The Met
Most tropical high-rise housing in developing countries replicate cold-climate models with sealed facades, reliant on air-conditioning. However, in the tropics, light winds, year-round balmy weather, constant temperatures and high humidity make outdoor living desirable. This high density (Plot Ratio 10.1) provides a model of a naturally ventilated, perforated, indooroutdoor, green tower, which is a necessary alternative to the sealed, glazed curtain wall buildings being erected across the tropical regions.
The apartments are houses in the sky with breezeways, full exposure to light and views, outdoor living areas, planters and high-rise gardens, and open-air communal terraces with barbeques, libraries, spas and other facilities.
Sky terraces, both private and public, link the blocks every 5 storeys, creating dramatic yet human-scaled external spaces. The building is planted on every horizontal surface, including private balconies. Vertical faces are shaded by creeper screens. All apartments are cross ventilated, and all face north and south. The staggered block arrangement gives apartments light and air on all four sides. The design makes possible living without airconditioning.
Thai elements– ceramic tiles, textiles and timber paneling – are abstracted to organize forms. The cladding reinterprets Thai temple tiles, the staggered balconies recalls traditional timber paneling. The walls incorporate random mirrored stainless steel panels, a contemporary interpretation of the sparkling mirrors of Thai temples.
- Video