Cambodia: Tronum Sothearos serviced apartments in Phnom Penh has opened its doors.
Work on the 10-storey development, on Sothearos Boulevard, has been ongoing since mid-2012. The project has been designed by Seng Vannak, chief architect of Vannak Architects, and developed with his business partner Xavier Beaur.
Vannak also holds the title of deputy head of the Urban Management Division at Phnom Penh City Hall, and has worked on urban projects promoting green spaces within the capital.
According to Vannak, a source of inspiration for the project was the architecture in Phnom Penh during the 1960s, specifically the iconic White Building on Sothearos Boulevard. Khmer architecture, which uses natural materials such as wood for houses, also influenced his conceptualisation of Tronum.
Greenery is featured heavily on the building’s exterior and also within the one-, two- and three-bedroom units.
“One of the most important components of this building is the greenery,” Vannak said. “I want to bring green things back into Phnom Penh because I grew up with a lot of greenery, but concrete structures are increasing here. The concept of how to bring greenery back into Phnom Penh depends on our will and fortunately, my job allows me to find a way to do it.”
“No unit is the same, just like our tenants who are highly affluent and sophisticated people with an individual and creative lifestyle,” said Vannak, of the 14 customised units in the building.
Each level of the building is named after a protected forest in Cambodia, while each unit is named after a tree. The four-room penthouse takes on the name of one of the biggest tree in Cambodia, Spong.
Amenities at Tronum include a rooftop restaurant and bar, a pool and jacuzzi, laundry and food shopping services, and an in-house spa.
Rental options available range from one night to a full year.</p
