The Sothearos
The Sothearos celebrates Cambodia through art, architecture, and nature, creating a new landmark in Phnom Penh.
The Sothearos is a new, 56-story luxury residential project in Phnom Penh. The project will include 224 apartments with expansive views of the Mekong River and the city skyline. Many of the apartments will have views both east and west from the same room for both sunrise and sunset views.
We felt that a new building of such prominence should not only reflect the culture, but also embrace nature in both a figurative and literal manner. The wonderful art and architecture of the Khmer people provided inspiration, as well as the importance of a symbiosis with nature and the natural world. From each of these elements - art and architecture, nature and the vibrant countryside - we worked to create a design that celebrates Cambodia.
Design was derived from an investigation of Khmer culture and the natural beauty of Cambodia.
We felt that this site required a response that was forceful without being overtly masculine. The “evocative curves” of the Khmer Apsara dancers served as inspiration for the shaping of tower, in particular the intricate hand movements and gestures - studied, exacting, beautiful.
The Sothearos is designed to stand out as a beautiful form on the skyline of Phnom Penh, recognizable by both the evocative shaping of the tower and the gentle curve of the building’s crown.
The arrival experience begins with a waterfall that breaks through the canopy and into the gardens that surround the space.
Crossing over this stream on a wooden footbridge, residents enter into the modern lobby space, shaped by an undulating wall of glass. The flow of water is evident in the rolling screens that provide texture and privacy.
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Units have been planned to flow gracefully.
Layouts were designed for the modern lifestyle—open floor plans to accommodate both entertaining and family life, with just the right amount of privacy. We strove to turn a residential apartment into a real home and to capture the details of life in the details of the architecture.
Perched high above the city, a residents’ lounge overlooks the pool deck and provides a stunning view of the river.
The deck features outdoor dining and has continuity with the business center, spa, and fitness area via internal circulation. An Infinity-edge pool melds with the river below.
The stunning penthouse views and wraparound deck set a high bar for luxury living in Southeast Asia.
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