Project Dialogue: Story Behind Architectural Housing — Farm House Project (Guest Speaker: Sam Putchai)
Representing HKA + Partners, Sam Putchai, Architectural Manager, presented our Farm House Project, a residence located on the outskirts of Phnom Penh. The project was discussed through a climate-first lens, guided by a simple position: the house should not fight its environment. As Sam shared during the session, “Embrace the rain and the sun; let natural ventilation and lush greenery envelop you, creating a space where comfort and recreation blend seamlessly with nature.” This became the entry point to explain how atmosphere, ease, and everyday livability can be achieved through openness, airflow, shade, and planting, rather than heavy enclosure.
Why Project Dialogue matters
Project Dialogue is part of The Gentry Hub’s ongoing effort to highlight the evolution of architecture and housing in Cambodia. Project Dialogue matters because it creates space for the kind of discussion that is often missing in fast-moving development: what makes a home comfortable over time, how design responds to heat and rain, and how outdoor living can be planned as essential rather than optional. It also invites a wider audience into architectural thinking, which we see as part of building a stronger design culture locally.
At a time when rapid development often prioritises scale over livability, Project Dialogue creates space for meaningful conversations. It brings forward ideas that celebrate human centred design, community engagement, modern interpretations of traditional housing, and more thoughtful approaches to urban living.
What we shared
During the session we explained how our practice approaches architecture through observation, context, and cultural understanding. We highlighted some of our recent works to illustrate how design choices can influence comfort, spatial flow, and the overall experience of a space.
Our presentation emphasised three core ideas:
• Understanding how people live, move, and gather
• Designing with clarity and calmness in mind
• Creating spaces that feel grounded in culture and nature
These themes guide our work across retail, hospitality, residential, and public projects.
A growing conversation within Cambodia
Project Dialogue is part of a broader movement among Cambodian architects, designers, and thinkers to examine how the built environment can evolve responsibly. The exchanges between firms during the event showed a shared interest in architecture that respects heritage while exploring new possibilities.
These discussions are essential as Cambodia continues to grow. Events like Project Dialogue help frame a vision for architecture that is more inclusive, climate aware, and sensitive to the rhythm of local life.
Thank you
We thank The Gentry Hub for hosting the event and for providing a platform to share ideas that contribute to the future of Cambodian design.