KingBridge Tower

A Cone-Shaped Building with a Different Curvature on Each Floor
-Achieving Both Aesthetic Appeal and Safety-

Location: Thailand

Completion: December 2024

Use: Offices

Floors: 2 below ground, 52 above ground, 1 tower floor

World-class Environmental Performance and Safety

KingBridge Tower, rising near the end of Bhumibol Bridge in the southwest of Bangkok, Thailand, is an office building constructed as part of a mixed-use development project by the Saha Group, Thailand’s largest conglomerate. It serves as a business hub meeting the needs of global corporations. Combining efficiency, well-being, and balance, it offers world-class environmental performance and safety.

YKK AP handled the entire facade, including the 33,991m² curtain wall that covers the conical exterior wall, as well as the symbolic canopy and roof, while meeting requirements such as seismic testing, which is unusual in Thailand, and high wind pressure resistance standards set using experimental data.

Using “Multi-Angle R” to Fulfil Aesthetic, Delivery Time, and Cost Requirements

In this building, shaped like a cone and tapering toward the upper levels, the size of the corner section is different for each floor. YKK AP proposed a “Multi-Angle R” solution for the exterior walls: standard units with common dimensions cover the straight sections, while the corner R sections are formed by connecting standard units at gradually increasing angles to create a smooth curved finish. This allowed aesthetic requirements to be successfully balanced with delivery time and cost concerns.

In terms of seismic performance, the building structure is designed to minimize horizontal shift during shaking, limiting inter-story displacement to 15mm. This is achieved through a sliding (sway) system that responds with lateral movement. For the corner sections, we employed a special joint called a "fishbone" joint.

Collaborating with Other Companies to Ensure Smooth Installation Even Under Challenging Conditions

The canopy, positioned 147m above ground, was exceptionally large, with an overhang of 13m and a length of approximately 40m. Accordingly, installation was undertaken in three separate sections. First, a steel frame was assembled on the ground, then aluminum panels were installed, and after that, the structure was lifted into place. The panels for the three-part joint section were installed sequentially.

In recognition of the smooth collaboration with "Thai Obayashi" and the technical capability that allowed challenging design to be successfully balanced with safety, this project won the 2025 OCAJI Project Award from the Overseas Construction Association of Japan (OCAJI) . YKK AP significantly contributed to the project’s success and recognition. (Construction: "Thai Obayashi")

In December 2023, YKK AP welcomed Thailand's largest curtain wall manufacturer, YHS International Ltd. (YHSI), and its manufacturing arm, Siam Metal Co., Ltd. (SM), into the Group. In this way, we are building a stable global supply system for curtain wall design, manufacturing, sales, and installation while pursuing high quality, and are further expanding our curtain wall business in the Asia region.

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