Aerne Architects & Associates Co.,Ltd.

31/05/2026

INNEXPO2026 . factory phnom penh

under the theme “EVOLVING FUTURE” innex kindly invited us to portrait as part of a vibrant two-day event, among 20 exhibitors, two responding projects; our contemporary, climate and landscape sensitive “house prekeng” and our office tower design with sales gallery, framed in an expressive v-column steel structure with suspended floors “chea ry icon”.

thanks to red furnesse construction for generously exploring with us how to transform ordinary concrete into an extraordinary column and bathroom wall for the “house prekeng”, hammered surface that creates a welcoming contrast to the clean lines and oscillates poetically between the natural and the artificial - bringing construction material to its full potential is an essential part of our practice and vital dimension for the user’s experience.

during dialogue 3, our director martin aerne investigated hot key questions phnom penh poses around the title “OVERLOOKED - and architectural and urban review” with the distinct panellists dr. ben li, founder & chairman of urban village & factory phnom penh, mr. cheam phanin, architect & urban planner, deputy chief of the urban planing office pp capital administration and mrs. hun sokagna, independent architect, urban researcher & heritage practitioner.

22/05/2026

INNEXPO 2026 . factory phnom penh

come and visit us this weekend at the legendary architecture event and exhibition at the factory phnom penh under the section EVOLVING FUTURE.

our director martin aerne will lead a panel on sunday afternoon exploring “OVERLOOKED; AN ARCHITECTURE & URBAN REVIEW" with the distinct guests dr. ben li, founder & chairman of urban village & factory phnom penh, and architect & urban planner mr. cheam phannin, following three presentations by architects dr. tang sochetvitou, ms. hun sokagna and mr. kang hok.

23 & 24 MAY 2026
9:00 AM - 8:30 PM
FACTORY PHNOM PENH
https://g.co/kgs/Wy7znE5

13/05/2026

ON THE TRAJECTORY TO NEW HEIGHTS

we extend our sincere thanks to radio france internationale and ms. chan lida for today’s conversation with our director and chief architect martin aerne.
cambodia’s architectural heritage is long, rich, and profound.

at aerne architects & associates, our work is driven by the belief that contemporary architecture must emerge from culture, climate, and context rather than from imported imagery or superficial trends.

through our collaborations with academic institutions, public ministries, NGOs, and the private sector, we aim to contribute to a new architectural trajectory for cambodia — one that is globally engaged while deeply rooted in local identity and tradition.

the future of cambodian architecture lies in transforming heritage into contemporary relevance: thoughtful, sustainable, and authentic.











https://www.facebook.com/reel/1472105087382799

06/05/2026

IFC ROUNDTABLE — contemporary cambodian architecture

on may 5, 2026, the institut français du cambodge hosted a valuable roundtable exploring how architecture in cambodia has evolved—and how it must continue to respond to changing social needs, environmental pressures, and cultural identity.

the discussion brought together diverse perspectives on the role of architecture today, highlighting both challenges and opportunities for the profession in a rapidly shifting context.

speakers
ivan tizianel — asma architects
hun chansan — reedge architecture
martin aerne — aerne architects & associates

moderator
yvon chalm — k-architecture

many thanks to madame f***y pagès, director of the institut français du cambodge, and her team for organizing and hosting this event as part of the ADAPTION(S) exhibition (on view until June 13, 2026), as well as to all participants who made the discussion so engaging.

photo courtesy of reedge architecture, sochetra ith

13/04/2026

08/04/2026

ADAPTATION(S)
architecture exhibition at the french institute of cambodia IFC
till 13th June, 2026

the exhibition explores contemporary architectural responses to cambodia’s tropical climate, highlighting adaptive strategies, the repurposing of existing buildings, and reflections on local ways of life. it presents a series of snapshots from nine leading architecture practices working across the country.

aerne architects & associates contributes three projects to the exhibition. each investigates the relationship between public and private spaces to enhance the quality of life for residents. two of these projects place particular emphasis on sustainability and climate-responsive design, incorporating local materials such as earth and bamboo. these approaches result in ultra-low energy consumption and a significantly reduced carbon footprint.

we extend our sincere gratitude to the institut français du cambodge for the kind invitation, the french embassy of cambodia for their support, melon rouge agency for the exhibition design and scenography, and the wider architectural community for their collaboration.

stay tuned for a panel discussion on the exhibition’s theme, happening on the evening of 5th may, 2026.

