate of Bangkok requires a different approach from high-rise buildings designed for more temperate climates. The building is elevated to allow breezes to flow through the site at ground level. A series of shaded spaces at the entry incorporates water features and dense greenery to further cool the main arrival experience. By orienting the building to take advantage of prevailing winds for natural ventilation, among other strategies, the design incorporates passive building techniques found in Thailand’s traditional architecture into a project that defines contemporary luxury living.