“The themes of water, natural light, ventilation, and structural expression are always present in all my works because I consider them as the specific elements of a truly Khmer ecological architecture.”
— Vann Molyvann
In 2008, Mr. Kang Hok, the co-founder of HKA & Partners, together with several aspiring young Cambodian architects and designers, visited Vann Molyvann. The meeting was deeply meaningful, exchanging their thoughts about architecture, culture, and the future of Cambodia’s built environment.
Years later, through an initiative led by local cafe BROWN Coffee and architecture firm HKA & Partners, Vann Molyvann’s former home was thoughtfully transformed into a vibrant hub for Cambodia’s art and architecture community. The house, once a private space of reflection and creation, continues to live on as a place of gathering, where ideas are shared, generations connect, and the legacy of a master architect inspires new generations of Cambodian designers.
Our Story
Vann Molyvann (1926-2017) was a pioneering architect who profoundly influenced Cambodia’s modern architectural identity. During the 1950s and 1960s, he designed many of the nation’s most iconic buildings, incorporating modern design with the country’s climate, culture, and history. His work not only defined an era but also forged a lasting legacy in Cambodia’s architectural heritage, representing one of the most important collections in Southeast Asia.
Vann Molyvann
Vann Molyvann House
Constructed in 1968, Vann Molyvann’s four-story house combines artistic vision with scientific design. The ground floor served as his office, while the upper floors contained bedrooms, living spaces, and balconies. Its rotated square plan, hyperbolic-parabolic roof, overhanging eaves, and large openings enhanced privacy, airflow, and heat protection, reflecting Molyvann’s signature design and traditional Khmer influences.