Modernist Homage

hindsight blames youthful naivety, decided to develop a hotel on the site instead — and so Treeline Urban Resort was born.

Kang and his team at HKA & Partners have designed the hotel with an organic modernist approach, and with an overarching emphasis on sustainability. Materials — mostly concreate, terrazzo and local hardwoods — are what Kang calls ‘unpretentious’. The furniture, soft furnishings and objets d’art have been made or sourced locally from eco-friendly suppliers, and you won’t find single-use plastic anywhere in the hotel.

On entering the hotel’s tranquil foyer, the eye is drawn to a sculptural artwork by renowned Cambodian artist Sopheap Pich. Mesmerising installations by artist Sothea Tang adorn the spa and each of the 48 guest rooms, but the hotel’s commitment to creativity goes beyond mere decoration. Treeline regularly collaborates with local curator Meta Moeng, and the hotel’s open-air gallery plays host to a number of events throughout the year. Along with these events, the gallery’s permanent collection also helps to expose visitors and locals to contemporary Cambodian art.

The entire resort is in fact an homage to ancient Khmer craft and culture, and makes for a unique base from which to explore cultural sites and experiences further off the beaten track — and the hotel staff are more than willing to share their recommendations based on your interests.

Text

Suzy Annetta

Images

Edmon Leong