Last month, famed design firm YOO revealed a desire to further its expansion in Southeast Asia. The company plans on opening a Bangkok HQ to support its efforts. The move makes sense as the region has a strong demand for branded residences.
“We have considered opening an office for quite some time in Bangkok as it’s the hub of Southeast Asia,” Andrew Pang, Asia-Pacific Managing Director at YOO, stated. “Being here in the market is critically important for us to grow.”
YOO, which boasts 13 percent of total branded-residence projects in the world, designs rooms and common areas in condos, co-working spaces and hotels. Developers then parlay these efforts by attaching the YOO name to their project. This can increase demand from the public while also creating a higher price.
“We believe our approach to design will resonate in this regional market,” James Snelgar, YOO’s head of international business development, said. “We expect huge business growth in the next five to 10 years as we expand into other spaces like hotels and co-living spaces.”
The expansion allows YOO to raise its profile in the region, but it already has a solid number of projects here. Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines are among the countries where YOO has at least one condominium development.
The YOO portfolio in Southeast Asia
The design outfit’s most notable Southeast Asia project to date is Khun By YOO Condominium Thong Lo. Developer Sansiri tabbed YOO to help add an extra level of luxury to this Bangkok project. The most notable feature at the 27-story tower is the copper core running through the heart of the building. There are also flashes of raw concrete throughout the condo and a specially crafted façade that exudes an elegant and luxurious appearance.
Khun By YOO is slated for completion in late 2019 or early in 2020, but the project has already made waves. It is the price per-square-metre record holder for Bangkok’s posh Thong Lor neighbourhood.
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In Malaysia, work has begun on YOO 8. The luxury condominium is being developed by KSK Group and one of the key selling points are the project’s views of the iconic PETRONAS Towers.
From a design standpoint, the use of marbles and raw concrete with brass offers a new take on vertical living, creating beautiful residential spaces in the process. The upscale residential development also promises well-designed communal areas and amenities.
YOO also has a presence in the Philippines with its work on Iguazu by YOO. Respected developer Century Properties is partnering with the design house to curate a project inspired by the Iguazu Falls in South America. A waterfall pool and wet lounge are just a few of the carefully designed amenities put in place to support this theme.
Units in Iguazu by YOO feature a palette utilising nature, culture and minimal colours as residences embrace the sights of the Iguazu Falls. The condominium is located just outside of Makati and provides easy access to the city’s CBD.