viable solutions for the future of sustainable housing in cambodia

in a collaboration among the NGOs, building trust international, habitat for humanity and karuna cambodia three sustainable housing projects have been completed on the outskirts of phnom penh in cambodia. the projects bring new life to communities and serve as viable options for construction and delivery for low income families in the area. in 2013, three international architecture firms were announced as joint winners in a competition that envisioned a better standard of living in this part of the world. the brief called for a $2000 house that could withstand flooding and offer a safe and secure environment. the different solutions gave families the chance to choose one that related to their specific lifestyle needs.

the wet/dry house side exterior

the dwellings provide well ventilated spaces that are light and comfortable to be within, while the formal arrangement and layout respects traditional cambodian housing. each of the designs incorporate a level of flexibility to allow phased expansion and delivery within the low budget outlined. the successful outcomes have the potential to inform other buildings in the community for options envisioned by housing providers and NGOs in the region.

original render of ‘wet/dry’ house

‘the most heartwarming part of the process so far was watching a family who used to live at the hospital having the chance to move into their home. the project builds on the fantastic work that habitat for humanity cambodia and maryknoll are already doing in the region and we are glad to be able to encourage international and local architects to rise to the challenge of helping those most in need with the basic human right to shelter.’ says david cole, founding partner and director of building trust international. 

(left) staircase to ‘courtyard’ house
(right) resident playing outside ‘wet/dry’ house

community engagement was important throughout the development, and the three building designs sought to challenge the widespread prevalence of brick, concrete and tin to incorporate more sustainable materials. smart board, timber, bamboo and palm were used in the projects and a planned assessment period held by building trust international will record the durability and performance of them over time.

render of ‘courtyard’ house

the three options have been assembled into a kit of house designs that are offered by habitat for humanity cambodia, giving a range of choices to perspective families. the finished units allow families in need of support to make decisions on the layout of spaces and be part of the design process at the earliest stage. the ‘future of sustainable housing’ competition has enabled a range of techniques to be tested and for organizations to start thinking about the environmental, social and economic impact of buildings and rapid urbanization in cambodia.

exterior of ‘courtyard’ house

bamboo walkway across to ‘courtyard’ house

residents of ‘courtyard’ house

render of ‘open embrace’

residents outside ‘open embrace’

exterior of ‘open embrace’

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.