Mario Kleff is a German-born architect based in Thailand, working primarily on residential projects with a focus on structural systems and long-span design. His signature work integrates architectural design, structural engineering, and construction execution, including on-site coordination and project delivery, reflecting an approach aligned with the traditional role of the architect as master builder.
Planning & Design
Engineering & Cost Estimation
Construction & Supervision
Kleff's technical work extends beyond 3D architectural visualization and CAD to the digital engineering of complex structural systems. He combines 3D modelling, structural geometry, CAD documentation, and BIM with structural-engineering tools such as MIDAS, STAAD, and Cellbeam. These capabilities are applied to cellular beams, steel box girders, post-tensioned concrete, and other long-span structural systems.
We cannot design without knowledge of engineering.
— Mario Kleff
Beyond conventional definitions of beauty, Mario Kleff’s architecture reflects a deliberate approach to form, structure and perception. What some describe as “ugly” challenges familiar expectations of architectural aesthetics. Kleff addresses this contrast directly in his own words, exploring the ideas behind his work in his original quotes archive.
Ugly: Unbelievably good-looking, yeah.
— Mario Kleff
Extensive structural engineering from conception and design to final construction with Mario Kleff.
Architectural Design and Professional Licensing
Mario Kleff is currently not a licensed architect in Thailand
Note on professional roles: In Thailand, building permits require the involvement of appropriately licensed professionals in accordance with applicable regulations. Architectural drawings for projects attributed to Mario Kleff explicitly identify him through title-block designations such as “Architectural Design: Mario Kleff,” “Structural Design: Mario Kleff,” and “Designed by Mario Kleff.” He is a Thai citizen and an associate member of the Architect Council of Thailand.
A work permit issued in 2004 by Thailand's Ministry of Labour authorized activities including design, construction advisory, and company management within the real estate and construction sector. This work authorization is distinct from professional licensing under Thai law.
Title block of the architectural drawing for “The Touch Condominium,” listing “Structural Design: Mario Kleff” and “Architectural Design: Mario Kleff.”
Der Farang (2013–2024) – ongoing editorial coverage
The Thaiger (2021–2024) – project features and award coverage
Real Estate Magazine Thailand (2009–2010) – early development features
Pre-concrete stage of a post-tensioned foundation system at Lieb Tang Rodfai Villas, illustrating tendon routing, anchorage zones, and reinforcement coordination for long-span structural performance.
Technical drawing of a post-tensioned foundation system, illustrating tendon layout, anchorage zones, and structural coordination developed by Mario Kleff in collaboration with Dr. Songkiat Matupayont.
Connection detail between a cellular steel column and a post-tensioned slab at Majestic Residence Signature Villa, demonstrating load transfer within a long-span residential structure.
Ideas Behind the Work
How does unconventional creative work become a subject of admiration, debate, or criticism? Mario Kleff’s work raises broader questions about individuality, creativity, and social perception. In Individualism After the Age of Admiration?, Thiti Teerachin examines these questions through radical custom motorcycles, exploring how reactions to distinctive design can shift from evaluating the work to judging the person behind it.
Page Index
Concept study of a modern pool villa, focusing on spatial organization and structural form.
Residential architecture project featuring a 30-meter-span structure and infinity pool.
Architecture is not styled. It is engineered, resolved, and built.
— Mario Kleff
Introduction
Mario Kleff has been active in Pattaya since 2004, with work spanning high-rise residential towers, luxury villas, and structurally complex developments. He has designed nine high-rise buildings; however, as of 2026, only Wongamat Tower has been completed.
Wongamat Tower, Pattaya — completed 2015.
In 2008, he applied the cellular beam system in residential construction in Thailand, as referenced in The Property & Lifestyle (2008). This approach was subsequently documented in projects such as Park Royal 2 (2009)[1].
His work is associated with the principle "Structure is Design", reflecting an emphasis on the integration of structural engineering and architectural form in multi-storey and long-span residential projects, developed as a signature architectural approach.
In conventional building processes, architectural form and structural engineering are often developed sequentially, with structural systems introduced after the primary design is defined.
This can lead to spatial and technical compromises, including concealed structural elements, late-stage column placement, or material adjustments during construction.
Study demonstrating the core approach of structural integration in architecture.
Kleff’s work is associated with an alternative approach in which structural considerations are integrated from the outset.
Parameters such as span, load distribution, and material behavior are addressed early, shaping both spatial organization and construction methods, with further technical detail outlined in a project-specific note.
Kleff’s work can be grouped into several overlapping phases, reflecting shifts in project type and structural approach over time.
In this period, Kleff was involved in the design of multiple high-rise and mid-rise residential buildings, as documented in the project archive of built and designed works.
Structural villa project at Pratumnak Hill during design phase, 2026.
