Borey Chankiri I
A community shaped by nature, routine and belonging.
In conceiving the concept behind Borey Chankiri 1, a gated landed homes development, near Steung Prek Tnout (“Palm Creek”), we had to make sure that the development was more than just a collection of houses. It reimagines the lifestyles of modern Cambodians. Easy access to nature, a masterplan that supports the community, while offering its residents respite from the hectic pace of the city. The concept is simple and straightfoward: a neighborhood that feels like living in nature, with no home more than 5 minutes from a park, with safe pedestrian connections linking all the parks, and ample space for community activity and engagement, while the homes themselves offer their occupants privacy and sanctuary.
The Brief
The project began with a basic question: Who are Cambodians today, and what do they aspire to in their homes? Our research showed that there was a nostalgia for the village life, where life was simpler, there was a sense of belonging and safety, familiarity with neighbours, children able to play safely outdoors. Borey Chankiri 1 translates that notion village life into a contemporary, well designed, community and nature focused borey development.
The landscape design drew inspiration from easily identifiable Cambodian cultural elements that would resonate with residents. There’s a pavilion at the water’s edge, a bridge across the water, another pavilion with a pool to catch the reflection of the moon, a park area with hammocks, an open field with big trees under which people gather, a pavilion for tea, a small vegetable garden, a vegetable patch, even a small shrine, all hallmarks of a traditional Cambodian village.
Shared areas for small groups as well as large community events were considered, and pocket parks at every corner, such that each neighborhood had its own gathering area, allowing for vibrant areas and thoroughfares within the development, as well as areas for quiet reflection.
Design Approach
Form follows function
The architecture and facades were a response to the tropical climate of Cambodia. Fins, ledges, and balconies create shade and protection from sun while adding depth and rhythm to the façade. Homes are designed with natural light and cross-ventilation in mind across key living spaces, including kitchens and bathrooms, improving comfort while reducing reliance on air-conditioning.
Flexible living, built for real life
Room layouts are adaptable , allowing households to adjust spaces as needs change. Construction is kept simple and efficient, helping the homes remain accessible in price without compromising on design intent.
“Toch Klem”: small, but essential.
“Laor Khun”: a beauty that grows over time.
Together, they reflect the project’s aim for an architecture that feels timeless, grounded, and essential.
Many sizes fit all
A range of house sizes supports different life stages and budgets, widening access and helping the community feel more socially inclusive, not segregated.
Home that grows with you
Adaptability is baked in to the house design. Multi-purpose rooms can be converted to playrooms and studies, bedrooms can be connected make it easier to manage young children or infants more conveniently. Flexible layouts, ample daylight, connectedness to the exterior landscapes, ensure that the home can support not only today’s lifestyle, but tomorrow’s needs and aspirations.
Kitchens for modern Khmer living
Kitchens are designed around the Cambodian way of cooking: practical, compact, and well-ventilated. Flexible layouts help contain cooking smells, while storage and pantry spaces are arranged for daily convenience. Each kitchen opens directly to the backyard, creating space for charcoal cooking, family BBQs, or a small vegetable garden, balancing tradition with contemporary routines.
Interiors and material durability
Interiors balance light, warmth, and material authenticity. Rooms are filled with daylight, while durable materials support longevity and easy maintenance. Architectural fins and neutral color accents reference modernist palettes and language.
Finishes and fixtures are selected for long-term performance and resilience, ensuring the homes remain beautiful, functional, and useful over time.
Architecture: contemporary Khmer identity
The architecture of Borey Chankiri 1 redefines borey identity through a language rooted in Khmer modernism of the 50s to 70s. Clean lines, deep overhangs, modernist roof forms, and sun fins recall the elegance of New Khmer Architecture. In Khmer, this is described as Laor Kun: the more you look, the more beautiful it becomes.
Homes are designed for flexibility and connection to the outdoors. Gardens, natural light and ventilation are features of houses that are practical, healthy, and inspiring, supporting both the physical and pychological well-being of Chankiri residents.
A range of homes for different stages of life. Something for Everyone. Borey Chankiri 1 offers several house types to cater to different segments of Cambodian society.
Villa Udom: A premium house design with ample garden space and separation from adjacent houses, with first-floor master bedrooms that open onto private verandas and open-to-sky terraces above sheltered carports. Inside, adaptable planning supports multiple family arrangements and multi-purpose rooms for ancillary programs like study rooms, home offices or entertainment rooms.
Villa Udom Thom: A larger, more exclusive version of Udom, on bigger plots with expansive gardens. Designed for luxury resort style living, with additional space for pools, private lawns, and and multipurpose outhouses for entertainment, guest villas, entertainment rooms or gyms.
Villa Klem: A compact standalone villa inspired by the Khmer word Klem (“the core of a tree”). Efficient yet complete, offering the full functions of astandalone villa within a smaller footprint.
Villa Pluos: A twin-villa typology providing the comfort of a villa with more efficient land use and garden spaces on 3 sides. Suited to growing families seeking space and affordability.
Villa Pluos Touch: A smaller twin villa for young professionals or smaller households, allowing a wider demographic to access villa living.
Villa Kon Kat Laor: Compact, efficient homes for first-time homeowners, designed to be affordable and compact, yet fully functional with access to the broader community and greenery in the Chankiri masterplan.
A neighbourhood built for people
Borey Chankiri 1 is more than a residential development. It is a reimagining of community life: a place where families feel safe, children grow close to nature, and neighbors share more than walls. They share a way of living.
