Park Royal 2: Application of Cellular Beam Systems in Thailand (2008–2010)
Mid-Rise Residential Development, Pattaya, Thailand
Park Royal 2, designed by Mario Kleff, is an early example in Thailand of a residential building using a hybrid structural system that integrates cellular steel beams with post-tensioned concrete slabs.
The project is based on a project-specific structural concept developed by Mario Kleff, combining established cellular beam technology with post-tensioned slab construction into a unified architectural and structural system. This approach forms part of a broader body of work in structural high-rise architecture, where long-span systems and reduced column dependency are explored as primary design drivers.
Structural recognition: The system integration and its application in Park Royal 2 were acknowledged in professional correspondence by Dr. Songkiat Matupayont (Civil and Structural Engineer) and Pichet Uthaiwattananonta (Director, Construction Department, Pattaya City Hall).
Structural System and Engineering Approach
Park Royal 2 is cited as an early condominium project in Thailand to utilize a cellular beam structural system paired with post-tensioned concrete slabs, as documented in REM Magazine (Issue 113, 2010) and later referenced in The Thaiger. The system, originally developed by Westok (United Kingdom), is characterized by circular web openings within steel beams—commonly referred to as cellular beams—enabling extended spans and integration of building services, as further described in Benedict et al., 2007. In Park Royal 2, this system was applied in combination with post-tensioned concrete slabs to form a hybrid structural solution.
This approach enabled:
- Extended span capability relative to conventional reinforced concrete construction
- Greater structural depth and stiffness with efficient material use
- Flexible internal planning through reduced column dependency
- Expression of structural elements as part of the architectural language
These principles were further explored in later high-rise concepts such as The Touch.
The system design and its architectural integration are attributed to the project architect Mario Kleff, as referenced in project documentation and supporting professional correspondence. Its application represents an early instance of hybrid steel–concrete span systems in mid-rise residential construction in Thailand.
Professional Recognition and Technical Attribution
The structural approach applied in Park Royal 2 received formal acknowledgment from engineering and municipal authorities in Thailand, as documented in professional correspondence supporting the architect’s licensing and recognition:
- Dr. Songkiat Matupayont confirmed the project as an early application of cellular beam systems in a condominium context and supported professional accreditation for the architect’s professional licensing
- Pichet Uthaiwattananonta, Director of the Construction Department at Pattaya City Hall, issued a formal recommendation recognizing the project’s technical contributions.
English translation (archival transcript)
Date: 15 September 2010
Author: Dr. Songkiat Matupayont, Civil And Structural Engineers Co.,Ltd.
Subject: Certification and recommendation in support of Mr. Mario Kleff
Recommendation letter issued by Dr. Songkiat Matupayont (Civil And Structural Engineers Co.,Ltd.), dated 15 September 2010, in support of Mario Kleff’s application for professional licensing with the Architect Council. The author confirms prior collaboration in structural design and references the integration of a cellular beam steel system in the Park Royal 2 condominium project, described in the document as a first application within that project context.
This statement forms part of a professional assessment submitted to the Architect Council.
English translation (archival transcript)
Date: 10 September 2010
Author: Pichet Uthaiwattananonta, Director of the Construction Department, Pattaya City Hall
Subject: Recommendation in support of Mr. Mario Kleff
Recommendation letter issued by Pichet Uthaiwattananonta, Director of the Construction Department, Pattaya City Hall, in support of Mario Kleff’s academic application. The author confirms professional familiarity with the architect’s work in Thailand, including advisory roles in architectural and structural design.
The document references residential projects including Park Royal 2 and describes the application of cellular beam systems as an early implementation within this context.
Architectural Design and Material Expression
The original design proposed a transparent façade system, incorporating vertically continuous glazing intended to expose the structural frame and maximize daylight penetration. During construction, this approach was modified, and the executed façade incorporated more conventional concrete slab elements with reduced glazing coverage.
Interior layouts retained elements of the original design intent, including the use of glass partitions and layered wall assemblies to balance daylight access, acoustic separation, and thermal performance.
Development Context
The project forms part of a group of developments in Pattaya in which cellular beam systems and long-span structural solutions were explored. Earlier applications by the same architect include Wongamat Tower, while later developments such as Sun Diego Resort Villa Pattaya (also known as Lieb Tang Rodfai Villas) extend these structural principles into low-rise residential and hospitality architecture.
Construction
Construction was carried out by Wandeegroup Thailand. The implementation required coordination between imported structural concepts and local construction practices, including adaptation to Thai building standards and site conditions.
Implementation required coordination between architectural design intent and structural engineering execution, in collaboration with local engineering teams.
Design Principles
The design incorporates proportional systems informed by the Golden Ratio, applied to spatial organization, façade composition, and internal layout relationships. This approach aligns with the broader design principle of structure as a primary architectural expression, in which load-bearing elements are not concealed but articulated as defining components of the building’s form (Structure is Design). Within this framework, proportional order and structural clarity are interrelated, supporting both spatial efficiency and visual coherence. The project may also be understood within the context of a consistent authorial design approach, where structural systems, material selection, and geometric composition contribute to a recognizable architectural language (Signature and Trademark Architecture).
Attribution
The project represents a collaboration between architect, developer, contractor, and regulatory authorities. Attribution is based on documented roles in design, development, and construction.
In Thailand, architectural drawings submitted for permitting are required to be signed by a locally licensed architect. Consequently, the signatory on official construction documents may differ from the design author in cases involving foreign architects. For Park Royal 2, design authorship is attributed to Mario Kleff based on project documentation, including drawings bearing authorial identification and associated design materials.