The Ground Bangkok: Neighbourhood Shared Backyard by Kernel Design

INTRODUCTION & CONTEXT
“The Ground Bangkok” represents a new common space for the neighborhood. Designed by a landscape agency KERNEL DESIGN, the project provides a vibrant and inclusive space in the heart of this community. Located on Pradit Manutham Road, a major route in Bangkok, the front of the project faces a 10-meter-wide road plus a public footpath 5-meter running and bicycle lane with canopy trees. This project has become a new popular green space for locals, as the nearest public park, Suan Wachiraphon, is 7 kilometers away.

The project shares an internal road with the neighboring private apartments, allowing both communities to access and use the space seamlessly. Within a 5-kilometer radius, the area consists mainly of housing estates positioning The Ground Bangkok as an ideal shared public space in residential area.

A NEIGHBORHOOD SHARED BACKYARD
Adjacent to a public road and private apartments, the project functions as a “Backyard” for the neighborhood. Serving people in the morning, during lunchtime, after work and at weekends, welcoming whoever passes by, e.g. joggers, cyclists, who regularly use the public footpath and bike lane along Pradit Manutham Road at the front of the site. The space is not fenced off, emphasizing a sense of openness and welcoming with lush garden.

The vision behind The Ground Bangkok is to create a dynamic community hub that supports life throughout the day from morning runs, quiet lunch getaways, to evening meetups, and weekend retreats. It accommodates a wide range of users and activities.

SITE OVERVIEW
Total Area: 3,330 sq.m.
Parking: 90 cars
Number of Zones: 5
Main Feature: Heart-Shaped Sunken Garden (800 sq.m)

The five zones reflect the unique characteristics of each retail space, connected through the central Heart-Shaped Sunken Garden, to visualize it easily, imagine a heart-shaped sunken garden connecting all four retail units together.

Zone 1 HEART-SHAPED SUNKEN GARDEN: Shared Function, Nature, Accessibility
This zone, located at the center of the project, is designed to share three key elements within one space: Function, Nature, and Accessibility.”

Starting with Function, the sunken garden acts as a versatile backyard and multipurpose event space, accommodating up to 200 people for weddings, creative markets, and recreational seating areas. This flexible space serves as a central gathering space for the community.

The second element is Nature. This sunken garden is home to over 80 species of plants and 51 trees, which work together to reduce CO₂ emissions, improve air quality, and support local biodiversity. Trees such as Pine, Shore Eugenia, Indian Oak, and Brush Bottle Tree provide shade and help create a cooler microclimate, especially beneficial during sunny afternoons.

The final element is Accessibility. The garden is sunken 90 cm. below ground level with a universal 1:12 sloped pathway with pocket seating areas meandering through lush plantings allowing everyone to access the garden space fully. In addition, tranquil corten steel water rills, positioned alongside the pathway, serve as a special visual element hidden in the greenery and emits soothing pink noise, enhancing relaxation for visitors.

Zone 2 CINCIN brunch café: A cozy vibrant curve
This is the second zone of the project and the first zone visitors encounter upon entering the site. This area features a geometric curved building that integrates a series of semi-outdoor dining areas arranged in rhythmic, repeating curves. The interplay of large and small arches creates a sense of movement and harmony, guiding the eye along the space while offering intimate pockets for seating. Surrounded by lush greenery, the curved structures not only provide a unique visual identity but also a calming, nature-infused dining experience. The design successfully balances form and function merging aesthetics with usability in a refreshing outdoor setting.

The planting concept for this zone is “Vibrant Plants,” carefully chosen to refresh visitors and create a cheerful, lively atmosphere. A variety of colorful and lush plants are used to evoke energy, while buffer trees are thoughtfully placed around the area to reduce the impact of air and noise pollution from the nearby main road. For the pavement, brick is used to evoke a cozy, warm feeling reminiscent of a welcoming Thai home, adding to the overall sense of comfort and intimacy in the space.

Zone 3 MAWARI JAPANESE RESTAURANT: A quiet, green retreat
The Japanese restaurant MAWARI, located on the right side of the Heart-Shaped Sunken Garden, the third zone of the project. The surrounding landscape is designed with tropical plants in various shades of green and layered compositions ranging from ground cover to medium-sized shrubs and small-mid trees in a narrow-shaded space. Natural slate stone is also used throughout the space to reinforce a calm and tranquil atmosphere, inspired by modern Japanese aesthetic.

Zone 4 BEAN BOYS COFFEE: Sunlight and Shade
The fourth zone is located next to the Japanese restaurant, a coffee shop situated on the north side of the site project. As this area receives sunlight throughout the day, large trees are planted to provide shade and filter the sunlight, ensuring that the outdoor seating area in front of the café remains comfortable all day long. This allows visitors to enjoy their coffee while taking in the view of the lush garden surrounding the Heart-Shaped Sunken Garden.

Zone 5 TURAZ BAR: Nighttime Discovery
The last zone is Turaz Bar, a hidden bar located between CINCIN brunch café and Bean Boys coffee shop. This area only opens at night, so the project can welcome visitors both during the day and in the evening. Ivy plants are used to cover the building, matching the idea of a secret, hidden bar.

THE GROUND FOR ALL
The Ground redefines what a neighborhood green space can be functioning not just as a visual feature, but as a shared backyard for the community. Designed to be open, inclusive, and inviting, it supports a range of daily activities, from quiet morning walks and casual coffee breaks to lively weekend markets and evening gatherings.

The landscape integrates vibrant plants, shaded seatings, and pet-friendly areas, creating a place where people and their companions can comfortably spend quality time together. More than just a space to pass through, The Ground encourages connection, rest, and return, becoming a meaningful part of everyday life for those who live nearby.

• All landscape architecture offices involved in the design of landscape:
Landscape Architect agency: KERNEL DESIGN

• All architecture offices involved in the design:
Architect agency: FATT STUDIO
Interior Architect agency: PARADIGM SHIFT +

• Other credits:
Landscape Contractor agency: ARNA LANDSCAPE
Photography: PANORAMIC STUDIO

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