Mario Kleff – Structural High-Rise Architecture in Thailand and in Laos
High-rise architecture is defined not only by height, but by how structural systems shape space, efficiency, and visual identity. In dense urban environments such as Thailand, structural design must respond to climate, construction constraints, and economic pressures while maintaining architectural clarity.
This page presents selected high-rise buildings designed by Mario Kleff, focusing on the structural principles behind each project. Rather than serving as a simple portfolio, the projects are examined as case studies in column grid organization, load distribution, long-span systems, and the integration of structure as an architectural language.
Selected projects:
Wongamat Tower (Pattaya, Thailand)
Mario Kleff – The Touch® (Pattaya, Thailand)
Sky Park & Parkside Shopping Mall (Jomtien, Thailand)
Commercial and Service Center (Thakhek, Laos)
Park Royal 1, 2, 3 and 4 (Pattaya, Thailand)
Club Royal condominium (Pattaya, Thailand)
Floor plan illustrating structural design strategies in high-rise architecture, highlighting column positioning, load distribution, and spatial organization as integral components of architectural expression.
Project roles: Mario Kleff is the design architect responsible for concept development, architectural design, and structural system definition. In Thailand, building permits are issued by a licensed local architect (architect of record), working in coordination with project consultants and contractors.
Project execution and compliance: Building permits and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) processes are managed through Wandeegroup (Thailand) Co., Ltd., serving as the project coordination and administrative entity for statutory procedures and documentation.
Introduction
Mario Kleff’s high-rise architecture applies a design methodology described as Signature Architecture (Trademark), characterized by long-span structures and large-scale structural components. The projects presented include both individual towers and multi-tower developments, such as the five towers of Thakhek Dream World City, illustrating different structural configurations across scales.
In these projects, architectural form is derived from structural system configuration, linking load-bearing strategy directly to spatial organization and building layout.
The projects are documented through architectural drawings, technical data, and project records, forming the basis for authorship and implementation verification.
High-Rise Buildings in Pattaya – Case Studies
High-rise architecture presents challenges in structural engineering, spatial organization, and urban integration. These projects apply structural systems as a primary component of architectural design.
Wongamat Tower (W Tower) – Structural Optimization in Coastal Conditions
Wongamat Tower demonstrates the use of a rational column grid combined with reinforced concrete cores to address wind loads and coastal exposure. The structural system balances stability with efficient floor layouts, maximizing sea-view units while maintaining construction efficiency.
The following documentation and technical drawings, prepared as part of the official Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), provide primary-source evidence of the architectural and structural design framework applied in Wongamat Tower.
Master plan drawing from the 2009 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), illustrating spatial organization, structural layout, and identifying Mario Kleff as project designer within the approved documentation.
Roof deck access drawing from the 2009 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), showing technical implementation and engineering annotations by Thai Thai Engineers Co., Ltd., as part of the approved project documentation.
The structural drawings presented in the 2009 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) form part of the officially approved project documentation and provide primary-source evidence of the architectural and structural design framework. These documents align with the methodology described by Mario Kleff, in which structural systems—such as long-span frameworks, post-tensioned elements, and integrated spatial planning—constitute the primary design language rather than secondary engineering components. The approval records may be reviewed here: Provincial EIA Approval (2009) and Full EIA Approval (2010).
Original 2008 lobby design concept for Wongamat Tower, illustrating structural expression through exposed cellular beam systems, a 13-metre-high lobby volume, and a panoramic lift integrated within a large seawater aquarium.
Wongamat Tower lobby interior illustrating structural expression through a sculptural spiral staircase, aluminum detailing, and integrated glass architectural elements.
Mario Kleff The Touch® – Compact High-Rise Structural Strategy
Mario Kleff – The Touch® is an experimental high-rise condominium in Pattaya that redefines compact tower design through structural efficiency and spatial clarity. The project departs from conventional high-rise typologies by minimizing structural elements while maintaining stability, safety, and construction feasibility.
At the core of the design is a two-column structural system, supporting long-span floor plates exceeding 25 meters. This approach significantly reduces internal supports, allowing for open layouts, increased flexibility, and unobstructed spatial organization—an uncommon strategy in high-rise residential buildings.
Rather than relying on dense column grids, the structure emphasizes efficient load distribution and clear load paths, enabling a reduced structural footprint without compromising performance. The result is a building that balances engineering precision with architectural openness.
