Wongamat Tower – Copyright, Authorship and Design Ownership
Wongamat Tower (also known as Wong Amat Tower or W-Tower) is a completed high-rise building in Pattaya, Thailand, developed by Heights Holdings Co. Ltd. The project’s architectural and structural design approach aligns with the principles of structural high-rise architecture, where engineering systems form an integral part of the design expression.
The architectural concept and design development are attributed to Mario Kleff, as defined in a 2008 Architectural Design Agreement.
This page documents the project’s design authorship, development timeline, contractual framework, and publicly available project records.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
The Wongamat Tower project received regional approval in 2009 (B.E. 2552) at the Chonburi Provincial Hall. You may review the official documentation here: Wongamat Tower Provincial EIA Approval (Chonburi Provincial Hall, December 21, 2552).
The project subsequently received full EIA approval in Bangkok from the Environmental Department of Thailand in 2010 (B.E. 2553). View the approval documentation here: Wongamat Tower Full EIA Approval (Environmental Department Thailand, 2553).
Architectural Design and Commission
The architectural design of Wongamat Tower is attributed to Mario Kleff, acting as lead architect of Wandeegroup (Thailand) Co. Ltd.
Heights Holdings commissioned Mario Kleff to design Wongamat Tower under a formal Architectural Design Agreement dated 30 June 2008.[1] The agreement authorized the development of a comprehensive architectural concept, including detailed engineering and design solutions for the high-rise project.
The project encompasses a total construction area of approximately 29,500 sq.m., situated on land described in three title deeds with a combined area of 2 rai, 1 ngan, and 50 square wah.
Under the terms of the agreement, Mario Kleff was responsible for the overall architectural concept, master planning, and complete architectural and engineering documentation.
Note on roles: In Thailand, building permit documentation must be signed by a locally licensed architect (architect of record). Mario Kleff acted as the originating design architect, responsible for the architectural concept, design development, and structural systems, in collaboration with licensed Thai architects and contractors.
Scope of Work
- Concept and master plan
- Complete architectural and engineering blueprints
- Detailed CGI presentations (exterior and interior)
- Architectural scale model
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) documentation
- Building permit documentation
Regulatory Framework
Within the Thai regulatory framework, architectural projects may involve multiple design contributors. For building permit approval, submitted drawings must be signed and certified by a locally licensed architect. This certification relates to regulatory compliance and approval procedures and does not, by itself, define authorship of the architectural design.
Authorship is documented in contemporaneous project materials, including architectural models, EIA documentation, and development records.
Contractual Confirmation (2011 Agreement)
The role is contractually referenced in the Agreement to Change Designs and Plans for W Tower / Wongamat Tower (2011).[2] The agreement states that Mario Kleff is to be represented as the building designer and architect in future publications and documentation (Section 4), including following the design modifications outlined in Sections 5.1 and 5.2.
Contemporaneous Publication (June 2011)
A contemporaneous publication by Heights Holdings (June 2011) describes the engagement of newly contracted Bangkok-based architectural, landscape, and interior design teams working on Wong Amat Tower during the development phase.
The publication presents design updates and project development in the context of these newly engaged teams, with emphasis on construction-phase and marketing presentation.
No reference is made to earlier architectural authorship within this publication.
Authorship and Copyright
Authorship and design attribution of Wongamat Tower are documented in contractual agreements, project materials, and contemporaneous sources. The architectural design constitutes an architectural work within the scope of protection under applicable copyright law, including the provisions of the พระราชบัญญัติลิขสิทธิ์ พ.ศ. 2537 (Copyright Act B.E. 2537). The scope, ownership, and enforcement of such rights remain subject to the applicable contractual framework and law.
A detailed overview of the architectural design, spatial configuration, and technical specifications is available here: Wongamat Tower architectural design, construction timeline, and project documentation.
References
[1] Architectural Design Agreement Wongamat Tower (2008)↩
[2] Agreement to Change Designs and Plans for W Tower / Wongamat Tower (2011)↩
About the Architect
Mario Kleff is a German architect associated with high-rise residential projects. His work has been described in relation to the principle of “Structure is Design.”
Development Timeline
The development of Wongamat Tower progressed through the following key stages:
- 2008: Design of the Wongamat Tower showroom commenced.
- 2011: Development of Wongamat Tower began, with construction starting in Pattaya, Thailand.
- 2014: The 38-storey residential tower reached its full height and was topped out.
- 2015: Wongamat Tower was completed and delivered as a residential high-rise condominium.
Contemporaneous Attribution (Archived Source)
An archived listing from Pattaya Condo Guide dated November 29, 2010 states that W-Tower in Wong Amat was “designed by acclaimed architect-designer Mario Kleff of the Wandeegroup,” indicating public attribution during the project’s development phase.
A report published by Der Farang (2013) describes the emergence of high-rise developments in Wong Amat as a transformation toward a “Klein-Manhattan am Golf von Thailand” (“Little Manhattan on the Gulf of Thailand”), within which Wongamat Tower is identified among prominent developments shaping the skyline.
An archived report from New Pattaya (2014) describes Wong Amat Tower as designed by architect Mario Kleff, referring to him as a “world famous architect” in the context of the project’s marketing phase.
The following provides a concise reference overview of the completed building and project specifications.
Project Overview and Key Data
- Official Name: Wongamat Tower
- Alternative Names: Wong Amat Tower; W-Tower
- Building Type: Residential condominium
- Status: Completed
- Location: Pattaya, Chon Buri, Thailand
- Address: Na Kluea 223/9 Moo 5 Soi 16, Bang Lamung
- Developer: Heights Holdings Co Ltd
- Project Page (Since 2012): www.wongamattowerpattaya.com
- Architectural firm: Wandeegroup (Thailand) Co Ltd
- Lead Architect / Design Author: Mario Kleff
Technical Specifications
- Height: 131 metres
- Floors: 38
- Residential Units: 361
- Structural System: Post-tensioned concrete
- Primary Material: Reinforced concrete
- Vertical Transport: High-speed elevators
- Main Contractor: Lock-BUILD Group
Facilities
- Rooftop infinity swimming pool
- Ground-level infinity-edge pool
- Fitness centre with spa and sauna
- Dedicated above-ground parking structure
Summary
Wongamat Tower was designed under an architectural agreement dated 30 June 2008, with subsequent contractual confirmation in 2011.
The project’s architectural authorship is documented through design materials, contractual agreements, and contemporaneous sources, forming a consistent record of the project’s origin and development.
Architectural Works under Thai Copyright Law
Under the Thai Copyright Act, architectural works are classified as artistic works, including drawings, plans, and models. Protection generally extends:
- For an individual author: 50 years after death
- For multiple authors: 50 years after the last surviving author
Both the design documentation and the constructed building form part of the protected architectural work.
References on Thai Copyright Law
- Wikimedia Commons. Copyright rules by territory: Thailand. Retrieved March 31, 2026.
- พระราชบัญญัติลิขสิทธิ์ พ.ศ. 2537 (Copyright Act B.E. 2537). Retrieved March 31, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the architect of Wongamat Tower?
The architectural design is attributed to Mario Kleff based on contractual documentation and contemporaneous sources.
Who developed Wongamat Tower?
The project was developed by Heights Holdings Co. Ltd.
Is the design of Wongamat Tower protected by copyright?
Yes. The architectural design constitutes an architectural work protected under applicable copyright law.