Mrigadayavan Palace
Ercole Manfredi · Phetchaburi, Thailand · 1924
Mrigadayavan Palace is a seaside royal retreat composed of raised timber pavilions linked by long covered walkways. Italian architect Ercole Manfredi worked with the court of King Rama VI to combine Western planning and construction with Thai roof forms, lightweight materials and strong climatic responsiveness. The elevated floors encourage ventilation and protect the buildings from damp ground, while the linear galleries frame views toward gardens and the Gulf of Thailand. Painted timber, rhythmic columns and delicate details give the large complex an unexpectedly light presence. The palace is valuable as an example of early modern royal leisure architecture and of a cross-cultural design process adapted to the tropical coast.