BLOOM architecture has renovated the iconic FCC angkor boutique hotel, located in siem reap, cambodia. originally created in 2000, around the former french governor’s mansion and then transformed into a restaurant, the original design from architect gary fell was a successful modern counterpoint to the historical dwelling. the architects’ mission was to modernize and extend the property adding a real sense of arrival for the guests.

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guest entrance
all images courtesy of BLOOM architecture

 

 

the lush vegetation of the site, signified that a balance between the architecture and the landscape had to be found. the gardens of the property were renovated with curated local species, intensifying the green element of the area, and emphasizing the calm aspect of the courtyards. ‘the main concept is to put the mansion building at the core of the guests’ experience’ BLOOM explains. all additional constructions of the mansion were removed, in order to highlight it as a unique historical remain and to generate enough space for the beautiful plants.

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public entrance – the mansion

 

 

on top of the overall reconfiguration of the property, a reception, a meeting room and a bar were added. these new spaces are accessible from the mansion through a bridge which includes the existing trees. the new reception called the sala, -a thai term which relates to a self-standing guest pavilion- stands in the middle of a lush garden and provides to guests a sense of arrival. this space is then followed by a covered walkway leading the guest to a serene courtyard where all the rooms are grouped.

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public walkway

 

 

the design is a continuation of both previous architectural eras: the colonial architecture of the mansion and the tropical-modernism. discreet interventions will respect the existing design of the FCC property. the architecture is inspired by both previous interventions and is painted white to blend seamlessly. each new element (floors, window, handrail, etc.) is in noble local materials such as the white sandstone and koki wood. this will bring a contemporary local touch, for guests to experience the cambodian environment through the materials.

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public walkway

 

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garden pool

 

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pool

 

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guestroom corridors

 

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terrace

 

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guestroom

 

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balcony

 

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axonometric

 

 

 

project info:

 

name: FCC (foreign correspondant club) angkor
designer: 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: myrto katsikopoulou | designboom