
NOVOTEL SIHANOUKVILLE
Anchored Horizons
A Modern Resort Grounded in Seaside Heritage
Since the establishment of Cambodia’s only commercial port in Sihanoukville in 1955, the city’s remarkable growth often overshadows its underlying charm as a tranquil seaside destination. Its picturesque, historically secluded beaches are now lined with high-rises, shops and entertainment facilities. When we were asked to design a hotel in this evolving environment, our goal was to create a building grounded in the area’s original identity while also serving as an inspiring expression of the city’s potential.

When we began the project in 2017, the oceanfront site was set among rolling green hills, a stark contrast to the urban intensity that has since transpired. It was also reasonably constrained for the number of specified rooms. Existing pylons from an abandoned hotel project were already present, and leveraging these allowed us to pursue a more economical and sustainable approach to the foundations.


On the other hand, this decision limited our options for the shape and orientation of the building. While we correctly predicted the architectural trend in the area would be decidedly vertical, we wanted to keep the height restricted to 8 stories in order to keep a more intimate relationship with the surrounding natural environment.



Showcasing the spectacle of an azure horizon, offering unobstructed scenic views to unforgettable picturesque sunsets, the facade is composed as a series of softly curved balconies, with some being as wide as 5m, enough for a romantic private dinner or an impromptu kids playground.

The ground-level experience is intentionally distinct, designed to meet the varied expectations of both the public and hotel guests. From the street, visitors encounter a generous facade of sandstone, grounding the building in elegant local materials while creating a clear visual contrast with the white concrete structure rising above.
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Inside, the lobby acts as an open thoroughfare to the oceanfront. Public patrons can use the space and its adjoining bars, restaurants and event rooms without disturbing the functionality of the hotel. By configuring the circulation carefully, we have allowed each facility to adopt its own distinct identity, while also offering a cohesive journey towards the real hero—the ocean.



Despite being Bloom’s largest complete structure to date, Novotel casts a modest shadow in the rapidly growing skyline. However, its moderate size reflects a more appropriate relationship with the surrounding natural environment. It models an artful balance between the demands of modern growth and the preservation of Sihanoukville’s unique character.