Location: Nonthaburi, Thailand
Type: Architecture Design
Program: Shopping Center
Client: Central Pattana Pcl.
Site Area: 65,860 sqm.
Built Area: 180,000 sqm.
Design: 2020-1
Completion: 2023
Central Westville is a horseshoe-shaped mall set on a 15.8-acre site in Ratchapruk. It features the Central Department Store, located in the renovated south wing of the existing structure, and a newly constructed shopping zone in the north wing. Designed to address the evolving needs of urban residents, the project embraces contemporary global trends in sustainability and environmental awareness. The design prioritizes eco-friendliness, emphasizing the seamless integration of nature within the mall’s functional spaces
The semi-outdoor areas exemplify this vision by maximizing natural light and airflow. Collaborating with Atelier Ten, the project’s sustainability consultant, voids and openings were strategically positioned to enhance visual connections while promoting thermal comfort, reducing reliance on air conditioning and minimizing overall energy consumption. Visitors experience a unique atmosphere reminiscent of the outdoors, surrounded by a diverse array of trees and eco-friendly materials like stamped concrete and composite wood. A key feature of the space is the ‘nature trail,’ which guides visitors from the ground floor to the upper zone. This thoughtfully curated route highlights the landscape’s beauty, incorporating sloped walkways and the soothing sounds of a nearby waterfall to enrich the ascent.
The interplay between interior and exterior spaces is evident in the façade, where the conventional solid shell of retail buildings has been minimized to enhance natural airflow and visual connectivity. The building envelope features a rectangular grid with varying protrusions and recesses. Steel grids extend from the walls to the roof structure, creating a robust framework for the upper floor, which serves as an additional event space within the mall.
The semi-dense surface allows intricate corporate graphics to be prominently displayed, creating a cohesive visual identity. Cement foam is used instead of bricks as a construction material due to its significantly lighter weight. A similar pattern and material can be seen on the facade of the renovated wing of the old warehouse building. Along the façade, an elongated stairway connects the ground floor to running tracks and exercise spaces above, accessible to the public even outside mall hours. Encased in a striking Corten steel shell, the stairwell’s rich brown hue contrasts with the building’s gray-green tint, enhancing its visual appeal.
Stu/D/O Team:
Apichart Srirojanapinyo
Chanasit Cholasuek
Panfan Laksanahut
Nop Leethavorn
Chutiporn Buranasiri
Kittimont Kookasemkij
Landscape Architect: Field Landscape Studio
Interior Architect: PHTAA Living Design
Graphic Designer: DINSOR Design Studio
Lighting Designer: LightBox Lighting
Structural Engineer: W. And Associates Designs Co., Ltd.
Mechanical Engineer: EM Sign Co., Ltd.
Consultants: Trusty Project Management Co., Ltd.
Photograph: Kukkong Thirathomrongkiat, Ketsiri Wongwan
