This prestigious landmark features over 200 apartments and 150 different room types, all designed by David Collins Studio. They wanted to represent Thai culture and style by marrying the very contemporary architecture with classical materials.
Since DCS have worked with Decca on various projects in the past (for example Massimo restaurant and Bassoon Piano Bar at Corinthia Hotel in London) and we also have our second large factory based in Thailand, they've decided to collaborate with Decca to develop loose furniture for all public areas at The Ritz-Carlton Residences in MahaNakhon, Bangkok. Our Bangkok-based team worked closely with Lead Designer Simon Rawlings and Associate Designer Jason Stewart to ensure all pieces meet their requirements and fit perfectly within the whole design concept.
The first stage of any large project is always the same – we work closely with the designer to choose the right finishes and develop prototypes of all pieces. Once the prototypes are finished, designers usually visit our factory to review the pieces and make any adjustments. But before we even got to that stage, David Collins Studio (DCS) created three test apartments to test the different design concepts. This allowed them to have a clearer vision of the colour scheme and overall style of the rooms.
Prototype of a lounge chair and the finished pieces in The Ritz-Carlton Residences
David Collins, who founded the studio with the current CEO Ian Watson, was known for his glamorous style and his love of the colour blue, which of course had to be featured in the colour scheme of The Ritz-Carlton Residences.
Selection of finishes, including their signature blue colour
DCS also used traditional materials, such as rattan and walnut veneer to emphasise Thai style.
Bespoke sofa with a walnut frame and rattan on sides
DCS is known and admired for their bold use of colour. The Ritz-Carlton Residences are no exception with a combination of green, orange and blue. These pops of colour are uniquely combined with a mix of natural materials, from cerused oak to walnut veneer, rattan detailing, and hammered metal.
Each apartment offers the atmosphere of a skybox penthouse with a spectacular 270-degree view across the city.
DCS included some traditionally-looking pieces to the contemporary setting to highlight the heritage of Thai culture and style. One of the best examples – and our personal favourite piece – is this incredible hand-carved side table in a walnut finish.
Figured Flat Cut Walnut Veneer
Walnut is a very popular veneer for its richness and versatility that allows designers to use this material in both traditional and modern settings. This veneer is used throughout The Ritz-Carlton Residences. DCS combined walnut with other materials to give some pieces a modern twist. A good example is the below table that comes in two sizes: one as a stand-alone side table, and second as a dining table with a thicker leg.
Left: Stand-alone round side table with a marble top, walnut leg and a polished stainless steel base; right: round dining table in the exact same finishes, but with a thicker base
Another noteworthy piece is this round dining table with geometrical metal inlay. This piece is used in large dining rooms in each apartment.
The largest piece we made for this project was a 6-metre long meeting table in walnut finish with a 4-metre long cabling system in the middle.
Other unique pieces include the below 'diner style' double-sided seats and asymmetrical walnut tables with accents in polished stainless steel.
Detail of the 'diner-style' seating and the asymmetrical table
We always encourage designers to use some 'traditional' veneers and 'upgrade' them by using unusual metal samples. Below you can see a beautiful detail of a sideboard as well as a unique combination of two types of metal (hammered stainless steel and PVD in burnished bronze finish) with walnut veneer and ivory fabric.
Sideboard with handles in polished stainless steel and hammered metal detailing
Hammered metal in combination with walnut veneer and ivory fabric
Hammered metal is a great finish for enhancing the modern look of your pieces. It comes in various colours and also in either matt or polished finish.
Examples of our bespoke hammered metal finish samples
The below coffee table is also worth mentioning. The unusual combination of hammered metal with walnut veneer and white lacquer creates a unique piece that highlights the modern design of The Ritz-Carlton Residences.
At Decca, we specialise in manufacturing bespoke furniture to meet your exact specifications. Our production capabilities go far beyond woodworking, which allows us to combine traditional manufacturing techniques with modern technology to realise special requirements that include detailed metal work and a combination of wood, metal, stone and glass.
Photo credit: MahaNakhon
The 77-storey "pixelated" skyscraper was designed by German architect Ole Scheeren for Pace Development. It is the tallest mixed-use building in Bangkok at 314 metres set in the Silom/Sathon central business district. MahaNakhon has over 200 serviced luxury apartments operated by hotelier Ritz-Carlton as well as fine restaurants and luxury shops. The King Power Mahanakhon SkyWalk is the latest addition to this incredible landmark that – like a cherry on top – makes the whole building an exciting go-to place for all visitors to Bangkok.
Iain Watson, Simon Rawlings and Lewis Taylor (Photo credit: CLAD The Community of Leisure Architects & Designers)
The studio was established by David Collins and Iain Watson in 1987 in London. Today, the David Collins Studio is led by CEO Iain Watson, creative director Simon Rawlings, design director Lewis Taylor, COO David Goodman, and marcom director David Kendall.
Find out more about David Collins Studio and their projects on their website.
CONTACT
deccalondon@deccafurniture.com
Telephone +44 (0) 20 7352 9578
18 November 2018