PTTLNG Nong Fab by TK Studio

PTTLNG: Harmonizing Industry with Nature

PTTLNG has developed a receiving terminal along the Nong Fab shoreline near Rayong’s industrial estate. Spanning 21.6 hectares, the terminal handles LNG transfer, storage, and regasification. An additional 8.1 hectares is used for the office zone. Reflecting its commitment to sustainability, PTTLNG incorporates green design and environmental measures throughout the project to minimize ecological impact.

The office zone was originally part of a degraded swamp, once home to Fab—a native plant species that nearly vanished due to landfilling and levelling. In response, PTTLNG preserved the remaining swamp and initiated biodiversity restoration. Office buildings and hardscapes were elevated to avoid further disruption, while part of the swamp was excavated into a retention pond with riparian edges. This created conditions for Fab regeneration and reintroduced other local species.

Sustainable Landscape Design
The landscape design of the office zone prioritizes nature-based solutions, aiming to minimize waste, conserve resources, and foster a sustainable work environment. This approach addresses environmental concerns while enhancing the campus and surrounding areas’ overall well-being.

Central to the design is a reverse waste management system implemented across the site. Rather than discharging waste and excess water into the sea, the system captures, treats, and reuses resources within its own ecosystem. The system handles runoff from the office and operation zones through these methods:
• Runoff Collection and Treatment: Runoff from the zones is filtered through bio-swales, which clean and absorb excess water. The treated water is stored in a retention pond for irrigation use.
• Retention Pond as a Habitat Restoration Area: The retention pond serves multiple purposes, including stormwater management, ecological restoration, and habitat support. It mitigates flooding risks and provides a safe haven for local flora and fauna.
• Eco-Forest and Carbon Sequestration: An eco-forest surrounds the office zone, restoring native plant species and functioning as a natural carbon sink to reduce the site’s environmental footprint.

In addition, PTTLNG employs innovative methods to optimize energy use and reduce emissions. The LNG regasification process generates excess chilled air, typically discharged into the sea as chilled water. PTTLNG repurposes this cooled air for building cooling systems and creates a temperate climate in a dome where flowering plants flourish year-round. This not only adds natural beauty but also serves as an educational demonstration of sustainable environmental practices.

A Multi-Functional, Eco-Friendly Space
The landscape design integrates recreational areas, environmental management, and educational opportunities into a unified, eco-friendly space:
• Detention Lawn: Behind the main building lies a multi-purpose recreational space for employees. This serene lawn also functions as a stormwater management feature, slowing runoff absorption during the rainy season to prevent flooding and maintain the natural water cycle.
• Green Roof: The office building’s green roof provides thermal insulation, mitigates the urban heat island effect, and supports the growth of native grasses. It also offers an additional habitat for wildlife, enhancing on-site biodiversity.
• Public Educational Spaces: Some indoor office areas and outdoor nature trails are open to the public, offering educational opportunities on energy, environmental conservation, and local ecology. Informational signage along the trails provides insights into local plants and their ecotones.
• Temperate Flower Dome: Utilizing the repurposed chilled air from LNG regasification, the flower dome showcases an array of plants that thrive in cooler climates, providing visitors with a unique sensory experience.

A Model for an Eco-Friendly Industry
After five years of development, nature has been gradually restored, with Fab thriving once again alongside other native species. Animals have also returned, contributing to a rich and diverse ecosystem. This success highlights how industrial facilities can integrate sustainability into their core design principles.

PTTLNG’s efforts have drawn public attention, showcasing how industrial operations can contribute positively to environmental conservation. The project symbolizes how industry and nature can coexist harmoniously, proving that development does not need to come at the expense of the natural world. Thoughtful planning, collaboration with nature, and sustainable technologies enable industrial operations to actively support ecological regeneration.

PTTLNG demonstrates that economic growth and environmental conservation can progress hand in hand, improving community well-being and protecting the planet. By harmonizing industrial activity with nature, PTTLNG creates a model for other industries to emulate in achieving both economic and ecological sustainability.

• All landscape architecture offices involved in the design of landscape:
Tk studio

• All architecture offices involved in the design:
A49

• Other credits:
IA49, AE49, ME49, LD49 and CM49
Dr. Anong Chanamool, Assistant Professor Dr.Angsana Boonyobhas

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PTTLNG Receiving Terminal II