aerne architects atelier

completed . 2017

phnompenh . cambodia

a rundown yet outstanding apartment complex from the golden years of the 1960s in vicinity of phnom penh’s central market was renovated and remodeled for the reuse as aerne architects & associates atelier - and an example. though the interior underwent a rigorous metamorphosis, the integrity of the original façade as well as the relation to the access corridor and shared court were maintained.

internal partitions were removed and all support functions tucked away in and behind a freestanding room divider pushed to one side for the sake of a large open plan office and an optimized harvest of natural light for the workspace and bathroom.

all elements, from doors to windows, from sink counter to furniture and lights, carefully designed and crafted seek a precise, stark yet balanced and quiet expression of their very being. materials raw yet not brutal compose a fine a poetic environment full of character.

sustainability reached by thermal insulated floor, walls and ceiling, zero exposure of indoor space to direct sunlight during hot season, and reuse of old building substance.