A 4,540-square-metre family home in Phnom Penh where a single design decision, making the pool visible from every major room, shaped the entire architectural strategy.
The brief
Souden Residence was conceived as a private retreat where architecture and nature merge into a calm domestic landscape. Upon entering, a curved lava-stone wall framed by lush trees and dense greenery slows the transition from the street to the home, creating an instant sense of tranquility.
The L-shaped plan encloses a protected courtyard with a central swimming pool visible from every key room, ensuring constant visual connection to water and light. Cross-ventilation, shade and natural materials reduce the need for mechanical cooling and strengthen the home’s connection to Cambodia’s tropical climate.
Inside, the palette of wood, stone and marble brings both warmth and quiet refinement. Large openings blur the line between interior and landscape, creating a sense of continuous flow and effortless comfort. The result is a home that feels timeless, spacious and deeply human.
Scope of Work
Architecture and interior design, pool and courtyard integration, climate-responsive planning with cross-ventilation, material and lighting strategy, and landscape coordination.
Light reflects gently across stone, wood and water, filling the house with a calm rhythm that changes throughout the day. Each space opens to the courtyard, where nature, materials and light come together to create a sense of balance and quiet retreat.