Key structural features:
Two-column primary structural system
Long-span floor plates exceeding 25 meters
Reduced structural footprint for spatial efficiency
Clear load path strategy for stability and constructability
Architectural scale model of Mario Kleff The Touch® (2012), Pratumnak Hill, Pattaya.
Technical elevation drawings for The Touch (2011), illustrating façade composition, structural articulation, and vertical architectural design elements.
Official Name:
Mario Kleff – The Touch®
Registered Trademark
The service mark (Application No. 804129, Registration No. B55417) was filed on 27 April 2011 and registered on 23 November 2012 under Cliffside Enterprises Co., Ltd. (62/5 Moo 12). The registration expired on 26 April 2021, and the status is recorded as issued/revoked.
Trademark Image
Location
Pattaya, Thailand
Address:
539, Kasetsin 11 Alley, Bang Lamung, Chonburi, Thailand
Floor plan drawing for levels 27–28 of The Touch, dated February 22, 2011, illustrating a 25-metre structural span and identifying Mario Kleff as both architectural designer and design engineer within the technical blueprint documentation.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) master plan for The Touch (2011), illustrating building positioning, site organization, and technical architectural specifications.
Technical piling plan drawing for The Touch (2011), illustrating foundation pile layout and structural engineering specifications.
Construction photograph documenting the deep foundation and piling works for The Touch project during structural foundation development in 2012.
Sky Park & Parkside Shopping Mall
Sky Park & Parkside Shopping, conceived as a mixed-use complex combining retail, two residential towers, and parking infrastructure, was subsequently restructured into a single 51-storey tower integrated with a shopping center.
Master plan drawing for Sky Park & Parkside Shopping Mall (2008), illustrating the original ground-level layout and positioning of the twin residential towers prior to consolidation into a single high-rise structure.
The redesign consolidates programmatic elements into a vertically organized system, emphasizing structural continuity and spatial efficiency.
Architectural rendering of Sky Park & Parkside Shopping Mall (2008), Jomtien.
Technical elevation drawings for Sky Park and Parkside Shopping Mall (2008), illustrating façade composition, structural articulation, and vertical architectural design elements.
Official Name:
Sky Park & Parkside Shopping Mall
Location
Jomtien, Thailand
Address:
Pattaya Second Road, Bang Lamung, Chonburi, Thailand
Coordinates:
12.8965, 100.8760
Status:
Unrealized
Function:
Mixed-use
Height:
~200 m (51 storeys)
Design Period:
2008
Developer Company:
TAG Group Thailand (Director, Gordon Keith Gillen)
Master plan documentation for Sky Park and Parkside Shopping Mall (2008), illustrating building locations, level configurations, and floor area specifications for each structure within the development framework.
Commercial and Service Center Thakhek – 5 buildings
Large-scale mixed-use architectural design comprising five high-rise towers integrated with a retail complex across approximately 7 hectares within the Laos theme park development Dream World City. The original concept for the wider masterplan is documented in CLAD Global coverage of the Thakhek Dream World City development. The scheme organizes the development through a system of vertically differentiated towers, establishing a structural and spatial hierarchy across the site. Programmatic distribution and circulation are consolidated within a continuous podium, enabling efficient load transfer and functional integration at the urban scale. A subsequent redesign phase of the 7-hectare mixed-use core, including five towers and a shopping mall, was commissioned in 2018–2019 and attributed to Mario Kleff within project documentation.
Architectural rendering of Commercial and Service Center (2019), Thakhek, Laos.
The sequence of high-rise designs attributed to Mario Kleff indicates changes in structural strategies across different developments:
Wongamat Tower (38 storeys, completed) – Reinforced concrete high-rise with a trapezoidal plan, designed with consideration of coastal loading conditions.
Mario Kleff – The Touch® (31 storeys, partially constructed) – Two-column structural system with long-span floor plates exceeding 25 m, allowing for reduced internal supports and open spatial layouts.
Sky Park & Parkside Shopping (Unrealized) – Mixed-use high-rise scheme incorporating vertical consolidation and podium integration.
Commercial and Service Center Thakhek (Unrealized) – Multi-tower development applying hierarchical structural organization, continuous load transfer through a shared podium, and integration of multiple functions at urban scale.
