The mega-operational system consists of three built zones. First is a set of floating breakwaters in the sea, located 20km from the shoreline. Second is a sediment trap system integrated with ecological trail and clam embryo shelter on the shoreline. Third is an ecological trail connecting to crab embryo shelter and observatory tower in the inland area.
This project proposes an integrated response to the urgent threats of coastal erosion and ecosystem degradation in the Northern Gulf of Thailand, aiming to restore natural defences while supporting sustainable local livelihoods through fishing and ecotourism.
By Dolathep Chetty - Architects 49 House Design Limited, Bangkok, Thailand
This project proposes an integrated response to the urgent threats of coastal erosion and ecosystem degradation in the Northern Gulf of Thailand, aiming to restore natural defences while supporting sustainable local livelihoods through fishing and ecotourism.
Project authors
Architects 49 House Design Limited
Thailand
In recent decades, population growth, intensive tourism, aquaculture, and industrial activity have led to the progressive degradation of Thailand’s coastline. In Khlong Dan municipality, a government-implemented rock-fill dam designed to combat erosion has instead severely disrupted the local marine ecosystem. Research has shown that mangrove forests provide the most effective natural buffer against coastal erosion—prompting this project’s goal: to reclaim and re-establish mangrove ecosystems in the region.
The strategy is built around three interconnected missions:
The mega-operational system consists of three built zones. First is a set of floating breakwaters in the sea, located 20km from the shoreline. Second is a sediment trap system integrated with ecological trail and clam embryo shelter on the shoreline. Third is an ecological trail connecting to crab embryo shelter and observatory tower in the inland area.
Together, these interventions form a cohesive mega-operational system across three zones: offshore, shoreline, and inland.
Each micro-scale intervention is designed to operate both as ecological infrastructure and as context-sensitive architecture, working together to restore environmental balance while enhancing the interconnected lives of people, animals, and nature.
Architects 49 House Design Limited
Thailand
This very complete and detailed proposal addresses the critical environmental issue of coastal erosion in Thailand through a convincing multi-layered and multi-scale design. The project shows a careful analysis of the site and a thoughtful integration of environmental technologies into the landscape and architectural design.
The Holcim Foundation Awards jury Asia Pacific particularly appreciated the scientific-driven approach where high- and low-tech elements are interspersed, leading ultimately to an almost poetic atmosphere.
The ecological reclamation process starts from the reduction of wave intensity by constructing eighty triangular units of floating breakwater connecting as a line, located 2km away in the sea. Three lines of bamboo trap, building layer by layer, along the shoreline helps absorbing wave energy and trapping sediment for mangrove afforestation. The shrimp farm ridges are gradually demolished, allowing seawater to go through the inland. Natural water flow helps preventing water pollution. Reforestation process then begins on the abandoned shrimp farms. Once the forest grows, the afforestation process can be done along the shoreline where sediments have been returned. Within the next 30 years, when mangrove forests become a natural buffer, floating breakwaters can be removed from the coastal ecology.
The galvanized trusses form a triangular unit of floating breakwater in the sea, which is best form absorbing wave energy. The structure of the pontoon with metal grille and net increases friction forces of the waves. Without a foundation and disassembling structure, the impact on marine ecology is minimal. It is also used as a fish cage and trap as well as shelters for fishermen. A zigzag ecological trail made from bamboo acts as layers of sediment trap on the shoreline. It connects to a clam embryo shelter which is a mangrove-wood wedge and disassembling structure. To minimize footing, 60-degree columns to the ground that mimics bracing roots of mangrove are used with a wide-span cable structure. The biodegradable materials allow architecture to decompose and be a part of nature in 30 years.
The decreasing number of aquatic animals in the sea has affected the productivity of local fisheries. This is a consequence of the absence of mangrove forests which has an impact on the animal life cycle in the ecosystem. Hence, clam and mangrove-crab shelters are built to culture embryos and return them back to nature. This operation helps to complete the food chain in the coastal ecology yielding sustainability for local fisheries in the long term. Besides, the outdoor terrace inspired by local “sun-dried krill litter “can be used as a relaxing space for fishermen and tourists. Ecological trail and observatory tower enabling biodiversity experiences together with vernacular architecture are parts of eco-tourism promotion in this area, which will ultimately stimulate the local economy.
Media Release
Zurich, Switzerland
Mangrove Recovery in Thailand – Project Video
Mangrove Recovery in Thailand – Project Video
Mangrove Recovery in Thailand – Author Comment
Mangrove Recovery in Thailand – Author Comment
