It’s another price drop for the historical Phnom Penh home of Vann Molyvann, the late icon in Khmer architecture and infrastructure development.
The dignified villa sits along Mao Tse Toung Boulevard, a refined gem built in 1966 unperturbed by the bustling urban landscape. From $7 million in March 2020, the price was first lowered to $6.5M a year later. As of January 2023, the 924 sq.m property is being offered at $5.9 million.
A masterpiece for its time, its exterior features exquisite details that incorporate a host of his pioneer projects in Cambodia: the blend of modern complexity in the structure, and traditional incorporations of lighting and ventilation.
Built with a unique combination of concrete, steel, and glass, along with beautiful wood elements, the villa is a contemporary structure designed to stand the test of time. One would also immediately notice the late architect’s fondness for lines and spaces in the maze-like abode.
Molyvann believed, “Modernity should not be inspired superficially by Western ideas that destroy all trace of the past. New buildings should bring tradition and heritage back to life,” hence his own home’s architectural style that can also be observed among his projects, including the Chaktomuk Conference Hall, the Independence Monument, and the Bassac Theater, which was a landmark venue and reminiscent of Cambodia’s Golden Age of art and infrastructure.
As the pioneer of New Khmer Architecture, Vann Molyvann developed a personal residence that holds heavy potential today for development into a museum, art or architectural school, or even a creative agency. The coming together of interior design and landscaping are sure to provide an inspiring avenue and environment for more Khmer artists to grow and flourish.
KH