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From an abandoned settlement to a health center: a project by Bloom Architecture in Cambodia

28 of January '25
Technical data
name: ANGKOR GRACE
function: RECREATIONAL
location:

SIĔM RÉAB, Kambodża

studio: Bloom Architecture

calendar:

  • construction

area:

  • total

  • 50 000 m²

Angkor Grace Residence,
design: Bloom Architecture

[Material prepared from the studio's author's description]

In Siĕm Réab, Cambodia's second-largest city, the project was initially planned as an example of the traditional borey - a gated housing development characteristic of the region. After the pandemic, in response to changing economic needs, the architects at Bloom Architecture, responsible for the concept, began the process of transforming the site into a health and relaxation center. The resulting transformation, "Angkor Grace," shows how a space can adapt to new functions and change its character over time.

Centrum zdrowia i relaksu w Kambodży - widok z lotu ptaka

Health and relaxation center in Cambodia - bird's eye view

Photo by Oki Hiroyuki © Bloom Architecture

the process of creating a living space

The five-year project process took place in several stages. The first task was to complete the estate as a family-oriented residential complex integrated with service spaces. Construction work, including structures and masonry, was essentially completed, and the role of the architects was to give character to the entire development by designing the facades and common spaces.

Centrum zdrowia i relaksu w Kambodży - rysunek projektu

Health and relaxation center in Cambodia - project drawing

© Bloom Architecture

The concept of the project was based on proximity to nature, which resulted from the location, just minutes from the ancient temple park in Siĕm Réab. In the existing spaces allocated for access roads between the buildings, the potential to create green paths inspired by the flow of the river through the city was noted

- explain the architects.

Centrum zdrowia i relaksu w Kambodży

A health and relaxation center in Cambodia - the complex includes several swimming pools

Photo by Oki Hiroyuki © Bloom Architecture

Pedestrian paths improved communication between common spaces while promoting outdoor activities. An early start on tree planting was key to achieving the intended environmental effect. Together with a local supplier, the architects developed a landscaping plan that evolved in parallel with the progress of the renovation work.

Centrum zdrowia i relaksu w Kambodży

A health and relaxation center in Cambodia - the design concept was based on proximity to nature, as was evident from the location, just minutes from an ancient temple park in Siĕm Réab

Photo by Oki Hiroyuki © Bloom Architecture

from housing estate to health center:
architectural evolution of borey

After the pandemic, in response to changing economic needs, borey began a transformation into a health and relaxation center. Along with a new concept, architectural changes focused on adapting residential buildings into luxury medical and therapeutic facilities. The result is a complex consisting of five rows of houses, with a row of additional buildings perpendicular to them, forming a unified façade that acts as a facade wall. The regular lines of the metal of this wall will gradually be complemented by tropical vegetation. In time, the lush greenery of the facade will become an integral part of the project, combining the idea of well-being with proximity to nature.

Centrum zdrowia i relaksu w Kambodży - kompleks składa się z pięciu rzędów domów, do których prostopadle ustawiono rząd dodatkowych budynków

Health and relaxation center in Cambodia - the complex consists of five rows of houses, with a row of additional buildings perpendicular to them

Photo by Oki Hiroyuki © Bloom Architecture

Integration of local materials
with modern design

The materials used in the complex were chosen to reinforce the design theme. Examples include locally produced bricks and openwork blocks with traditional patterns. These elements bring natural texture to the space and serve a decorative function due to their permeable structure.

Centrum zdrowia i relaksu w Kambodży

Health and relaxation center in Cambodia

Photo by Oki Hiroyuki © Bloom Architecture

The interior finishes were made of tinted concrete, the hue of which reflects the red color of the Siĕm Réab earth. This color scheme was also used in the metal details present throughout the center. Combining these materials with lush vegetation, the facility blends well with its surroundings, echoing the harmony between nature and architecture characteristic of nearby temples.

Centrum zdrowia i relaksu w Kambodży - w projekcie użyto lokalnie produkowane cegły oraz ażurowe bloczki z tradycyjnymi wzorami

Health and relaxation center in Cambodia - the project uses locally produced bricks and openwork blocks with traditional patterns

Photo by Oki Hiroyuki © Bloom Architecture

The evolution of the Angkor Grace project, which underwent a transformation from a borey housing complex to a wellness center, illustrates how a space can change its function and character over time. The name of the complex consists of two elements. The first, "Angkor," refers to the historic temple complex in Cambodia, which is one of Southeast Asia's most important cultural heritages. Angkor, once the capital of the Khmer Empire, is significant to the region for its architecture and culture, making the name evoke associations with rich history and spiritual heritage. The second element, "Grace," stands for elegance, harmony and balance. In the context of a wellness center, the term refers to a sense of calm, renewal and balance, which are essential components of the recovery process and spiritual purification.

Centrum zdrowia i relaksu w Kambodży

A health and relaxation center in Cambodia - the project shows how a space can adapt to new functions and change its character over time

Photo by Oki Hiroyuki © Bloom Architecture

The combination of these two words in the project's name represents the integration of historical heritage with a modern approach to wellness spaces, with the goal of creating a place that promotes regeneration, balance and harmony for visitors.

Elaborated: Anastazja Dżupina

Illustrations provided courtesy of Bloom Architecture.

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