A serene riverside retreat crafted as a peaceful escape for family and guests, celebrating slow living, nature, and Khmer vernacular warmth.
The brief
Holiday Home is designed as a riverside retreat overlooking the Mekong, drawing inspiration from Khmer vernacular architecture and the timeless atmosphere of tropical resort destinations. Traditional spatial qualities are reinterpreted through a contemporary layout that prioritizes openness, shade, and natural flow. The experience begins with a carefully framed entrance approach. Stone walls, timber columns, and lush greenery guide visitors toward a sheltered gallery, creating a sense of arrival that balances intimacy with openness.
A gallery walkway carries this rhythm forward from courtyard to river. A sequence of timber columns sets a calm pace of movement, with light and shadow shifting throughout the day and glimpses of the Mekong gradually unfolding. Stone flooring and walls bring solidity and comfort, reinforcing the retreat-like atmosphere.
Scope of Work
Architecture and interior design, façade and material strategy, landscape integration
The courtyard anchors the plan and drives indoor–outdoor living across the home. Framed by covered walkways and planting, it connects a shaded outdoor pavilion, an expansive lawn, and a swimming pool positioned toward the river. The pavilion overlooks the Mekong and operates as both a visual focal point and a functional gathering space. Natural materials such as stone and wood support its warm, tropical character, while landscape integration strengthens privacy and calm.
Inside, the living and dining areas are conceived as a continuous open space. Full-height glazing and sliding doors frame layered views from courtyard to lawn to river, and can open to turn the interior into a breezy pavilion. Supporting spaces are placed for everyday use: a study room set in a quiet, light-filled corner, and a wood-and-glass staircase that brings daylight and greenery into the vertical circulation. Bedrooms are designed as restful retreats, with the master suite emphasizing privacy, soft texture, and a strong connection to the surrounding landscape. Standard bedrooms are organized into clear zones for sleeping, working, and relaxing, using warm wood tones, ambient lighting, and soft finishes.
