One of the more refreshing things to hear from a developer in an avaricious housing market is the use of more eco-friendly materials to combat global warming.

Vathana Paradorachai, deputy CEO of Radisson Hotel Group, which is building the 1,500-unit Green Ninth condominium estate, said his firm took into account what it had learnt from 20 years in running a hotel, that is to take environmental issues seriously.

"We have received letters from our foreign guests warning us about the use of teak wood and other hardwoods, as using them contributes to deforestation," he said. It is obvious that the hotter climate in Bangkok and the country today is a result of deforestation, he said, adding that developers should do their bit to lessen the dangers.

Green Ninth will use wood-like materials made from artificial composites, Vathana said as he led a tour of the company's showroom units at its 18-rai site off Rama IX Road in Bangkok, next to the RCA entertainment centre.

Like a good hotelier, Vathana knows some of the best advice comes from guests. Being ahead of locals in green issues, they are more aware of global warming and the disastrous impact it will have on the planet, perhaps in less than 10 years from now.

While Green Ninth's contribution appears a mere blip in the overall industry, it is nevertheless a progressive move.

Green Ninth itself aims at tapping the middle market with smaller apartment units ranging from 25 to 74 square metres. Its studios are smaller than those offered by its rivals such as iHouse, which recently built an estate nearby.

But Green Ninth offers more choices of units. Granted that iHouse spent much more on making the interiors look smart, but Green Ninth has tried its best not to look too tardy in its furniture provisions.

While iHouse sports spectacular views of the elevated expressway that veers close by the estate at two corners of its compound, Green Ninth is tucked away inside - farther from the road. It is near a temple, a power-grid station and a makeshift marketplace.

The mock-up units at the site are expected to be ready for viewing today. They contain four different designs. The developer will provide one free air-conditioner per unit.

Phase I, which is currently being launched, will offer 782 units in eight buildings, while a second phase will construct another four buildings housing 764 units.

The company had recently obtained the mandatory approval for its EIA (environmental impact assessment) study and a Bt100-million loan from TMB Bank. About 100 piles have been driven in the ground, with hundreds more expected to be completed before the year's end.

The first phase is expected to be finished by the end of next year, in slightly more than 12 months.

The location, while being central, is not close to mass-transit stations. The nearest subway connection is two kilometres away by foot.

Itthi C Tan

The Nation