#2 Ecological Master Planning

Introduction

The Eco-Resort which is located at the south-east of Phnom Penh, envisions an authentic experience where guests get to appreciate nature, culture and architecture harmoniously integrated as one. It delivers a holistic exposure through its numerous amenities and attractions,  and is the perfect getaway catering to a wide diversity of entertainment, relaxation, adventure or privacy needs. How can architecture be framed to promote and maximize the potential of a site? Our design follows these core principles to promote Eco-Tourism:

• • Designing to minimize physical, social, behavioral and psychological impacts to site and its inhabitants.
  • Identifying the rights, beliefs and traditions of the indigenous people in the community and partner with them to create empowerment.
  • Deliver an impactful interpretative experience for visitors to raise sensitivity to host countries’ environmental and social climates.
  • Accommodate for direct financial benefits for conservation

Site Planning Strategies

Site Analysis

The site is situated along a new canal that extends from a river tributary. This presents the opportunity to create water activities and irrigation for farmland along the new canal. It sustains the livelihood of the villages surrounding it by providing an abundantly fresh supply of fish. The densely forested area has its own ecosystem and a sustainable relationship with the locals that live in it. The river presents an opportunity to incorporate fishing activities for leisure for visitors but it must be done sensitively and sustainably.

Site Planning

Land is allocated to the 4 main groups of usage/activities:

• • • The conserved forest
    • Agriculture
    • Recreational spaces
    • Resort core and accommodation

Careful consideration was placed in the allocation of land use which prioritizes preservation of forested area and greenery. A large proportion of the site is preserved to maintain the rich local biodiversity of lalangs and love in a puff. Visitors can be in touch with nature and the interesting flora and fauna that the site offers.

Empowering Locals, Sharing Cultures

Our architectural design celebrates the site and empowers the locals to exhibit their traditions while enriching the tourist experience. Activities are centered on locally made arts and crafts, modes of transportation and forms of entertainment.

1. Traditional modes of transportation via basket boats turned into a tourist activity at Mondar Bay.

2. Art market and exhibition that showcases traditional and cultural wares. Bamboo roofing provides a rustic, cozy and eco-friendly environment.

3. Reaksa Theatre is a waterfront promenade that hosts performance for locals to perform their traditional dance and music, such as the aspara show and water puppet.

Preserving Nature

There is a conscious effort to understand the underlying systems of nature and encapsulate it into our design strategies. Our architecture reacts to the cyclical motion of tides, crafting periodic view frames and opening up new circulation within the site. The various nature trails are curated with specific themes, educating the visitors on wildlife, farming and the biodiversity within this rich ecosystem.

1.Pelican is one of the local bird species. With the introduction of the Pelican rattan sculpture along the trail, it will add a character to the cycling trail which enable the visitors to have an unique exposure.

2. The activities and architecture seeks to respect the tributary and its adjacent landscaping.

3. Long wooden decks and meandering paths embraces the landscape and provide users an experiential walk along the farms.  

Sensitive Architecture

Locally-sourced bamboo and straw thatch is highly used, which are cheap, widely available and promotes the local economy. These are crafted into round enclosures that promote natural light and ventilation, while celebrating the landscape.

1.The tree-top resort which is built within the forest create a wonderful experience for the guests to constantly engage with the natural ecosystem while they are living inside. The texture and the color of the bamboo, rattan and thatch blend in perfectly with the forest atmosphere.

2. The Pelopruk Bridge utilizes a sparse thatch foliage to provide shade. Its material color blends well with the surrounding landscaping.

3. The Concierge serves as a multi-purpose space with a roof made of thatch and bamboo. The structure emphasizes on bringing in natural light and ventilation.