Loft, Duplex, Moff, Vertiplex and more. Confused? Lazudi’s guide to this growing property trend in Bangkok.
Developer’s in Bangkok are increasingly integrating ‘Loft’ type units into their projects, offering this as an alternative to traditional layouts and increasing the variety of units to consumers. ‘Loft’ is a styling term, creatively exploited to differentiate their products from competitors. There are however fundamental characteristics, let’s explore the history and subtilties.
Rich History of Lofts
Loft apartments emerged in 1960s New York City, they are within a building that was originally built for industrial, warehouse, or commercial use that has since been converted to residential occupancy. These buildings were converted to inexpensive residences for artists, who could live and work in the raw space. They often have distinct architectural features such as high ceilings, large open spaces, exposed brick, large windows, and iron or wood columns.
Bangkok is still going through a new development boom period, with emphasis on new buildings and construction, with commercial conversions less common than more established markets. One of the breakthrough projects in Bangkok which first took this architectural concept was 2018’s The Lofts Asoke by Raimonland. The project featured striking double-height windows and large open plan living spaces directly inspired by those from the New York scene.
More developers are following suit particularly since 2019 and moving further away from the traditional open concept, with more miniature designs becoming more prevalent.
Loft units at The Lofts Asoke by Raimonland
Types of Lofts:
Broken down into 2 main groups:
‘Loft’, this typically features a large open plan space with high ceilings with a mezzanine level. Typically, the mezzanine level has a lower height than the ground floor, on average the combined height is 4.5M.
Title deeds only contain the groundfloor space, offering ‘free’ mezzanine sqm space. Developers often refer to ‘total useable space’ which includes both levels. A bedroom is typically located on the mezzanine floor and can be sealed with glass or left open. Some Lofts feature basic plumbing on the mezzanine however this is uncommon.
Developers have put their own spin on naming their lofts, but all share these similar qualities:
Origin: Duo-space
Siamese Assett: Moff
AP: Vertiplex
Noble: Fullplex
Risland, Sena, Rich: Loft
Ananda: Hybrid
A ‘Duplex’, this is a unit covering whole 2 floors, usually accessible with doors from both levels. A single storey apartment is called a ‘simplex’.
A duplex benefits from no compromised second floor height. They also typically feature full plumbing on both floors. Duplex’s don’t necessarily have to feature a large open plan living space either, similar to a traditional 2 storey house.
A duplex unit at the Residence at Mandarin Oriental Bangkok over two whole floors with access to both floors by elevator or service corridor:
Brand New Project with Lofts to Watch
Completion: Q1 2024
- Latest central location high-rise launch from one of Bangkok’s most popular and reputable developers: AP
- 450m from MRT Queen Sirikit
- Huge rental potential for developing Rama 4 & Lumphini areas: One Bangkok, Medpark Hospital, The Parq, Dusit Central, FYI centre & Midtown Samyam
- Features multiple unit plan options including ‘Vertiplex’ loft style units
- Exceptional views over Benjakitti Park & Bangkrachao River
- Starting price 4.3M THB
2 bed Vertiplex ‘lofts’ at Life Rama 4-Asoke
