representation of switzerland, cambodia

COMPLETED . 2020

Phnom penh . cambodia

the swiss office for development & cooperation occupies a villa from the 1990s on street 334 in phnom penh’s bkk1 area. a new road enclosure, waiting hall and consular office turned the villa into a functional government service facility, representing swiss values and standards; strength through purpose, quality and modesty.

ENCLOsure

the new road enclosure offers a sheltered counter and waiting area for visitors and untangles the streams of customers and personnel. the central guard cabin with generous glazing allows for unrestricted views and safety.

a leaflike, slightly folded roof spans elegantly over the entire width of the compound, balancing on solid and carefully orchestrated wall fragments, protecting and marking the swiss representation clearly yet modestly, with an affinity to the stone walls often seen at the entrances of the cambodian villas of the 1960s – and of course the swiss alps.

the composition of matt varnished black mild steel, open joint stone walls, black pigmented terrazzo, oiled wood, crystal clear glass and concrete celebrates workmanship, the inherit beauty of material and blends perfectly with the lush, tropical landscape.

photos by Robert kleiner

waiting hall | consular agency

a drive way turned into a waiting hall, the adjoining car garage into the consular agency’s office. the solidity of natural stone contrasts with the organic and sculptural nature of a tree trunk. generous openings with glazings set in, magnify the newly created green and draw it to the waiting customers. a curved ceiling conceals existing beams and air conditioning services, while contributing to the calming spatial quality. the large counter window conveys elegance as much as transparency oft the government towards its service receivers.

photos by kim hak