photo credits . institute français du cambodge
earth wall instructor . elettra melani

for more information visit us at . www.aernearchitect.org

06/03/2026

CUMINANZA pontresina . switzerland
1800 m.a.s

Pontresina has evolved from a rural muleteers’ village into an urban tourist destination, a transformation still legible in its settlement structure. the dense historic core of plastered buildings, narrow alleys, and small squares contrasts with the linear arrangement of large hotel buildings along the valley. In response to an increasing shortage of quality, affordable housing, the municipality acquired a centrally located plot and leased it to the foundation 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐳𝐢𝐮𝐧 𝐝𝐚 𝐏𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐚, which initiated an architectural competition for a pilot residential project. situated near the Rondo community center and the protestant church of San Niculo, the building is conceived as a morphological extension of the village.

developed by 𝐀𝐀&𝐀 𝐢𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐫 & 𝐖𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐧 𝐀𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐤𝐭𝐞𝐧, the proposal addresses the diversity of contemporary living through compact, efficiently organized apartments for a broad range of tenants. layouts allow for the separation of living, working, and sleeping areas, while shared indoor and outdoor spaces foster social interaction and community life.

embedded gently into the terrain, the building integrates supplementary spaces on the ground floor and well-day-lit apartments above. rotated loggias provide protected private outdoor areas, while a central double-height communal space forms the social heart of the building. a hybrid stone-and-timber construction ensures sustainability while referencing the architectural heritage of the Engadine valley.

07/02/2026

HOUSE PREKENG . phnom penh

an architecture of pauses, shadows, and quiet generosity

house prekeng was conceived as a lived landscape rather than a singular object — an unfolding sequence of courts, rooms, and thresholds shaped by climate, family life, and craft. designed for multiple generations living together, the house offers intimacy without separation, openness without exposure.

on a long and narrow site, gardens become the organizing principle. from the moment of arrival, a rhythm of outdoor rooms draws light, air, and greenery deep into the home. these courts gently divide the architecture into two volumes: spaces of gathering and exchange at the front, and spaces of rest and retreat at the rear. between them, an arcade traces a shaded path, rising into a bridge — framing carefully composed views, moments of encounter, and stillness.

the building speaks through its materials. concrete is hammered until its stones emerge; columns stand as both structure and quiet sculpture. indoors, surfaces soften — wrapped in soft polished metal, stone, wood, and hand-finished plaster. Nothing is concealed. every material carries the mark of making, the time of hands.

the house responds to its place with restraint and intelligence. deep overhangs temper sun and rain. green roofs cool the rooms below. photovoltaic panels provide shade and energy. thermal insulation and passive strategies work together to create comfort with minimal reliance on external systems.

house prekeng is not about excess. it is about precision, atmosphere, and care. a home shaped by climate and craft — designed to be lived in slowly, across seasons and generations.

for more information click:
www.aernearchitect.org/house-prekeng-phnom-penh

30/01/2026

RETHINKING LIVING | TEDx Phnom Penh
martin aerne
architect & director, aerne architects & associates

the way we live and build our cities is not just an environmental issue. it is a human one.
our buildings shape how we feel, how we connect, and how we thrive—today and in the future.
In this TEDx Phnom Penh talk, architect Martin Aerne challenges conventional urban living and invites us to rethink what progress really means. drawing a compelling line from traditional ways of living to Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s Farnsworth House, he reveals unexpected parallels with Cambodian architectural wisdom—and why modern cities may have forgotten what truly matters.

at the core of the talk is a radical yet timeless principle: “less is more” is not an aesthetic choice. it is a design philosophy for better living. Aerne introduces AA&A’s concept for a new type of multi-story building - one that prioritizes:
• less air-conditioned interior space
• more green, naturally ventilated shared and private outdoor areas
• lower energy consumption
• stronger physical, mental, and social well-being

this is not about luxury as excess. it is about luxury as space, nature, freedom, and connection.

LESS IS MORE the new / old luxury

collaborator Vuthy Reach

As Cambodia grows, its cities and homes often follow patterns of excess rather than thoughtful design. This talk explores sustainable architectural innovatio...

26/01/2026

BAMBOO EXCURSION CHINA . 21-24.1.2026

as the construction industry rethinks its material foundations in response to climate change, engineered bamboo is emerging as a powerful and still underexplored alternative to carbon-intensive materials such as concrete and brick—offering new possibilities even for tall and complex structures.

our director, Martin Aerne, was invited to present on the future potential of engineered bamboo, drawing parallels with advanced timber construction. his contribution highlighted how decades of innovation in wooden structures can inform and accelerate the responsible development of bamboo-based architecture, particularly within the regional context.

we express our deep appreciation to and for an inspiring and forward-looking journey into the future of sustainable construction. from Zhuart’s cutting-edge manufacturing facilities to pioneering bamboo pilot buildings and forest sites in China’s Fujian province, the excursion offered invaluable insights—matched only by the generosity and exceptional hospitality of our hosts.