2005–2012: Early Development and Structural Exploration
Initial projects included residential and commercial developments in Pattaya, with the introduction of steel-framed construction and early applications of cellular beam systems in Thailand. These projects explored long-span configurations and alternative structural layouts.
Design of a retail center in Pattaya using cellular beams, 2012.Design of a residential structure in Pattaya exploring modular capsule forms and alternative spatial layouts, 2007.
2010–2020: High-Rise Development and System Integration
In this period, Kleff was involved in the design of multiple high-rise and mid-rise residential buildings. The work focused on integrating structural systems into overall building design, including the use of extended spans and reduced column grids where project conditions allowed.
Design of a high-rise residential building in Pattaya integrating extended spans and reduced column grids, 2012 (The Touch).
2021–2026: Low-Rise and Villa Projects
More recent work has concentrated on low-rise residential developments and villas, with continued use of long spans, cantilevers, and exposed structural elements as part of the architectural expression.
Technical drawing of a residential building floor plan (approx. 4,500 m²), illustrating structural layout and spatial organization, 2023.
Technical drawing of a residential structure demonstrating a 68 m clear span without internal supports, 2023.
Low-rise residential villa demonstrating long-span (approx. 30 m), cantilevered structure, and exposed structural elements as part of the architectural expression, 2022.
Architectural Approach
In Kleff’s work, structural systems are typically expressed rather than concealed, contributing to spatial organization, proportion, and overall architectural character.
The design process is described as beginning with structural parameters, including span requirements, load distribution, and material properties.
Villa structure illustrating the relationship between architectural form and structural design.
Structure is treated as a primary design consideration within the overall architectural process.
Beams contribute to spatial limits and structural organization.
Columns influence rhythm, proportion, and load transfer.
Spans affect openness, flexibility, and functional use.
Load paths inform the overall configuration of the building.
Residential structural study illustrating the use of extended beam spans and their impact on architectural form and spatial organization.
In addition to structural logic, some projects also reference proportional systems such as the golden ratio, influencing spatial relationships and visual balance.
Application in Built Projects
In completed projects, the integration of structural design is associated with several recurring characteristics:
Larger interior spans with reduced reliance on intermediate columns, depending on project requirements
Visible or expressed structural elements in place of applied decorative features
Consideration of material efficiency and durability within the structural system
A consistent architectural language informed by engineering principles
Project documentation indicates that architectural design, structural engineering, and construction planning are developed in a coordinated manner, with structural systems influencing both spatial organization and final building form.
A minimalist residential project by Mario Kleff in 2021, unifying form, function, and structural clarity.
Design Approach
This section provides an overview of Mario Kleff’s architectural approach, with a focus on the relationship between structural engineering and architectural design across mid-rise, villa, and residential projects.
Project materials highlight the use of structural systems as a design driver, alongside a preference for reduced ornamentation and an emphasis on construction methods and material behavior.
Brutalist-style residential villa in Pattaya, completed in 2006.Brutalist-style condominium in Pattaya, completed in 2008.
Structural Expression 2004-2026
Kleff’s projects are characterized by the use of exposed or expressed structural systems, where engineering elements form part of the architectural composition rather than being concealed.
Before 2010, he was involved in the design and construction of several steel-framed buildings in Pattaya, including a free-standing showroom and the residential project Park Royal 2, which incorporated cellular beam construction.
Free-standing steel-framed showroom, exceeding 27 meters in height.Park Royal 2, utilizing cellular beam and post-tensioned concrete system.
Residential homes in Pattaya that were legally registered under foreign ownership, meeting Thai law and ensuring transparent property rights for foreign buyers.
Two steel-framed residential buildings in Pattaya, legally registered under foreign ownership.
His work incorporated structural systems such as steel and hybrid construction at a time when these methods were less commonly used in local residential projects, with an emphasis on integrating structural design into the architectural concept.
Signature Architectural Style
Concrete, steel, and structural elements are intentionally expressed, reflecting their role in the building’s underlying logic rather than serving as applied decoration.
Skeletal structure of a Thai-Bali villa.
Long Spans and Cantilevers
Cellular beams, steel box girders, and prestressed concrete are used to achieve extended spans and cantilevered structures, enabling more flexible spatial configurations through structural design.
Long-span structure of a two-storey villa.
More information about a 48-meter-long cellular beam:
https://mario-kleff.com/longest-cellular-beam
Cantilever structure of a two-storey villa.Technical drawing of a steel box girder system incorporating a cellular beam, illustrating a 19-meter cantilever span and its structural configuration.
Minimalist Structural Expression
Architectural expression is derived from structural systems and material use, with limited reliance on applied ornament.
Selected projects incorporate the Mario Kleff® mark as a project identifier, indicating authorship and association with the architectural and structural design.
Project identification mark applied during construction.
Selected Projects
A selection of projects illustrating the relationship between structural systems, architectural design, and construction processes.
