BLOOM renovates a historical shophouse around a lush internal courtyard in cambodia

situated on the riverside of the quiet colonial town of kampot in cambodia, BLOOM architecture has renovated an existing shophouse to form a restaurant on the ground floor and a new residence above. the shophouse is a historical building type typically seen in east asia, and this project examines how the vernacular architecture can be adapted to more contemporary uses. the main concept behind the design of ‘atelier kampot’ aims to seamlessly blend the existing building with the new intervention, creating a dialogue and connection between old and new.

all images courtesy of BLOOM architecture

as a means of both vertical circulation and bringing light into the space, a large internal courtyard has been formed in the middle of the building. housing a light metal spiral staircase and lush tropical vegetation, the insertion brings natural ventilation and daylight into each room. the atrium has been designed by BLOOM to create a central feature of the renovated shophouse, while also blurring the boundary between inside and outside. as users ascend the staircase, they reach the top of the house and can enjoy an impressive view of the mountainous landscape of kampot.

the atrium at ground floor

the historical facade has been retained to show the old architecture, with the new contemporary construction reserved for inside the building envelope. the project conveys the idea that the present can be anchored in tradition. this reinterpretation of the chinese shophouse typology respectfully integrates a new program within the remains of the existing. atelier kampot is a manifesto for slow, thoughtful architecture, that uses conscious construction methods in collaboration with a selected team of local skilled workers and locally available materials. recycled wood from the original house was reclaimed and used to make new custom furniture and windows. the natural patina blurs the boundaries between the old and the new to give the place a timeless feeling.

ground floor- restaurant

ground floor – restaurant

the atrium and tropical interior garden

the staircase and interior terrace

first floor – living room

first floor – balcony

the renovated façade

the existing building before the renovation

spaces organization diagram

kampot in 1920 – the shophouse history

project info:

project name: ‘atelier kampot’

project location: kampot, cambodia

architect: BLOOM architecture

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.

edited by: lynne myers | designboom