August 8, 2024

Sanctuary Villa: A Bold Family Retreat in Cambodia

Sanctuary Villa, designed by BLOOM Architecture, is a unique house located in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Completed in 2023, this retreat cleverly blends industrial and natural elements. With its innovative design, it creates private sanctuaries while embracing the surrounding countryside’s beauty. The villa stands as a testament to modern architecture’s ability to harmonize contrasting environments.

A modern, open-concept home with a covered patio, large windows, and a palm tree.

Minimalist modern architecture with expansive glass walls, wooden beams, and tropical plants.

Contemporary architectural design with expansive glass walls, wooden ceilings, and a pool reflecting the surroundings.

A spacious living area with concrete walls, wooden beams, and contemporary furnishings.

Modern kitchen with concrete arches, wood cabinets, and glass sliding door to outdoor view.

A modern kitchen with a sleek wooden cabinetry, concrete ceiling, and minimalist lighting.

Minimalist bedroom with warm lighting, textured walls, and sleek furnishings overlooking lush greenery.

A modern and minimalist bathroom design featuring black tiled walls, a sleek faucet, and a small tree growing inside.

Sleek, modern house with expansive glass walls, wooden canopy, and reflecting pool.

Modern home with expansive glass walls, wooden canopy, and a reflective pool.

About Sanctuary Villa

Embracing Contrasting Environments

Sanctuary Villa stands as an extraordinary example of architecture that balances two contrasting worlds: the industrial and the pastoral. Nestled just meters from a family-owned electronics factory in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, this house invites a harmonious coexistence with its surroundings. The client’s bold vision merges work and family life, creating a private haven within a bustling urban setting.

Strategic Design for Privacy and Openness

To offer protection from the industrial backdrop, the villa features high walls and lush foliage. A single-storey concrete structure gracefully sits on a slight hill, designed to capture the breathtaking views of the rice fields. Floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors invite natural light while establishing a connection to the outdoor environment.

Layers of Sanctuary

Upon entering, visitors are greeted by an opaque gate that delivers a clear separation from the factory. A vegetated internal courtyard acts as an extra buffer, enriching the experience of arriving at this retreat. The home’s layout includes communal spaces, with a main living area that offers glimpses of the distant treeline.

Private Sanctuaries within the Home

The villa’s design incorporates separate wings for the bedrooms, each linked to private terraces and internal courtyards. Utilizing local cement tiles and river pebbles, the patios integrate lush greenery, enhancing the tranquil ambiance. Glass-covered slats provide filtered light, casting dynamic patterns on polished concrete walls while ensuring weather protection.

A Unique Identity

Sanctuary Villa encapsulates the essence of restorative living. This home is not merely a protective cocoon; it’s an exploration of the balance between privacy and connection. It showcases how thoughtful design can shape a family’s daily life and emotional well-being, bridging the gap between work and leisure in an increasingly urban world.

Photography courtesy of BLOOM Architecture
Visit BLOOM Architecture

- by Matt Watts