Park Royal Condominiums (1–3) – Residential developments incorporating cellular beam construction in selected buildings.
Park Royal 2.
To the project: https://mario-kleff.com/mario-kleff-park-royal-2
Laguna Heights – Residential development in Wong Amat, Pattaya.
Architectural model of Laguna Heights.
To the project: https://wandeegroup.com/laguna-heights
Lieb Tang Rodfai Villas / 圣地亚哥别墅度假酒店（SunDiego Resort Villa Jomtien） – Residential project incorporating prestressed concrete beams with spans of up to 30 meters.
Sundiego Resort Villa known as Lieb Tang Rodfai Villas.
To the project (Rebranded): https://mario-kleff.com/sun-diego-resort-pattaya
These projects are situated within the broader development context of Pattaya’s real estate market, including factors such as land use, construction economics, and investment dynamics, as outlined in Pattaya Property Investment.
Recognition and Awards
Recognition for architectural design, structural innovation, and project execution:
International Property Awards Asia Pacific – Best Single Residence, Thailand.
Source IPA Asia PacificBest Single Residence for Majestic Residence Signature Villa, International Property Awards Asia Pacific.
LIV Hospitality Design Awards – Honorable Mention, Architecture, for Japanese House II.
Source LIVHonorable Mention in Architecture for Japanese House II, LIV Hospitality Design Awards.
Professional reference letter (2010) issued by Dr. Songkiat Matupayont, Civil and Structural Engineer, in relation to architectural licensing in Thailand.
English translation (archival transcript)
Date: 15 September 2010
Author: Dr. Songkiat Matupayont, Civil and Structural Engineer
Subject: Professional reference in support of Mr. Mario Kleff
I, Dr. Songkiat Matupayont, Senior Project Manager at Civil and Structural Engineers Co., Ltd., confirm that I have worked with Mario Kleff on structural design projects in a professional context. He submitted an application for professional licensing with the Architect Council of Thailand.
During our collaboration, he provided architectural design input in projects such as the Park Royal 2 condominium, including the application of a cellular beam steel system. His work involved structural integration and design documentation relevant to the project.
This statement serves as a professional reference provided to the Architect Council of Thailand regarding his experience and project involvement.
Press Coverage
Selected media coverage documenting architectural projects, structural innovation, and development activity in Pattaya and Thailand.
All projects are delivered through an integrated design-build model. Architectural design, structural engineering, and construction are executed as a single coordinated process.
Project Attribution & Professional Framework
The projects and works documented throughout mario-kleff.com are attributed to Mario Kleff based on project records, agreements, drawings, publications, and related documentation. His work has been conducted through or in association with Mario Kleff Architects Co., Ltd., Wandeegroup (Thailand) Co., Ltd., and Wandee Real Estate & Services, which provide the professional and business framework for the documented work without replacing the individual attribution of Mario Kleff as designer, architect, engineer, developer, or design-development lead.
Wandeegroup Asia is the construction and engineering partner of Mario Kleff, ensuring architectural visions are executed without compromise. This collaboration allows every project to be designed and built under a single philosophy of innovation and structural truth. https://wandeegroup.com/
Wandee Super Span Company Limited specializes in advanced engineering solutions and long-span structures. With expertise in large-scale construction, the company delivers projects that combine innovation, strength, and architectural ambition. https://wandee-super-span.com/
Design Beyond Architecture
Mario Kleff has designed and customized motorcycles and cars, often creating unique engineering solutions and pushing the imits of automotive design. However, with his unconventional motorcycle designs, he also made a significant contribution to the development of high-performance engines—such as the "Thailand Dragon," which has a displacement of over 3,638 cc.
Discover Mario Kleff's Mod Dam 1199 R, the earliest documented Honda MSX 125 with a Ducati Panigale engine.
Beyond architecture, Kleff has explored terrarium and habitat design, combining structural creativity with a deep understanding of nature and wildlife.
In his early artistic career, Mario Kleff worked on detailed reproductions of the Book of Kells, demonstrating his fine art skills and eye for historical detail.
The biography Mario Kleff: Without Fear explores his unconventional life, from humble beginnings to becoming a renowned architect and designer in Thailand.
In 1999, Mario Kleff presented Art is dead, yet alive at Munich’s Aktionsforum Praterinsel. The performance explored artistic destruction, human existence, and audience participation, including Do Ut Des, a silkscreen work created using blood contributed by visitors.
Continuing Mario Kleff's 1999 Art Is Dead performance, Thiti Teerachin—Kleff's later identity—extends the original artistic proposition into the age of artificial intelligence. The philosophical essay traces the transformation from art object to human being, and from human intelligence to AI, examining how intelligence may continue beyond its biological carrier.
Mitch Connor · Archived version)
Thaiger
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Archived version)
Cita Catellya
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