The New Attractive ‘Eco Destination’ to Boost Ecotourism in Cambodia

‘Eco Destination’ lies in a dense jungle more than 200km from Phnom Penh. It is home to diverse wildlife, such as Asian elephants. The area also has complex mountainous terrain and limited road access. To make things more challenging, the most breathtaking views were in locations with the most complex topography zones.

Yet these challenges became perfect opportunities for us to craft a unique sanctuary for the best Cambodian Experience.

Our team developed a “loop” road network that seamlessly connects different land-use programs while preserving the natural beauty of the intricate mountain site. For example, the buggy network will be used to service hospitality developments instead of heavy vehicle access roads to reduce cut and fill even further.

The site is blessed with valleys, streams, and steep hills, which we have utilised strategically in our design.

Our central valley, for instance, has been designated as the “Green Backbone” area, offering natural activities, distinctive zoning, and potential development locations for landmarks, welcoming areas, and high-end projects.

Developments were designed in small clusters that can sit gracefully on the steep terrains without excessive cut and fill to preserve the pristine forest. We adopted a low-density design approach that minimises the environmental impact and accentuates the existing natural state of the site.

At Eco Destination, we aimed to redefine luxury by embracing and preserving Cambodia’s natural wonders. The masterplan is envisioned to create world-class leisure facilities that elevated the lush forest, cascading waterfalls, and thriving wildlife to new heights.

To achieve this, we divided our low-density holiday haven into residential living, hospitality, wildlife conservation, farming, and land preservation zones.

Our master plan is entirely immersed in nature, and we curated various tourism and theme park programs that utilised key features like valleys, streams, and water bodies as natural attractions.

Modern tropical architecture with local nuances and locally sourced materials graced the low-rise villas. These modern luxury residential villas, strategically secluded, offer unobstructed views of the pristine landscape, complete with infinity pools, private event areas, and even helipads.

Similarly, our eco-living resort-style hospitality offerings exuded glamour in a tropical setting.

The inclusion of contemporary programs like trekking, farming, leisure parks, and observation decks will transform Eco Destination into a magnet for adventure seekers. VIP Glamping areas are placed near existing waterfalls and rivers, creating an exclusive connection with nature.

Iconic landmarks, carefully integrated into the master plan, promise unforgettable moments. We catered for a large central area devoted to wildlife conservation, which became both a sanctuary for animals and a landmark for visitors.

Every step taken to plan Eco Destination is taken to respect the environment’s delicate balance.

For instance, through prefabrication and modulisation, we can significantly reduce construction waste, efficiently limiting the construction site’s impact. This approach will also allow a faster building process than traditional building, which would otherwise be slow due to the limited road connectivity at the site.

Water Management: Rain gardens meticulously infiltrate stormwater runoff, while bioswales act as green channels, harmonising with the landscape.

Green management: Preserving existing vegetation, reducing roof runoff by 50%, acting as a natural barrier to solar radiation, providing insulation to our buildings, and contributing to external cooling.

Sustainable Transport: With dedicated buggy roads, friendly non-motorised pathways, and trekking routes, we minimise our carbon footprint and ensure that mobility at Eco Destination aligns with nature’s rhythm.

Clean Energy Cycle: Our buildings boast partially naturally ventilated atrium spaces, fostering an environment where architecture and nature coalesce seamlessly. Solar panels adorn rooftops and carefully chosen landscape areas, harnessing the sun’s power to fuel our commitment to a sustainable future.