Construction Update
As published in The Phuket Gazette

Stylish new apartments in Chalong

The Pier, located next to Chalong Bay, is under construction and a two-bedroom show apartment is expected to be opened in March.

Twenty "ultra-chic" apartments and four penthouse suites with private roof decks will sit on a plot of nearly two rai. Construction began in October of 2006 and is expected to be completed by October of 2007.

One of several Richmond Group projects, the four-story development will include a beachside cafe, jazz bar, roof-top cocktail bar, gym and spa - all with views of Chalong Bay.

The apartments were designed by internationally-renowned architect Sim Boon Young of Eco ID Architect and Design in Singapore. The concept was to create an environment of relaxation in an open-air living space.

"The quality of the design and the ultimate finish will be unmatched," Richmond Group Sales Executive Nathanial Bibby told the Gazette.

Mr Bibby added that the apartments are designed to accentuate the views of Chalong Bay through the use of glass and an open floor plan. "The decking and the swimming pool area flow directly onto the beachfront. As such, the views to the ocean and outlaying islands will be completely uninterrupted."

All the units will range from 80 square meters to 160sqm, each with a balcony facing the bay. Prices will range from 10 to 35 million baht. A furniture package, if desired, can be added to the purchase.

"We chose the location here because of the view and the beachfront, which allows for a 24-meter-long swimming pool and sea views from all the residences, as well as for the popularity of the Chalong area. The customer attraction here is our location, the sea view, the convenience and quality of our facilities, and from some points of view, of investment.

Deck, pool, ocean - the right combination.

"When buying a property from the Richmond Group, each buyer will receive a Richmond Privilege Card providing access to all of our facilities around the island," said Mr Bibby.

The open-air apartments accommodate the sea breeze and are carefully designed to provide views of the beach and the sea. White-washed walls, white-stained furniture and raw timber floorboards set the mood. Diaphanous drapes dress the large window openings.

"The design will flow like an artist's studio, with all the doors sliding open so the breeze can pass through," Mr Bibby added.

The target groups for the project are young professionals from Hong Kong, Singapore and Dubai and older people seeking retirement homes.

The complex will consist of four floors. On the ground floor there are eight 80-sqm units with one bedroom and one bathroom. The second floor will have two of the 80-sqm units and four 120-sqm units with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The third floor will have four of the 120-sqm units and one larger 160-sqm unit with three bedrooms and three bathrooms.

The fourth floor will have four 120-sqm units each with two bedrooms with a roof sala and two bathrooms and one larger 160-sqm unit with three bedrooms, a roof sala and three bathrooms.

The fourth floor units all will have penthouses and roof access. These will be a lift to access each floor.

"All the Richmond group projects have the best quality and materials. Our company motto is 'the finest property in the finest location'. We want to provide the best possible quality," Mr Bibby said.