Asst. Prof. Paiboon Kittikul , Asst. Prof. Korapong Karnasuta and Asst. Prof. Songsak Onsuwan
Abstract :
This study presents the design and development framework for a long-term residential project in Takua Pa, Phang Nga Province, located within a palm oil plantation and targeting European and Scandinavian Retirees (‘Silver Tourists’) seeking stays of six months or more. The conceptual foundation is derived from a meticulous analysis of this demographic’s specific behaviors—namely, the high demand for privacy, sunbathing, warm soaking baths, cultural integration, and safety—to inform functional and material specifications.
The methodology encompassed a sequential process: site and climate analysis, economic and behavioral research on silver tourism and purchasing power, architectural program definition, feasibility studies, and detailed design phases. Key conceptual pillars guiding the design are: Functionality for complete long-term habitability; Health & Wellness, featuring Age-Friendly principles like No-Step design and non-slip ramps; Local Integration to suit the Tropical Climate; and Connection to Nature.
Architecturally, the integration is achieved using expansive verandas and floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors to merge interior and exterior spaces with the surrounding palm garden. Materials emphasize durability against high rainfall and humidity, utilizing reinforced concrete structures and Shingle Roofs, while prioritizing non-slip surfaces for elderly safety. The resulting design provides residents with a comfortable, secure, and harmonizing “second home” experience that is deeply attuned to both the tropical context and the specific needs of the silver tourism market.
Objectives :
1. To investigate and assess the feasibility of developing a long-term residential project specifically targeting the international elderly demographic.
2. To develop and design activities and functional spaces based on the observed behaviors and specific needs of the primary user group.
3. To study and implement architectural design strategies appropriate for the humid, tropical climate of Southern Thailand.
Conceptual Framework :
The design study for this project is situated in Takua Pa District, Phang Nga Province, in an area surrounded by a palm oil plantation, approximately 20 minutes from the coastline. The conceptual framework for the design initiates from an inquiry into the specific behavioral patterns and limitations of the primary user group: foreigners (European and Scandinavian). The analysis identified this group as Retirees or ‘Silver Tourists’, exhibiting clear and consistent behaviors such as a high desire for privacy, enjoyment of sunbathing, preference for warm soaking baths and swimming, interest in experiencing local life, tendency not to self-cater, and reliance on motorcycles for transportation.
These observations led to the development of the following key conceptual pillars:
I. Functionality: Habitability and Complete Living
The space must be designed to facilitate long-term residency, not merely short-term tourism. It must provide all necessary amenities for complete daily use and living.
II. Health & Wellness: Age-Friendly and Safety Focus
The design critically considers elderly users’ mobility, balance, and overall safety. This is achieved by implementing a “No-Step” design (single-level flooring) throughout all primary areas to minimize tripping hazards. Additionally, non-slip ramps are integrated to ensure accessible entry to key spaces.
III. Local Integration: Experience and Community
The design promotes a connection with the local context, fostering experience exchange and community engagement. The architecture is explicitly designed to suit the Tropical Climate.
IV. Connection to Nature: Palm Garden Integration
Given the location within a palm plantation, the design aims to perpetually connect residents with the surrounding natural environment. This is achieved by designing expansive verandas, ideal for activities like sunbathing. The primary elevation features floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors along its entire length. When opened, these doors merge the interior and exterior spaces, maximizing natural light and creating an immediate, immersive connection to nature and a continuous sense of tropical relaxation .The use of a Gable Roof with Extended Overhanging Eaves provides essential protection against seasonal storms. Conversely, certain sections of the roof are intentionally shortened to maximize sun exposure on the dedicated sunbathing verandas.
Process / Methodology :
The project commenced with a comprehensive site analysis, investigating the specific geographical location, climatic conditions, and surrounding context. Given that the site is situated within a palm plantation and is adjacent to, or surrounded by, similar development projects, the process was immediately broadened to include a market needs assessment.
The research phase involved data collection from the Ministry of Tourism to analyze the primary user group (international tourists), focusing on annual tourist statistics and an economic analysis of Phang Nga Province to determine the target users’ purchasing power. This economic viability was further validated through case studies of comparable long-stay projects within the province. Concurrently, a crucial element of the research involved an in-depth physical and behavioral analysis of the primary user group, examining both their physiological considerations and daily lifestyle patterns.
The findings from the research phase informed the subsequent steps:
1. Architectural Programming: The project proceeded to define the Architectural Program, detailing all necessary functional requirements and determining the appropriate scale based on user behavior and comparative analysis of similar projects.
2. Feasibility Study and Budgeting: A thorough investment feasibility analysis was conducted to assess project budgeting, return on investment (ROI), and overall financial viability.
3. Design and Documentation: Preliminary concepts were established, leading to the First and Second Stages of Schematic Design. This was followed by the production of Permit Documentation and, finally, the comprehensive Construction Drawings.
4. Construction: The process concludes with the Construction Execution Phase.
Techniques and Materials :
The guiding principle for material selection and construction techniques is directly linked to the demanding climate of Southern Thailand, characterised by heavy rainfall, high humidity, and monsoon seasons.
Consequently, the project specifies the following:
• Reinforced Concrete (RC) Structures for core elements.
• Brick Walls in non-structural areas.
• Composite Wood (WPC) for verandas.
• A Shingle Roof system to ensure the overall resilience of the building against severe climatic conditions.
Material selection prioritises those that offer a tactile finish, excellent heat dissipation, and, crucially, non-slip properties. Glossy or slick surfaces are strictly avoided across all accessible areas to mitigate hazards and ensure the safety and security of the elderly.
Result / Conclusion :
This project is designed as a long-term residential specifically targeting European and Scandinavian retirees. The primary goal of these occupants, who typically stay for six months or more (often as couples), is to pursue a lifestyle focused on relaxation, long-stay habitation, and escape from the cold winters of their home countries.
Consequently, the project aims to provide residents with an immersive experience, allowing them to fully integrate with the local nature, climate, and way of life. The design strategy focuses on maximal affinity with the site context, ensuring the architecture is deeply connected to the natural environment. Furthermore, the design is intrinsically linked to the specific behaviors of the users. All architectural elements are characterized by simplicity and harmony with the Tropical Climate, emphasizing a high level of comfort and habitability that rivals their primary residence, effectively establishing the complex as their “second home.”
References :
Patterson, I., & Pan, B. (2007). The aging population and the travel industry: The next great generation. Haworth Press.
Panfun Rangsikavanich. (2024). Guidelines for the design of long-stay accommodation to support elderly Scandinavian tourists: A case study of Rayong Province [Master’s thesis, Srinakharinwirot University].