In 2018, architect Mario Kleff proposed an ambitious rehabilitation and elderly care facility to the Chulabhorn Research Institute, under the oversight of Major General or Air Vice-Marshal Dr. Santi Srisermphoak at the time. Planned for Nakhon Ratchasima Province, the project was set to redefine sustainable and holistic healthcare environments. However, as of 2020, the initiative has been put on hold.
Spanning 28 hectares, the rehabilitation and elderly care center was designed as a fully integrated wellness community, featuring a water canal accross the facility and a lake, public buildings, bridges, a hotel, a library, an indoor-outdoor sports stadium, spa and meditation areas, restaurants, and dedicated spaces for religious contemplation. More than 80 private villas were included to ensure a serene and inclusive living environment.
An additional 11 hectares were designated for a state-of-the-art hospital and administration buildings, reinforcing the project’s focus on comprehensive medical and rehabilitative care. Sustainability was at the core of the concept, incorporating a zero-waste approach throughout the site. Only electric vehicles were to be allowed, with ample e-charging stations provided to ensure the smooth operation of the community’s transport.
One of the most innovative aspects of the project was its emphasis on creating a dynamic community where the elderly could remain active and engaged. The concept aimed to integrate elderly residents into the community by allowing them to work and produce items for sale in on-site shops. This approach was designed to encourage autonomy, creativity, and a sense of purpose. Additionally, the community was open to tourists, with the goal of creating a lively, vibrant environment where visitors and residents could interact and contribute to the overall atmosphere.
The architectural design blended traditional Thai elements with modern aesthetics, particularly in the central welcome building, envisioned as the heart of the development. Despite its current suspension, Kleff’s proposal remains a visionary blueprint for future sustainable healthcare and wellness communities in Thailand.
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