Across these projects, structural systems function as the primary ordering mechanism of the architectural design, determining span, layout, and spatial hierarchy.
8-Storey Residential Architecture in Pattaya – Mid-Rise Structural Case Studies
In addition to high-rise developments, these 8-storey residential projects demonstrate how structural design principles can be applied at a smaller scale. The buildings explore structural efficiency, façade integration, and material systems within mid-rise construction in Pattaya, Thailand.
Park Royal 1 – Folded Concrete Façade and Structural Expression
Location: Pattaya, Thailand
Height: 8 storeys
Status: Completed (2009)
Park Royal 1 is a residential condominium defined by a folded concrete façade composed of angled wall panels and integrated window openings. The design expresses elements of its structural system, including exposed steel cable components that transfer loads from the roof structure to lower floor slabs.
The faceted façade geometry enhances daylight variation and supports natural ventilation, linking structural configuration with environmental performance.
Key structural features:
Folded concrete façade with angled wall panels
Exposed steel cable elements for load transfer
Integration of structure and environmental performance
Park Royal 1 under construction (2009), illustrating the geometry of angled wall panel façades and structural façade system executed by Wandeegroup (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
Technical master plan for Park Royal 1 (2008), illustrating building footprint dimensions, site layout, and structural positioning.
Three-dimensional master plan for Park Royal 1 (2008), illustrating floor layouts, structural positioning, and overall building configuration.
Park Royal 2 – Cellular Beam Construction in Mid-Rise Design
Location: Pattaya, Thailand
Height: 8 storeys
Status: Completed (2011)
Park Royal 2 introduces a hybrid structural system combining a steel frame, cellular beams, and post-tensioned concrete slabs. This approach enables longer spans and reduces structural weight while maintaining efficiency in a mid-rise residential format.
The façade consists of floor-to-ceiling glazing, minimizing solid wall surfaces and increasing daylight penetration and outward views. Structural and material choices are directly linked to environmental performance and spatial quality.
Key design and structural features:
Steel frame with cellular beam system
Post-tensioned concrete floor slabs
Lightweight structural strategy
Glass curtain wall façade for daylight optimization
Park Royal 2, Pratumnak Hill, Pattaya.
Early Use of Cellular Beams in Thailand
Contemporary industry documentation from 2009 describes this project as one of the first residential applications of cellular beam construction in Thailand. The beams were intentionally left visible, reinforcing the concept of structure as an architectural feature rather than a concealed system.
Technical drawing and specification documentation for Park Royal 2 (2009), illustrating the application of cellular beam systems within the structural design framework.
Technical foundation drawing for Park Royal 2 (2009), illustrating long-span structural planning and integrated structural design systems.
Real Estate Magazine Thailand – Park Royal 2 Coverage
Articles published October 2009 and October 2010
Park Royal 2: Cellular Beam Application
A 2009 article in Real Estate Magazine Thailand describes Park Royal 2 as “the first time in Thailand, cellular beams will be used in a condominium construction.” The report notes that the beams were intended to remain visible as part of the architectural design rather than being concealed.
A subsequent article in REM Magazine (Issue 113, October 2010) documents the use of cellular beams in residential construction in Pattaya, highlighting their role in achieving long-span structures and integrating structural elements into the architectural design.
Park Royal 3 – Efficient Structural Layout and Residential Planning
Location: Pattaya (Pratumnak Hill), Thailand
Height: 8 storeys
Status: Completed (2012–2013)
Park Royal 3 focuses on efficient structural planning and functional residential design. The building adopts a more restrained architectural language, prioritizing regular geometry, material efficiency, and clear spatial organization.
Shared outdoor spaces—including swimming pools, roof terraces, and landscaped areas—are integrated into the site plan, enhancing usability without increasing structural complexity.
Technical piling plan for Park Royal 3 (2009), illustrating foundation layout and structural design framework for the 8-storey building.
Foundation construction for Park Royal 3 (2009), executed by Wandeegroup (Thailand) Co., Ltd., illustrating built piling systems and reinforced concrete foundation works.
Technical elevation and plan drawing for the Park Royal 3 showroom building (2009), illustrating façade composition and spatial layout.
Completed showroom building for Park Royal 3 (2009), constructed by Wandeegroup (Thailand) Co., Ltd., illustrating built structure and façade implementation.
