A poetic reinterpretation of traditional riverside living through a bold, monolithic structure along the Mekong.
The brief
Norea RiverLight is a riverside destination located within Norea City, envisioned as a new urban gateway overlooking the Mekong. Designed as a monolithic concrete structure, it reinterprets the elegance of Khmer modernism through a bold and minimal expression.
The project houses restaurants, cafés and a rooftop bar unified by a consistent architectural rhythm. Concrete frames and recessed voids create a play of shadow and reflection that shifts throughout the day. The design prioritises visual honesty and spatial openness, connecting each level through terraces and courtyards that encourage movement and gathering.
From the riverfront promenade to the rooftop, the building transitions from public to intimate, from day to night. It stands as both a civic anchor and a calm retreat, merging the vitality of the city with the stillness of the river.
Scope of Work
Architecture, interior design, façade design, lighting and landscape integration for a three-storey mixed-use complex combining F&B, leisure and rooftop entertainment spaces.
Rooted in the strength of its concrete grid, Norea RiverLight reflects a balance between structure and transparency. The design captures the spirit of Phnom Penh’s evolving skyline while retaining the quiet rhythm of riverside life.