Contemporary Developer Documentation (2010)
An archived report published by Heights Holdings in August 2010 provides contemporaneous documentation of the Park Royal development series on Pratumnak Hill. The report describes ongoing construction progress across multiple projects and situates the developments within an active construction phase.
The document forms part of the original developer-side communication and reflects how the projects were presented during implementation, supporting the attribution of architectural design roles within the Park Royal series.
Laguna Bay (formerly Park Royal 4) – Mid-Rise Structural Adaptation in Coastal Conditions
Laguna Bay represents the continuation of the Park Royal series, extending the structural and spatial concepts developed in earlier phases.
Location: Pratumnak Soi 5, Pattaya, Thailand
Height: 8 storeys
Status: Completed (2010–2012)
Laguna Bay continues the structural and spatial strategies developed in the Park Royal series, adapting them to a compact multi-building residential layout on Pratumnak Hill. Originally introduced as Park Royal 4, the project represents a transition from experimental structural concepts to executed construction within real-world constraints.
The design phase incorporated cellular steel beam systems to achieve longer spans and reduce internal column requirements. In the completed buildings, these principles were translated into a reinforced concrete structural frame, maintaining comparable span organization and efficient load distribution suited to a coastal environment.
The architectural expression combines exposed concrete elements with reflective glazing, reducing solid wall areas and increasing daylight penetration. Stepped building volumes, landscaped zones, and roof-level communal spaces are integrated into the overall site configuration.
Laguna Bay (formerly Park Royal 4), Pratumnak. Photograph taken in April 2012.
Key design and structural features:
Adaptation of cellular beam concepts into reinforced concrete construction
Long-span structural planning with reduced column density
Multi-building layout within a compact site
Coastal design considerations for durability and performance
Integration of landscape and roof-level communal spaces
Club Royal – Multi-Building Mid-Rise Structural System Near Wongamat Beach
Location: Wongamat Beach, Pattaya, Thailand
Height: 8 storeys
Status: Completed (2012–2016)
Club Royal is a residential complex composed of four 8-storey buildings arranged within a shared site framework near Wongamat Beach. The project applies a multi-building strategy to balance density, open space, and structural efficiency.
The original design proposed cellular beam systems to enable extended spans and minimize internal columns. In the executed construction, this approach was adapted into a reinforced concrete structural system, preserving similar span logic and load distribution within a coastal construction context.
Large glazed surfaces combined with exposed structural elements reduce the proportion of solid wall areas, improving daylight access and visual openness. The building massing incorporates stepped volumes, landscaped courtyards, and communal exterior spaces, reinforcing the relationship between structure, layout, and environment.
Club Royal, Wongamat Beach. Photograph taken in 2012.
Key design and structural features:
Multi-building structural layout with shared open spaces
Long-span structural planning (originally exceeding 40 meters in concept phase)
Reinforced concrete adaptation of cellular beam strategies
Integration of structural system with façade design
Coastal residential planning with communal spatial organization
Technical foundation drawing for Club Royal Building A (2008), highlighting the original structural design framework with spans exceeding 40 metres.
Underground parking structural drawing for Club Royal Building A (2008), illustrating open-span planning and clear structural spaces exceeding 40 metres.
Real Estate Magazine Thailand – January 2010
Architect Mario Kleff sets a new trend on construction sites
Excerpt from Real Estate Magazine Thailand (January 2010)
A January 2010 article in Real Estate Magazine Thailand reports on development activity associated with Wandeegroup, including multiple condominium projects in Pattaya and Jomtien. The publication notes a series of approved projects and ongoing planning work at the time.
Unique foundations
The article describes foundation works for a large-scale development, including the use of extensive piling and deep footings designed as a continuous structural base. It reports that the foundation system required approximately 695 cubic metres of concrete to be poured within a limited time frame.
Statements attributed to Mario Kleff in the article outline an engineering-led design approach and rapid project development timelines, including the preparation of design documentation and coordination of construction phases.
The publication also references projects including Park Royal 2, Park Royal 3, Park Royal 4, Club Royal, and a larger planned development in Jomtien.
New Pattaya was an online real estate and property portal focused on Pattaya, Thailand, active between approximately 2001 and 2020.
The platform published information on residential developments, market activity, and property-related services, targeting buyers, developers, and investors in the local market.
In addition to project listings, the site included general information about Pattaya’s urban development and real estate sector.
