If there is one architectural discovery you definitely do not want to miss in Phnom Penh, it is the Vann Molyvann House.
Phnom Penh has been undergoing a rapid transformation in its urban landscape for several years now. I lived in Phnom Penh from 2012-2020 and whenever I went back in 2024-2026 the sky is the limit regarding in building activity.
What was once ‘the pearl of South East Asia’ with mainly low-rises and typical Chinese shophouses along the Mekong River has since grown into a huge metropolis with an imposing skyline. The predominantly Chinese influence and investments in real estate are truly incredible in scale and scope.
In this process of a continuous construction and renewal boom, old and historic buildings are often overlooked. The wrecking ball goes in because the buildings are outdated or in a state of terminal decay. The building can no longer be renovated and are now located in prime locations. We are not talking directly about centuries-old buildings and government buildings, because Phnom Penh is not that old.
The modern city of Phnom Penh is approximately 160 years old, dating back to its establishment as the permanent capital and the beginning of French colonial construction in 1863–1866.
Although its origins as a settlement date back to 1372 (founded by Lady Penh), the current city layout and infrastructure were largely developed from the mid-19th century onwards.
King Norodom moved the capital from Oudong and began construction of the current Royal Palace in the 1860s. In the 1960s, following independence from France in 1953 after nearly a century, significant modern infrastructure was developed, including the development of the “New City” and, among other things, the imposing modernist/brutalist architectural style of the “Olympic Stadium.”
The National Olympic Stadium in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, built in 1963-1964 and designed by architect Vann Molyvann, is a landmark example of New Khmer Architecture. Although it has never hosted an Olympic Games or the SEA Games, it served as a major national and international sporting venue.
A brand new stadium is now operating. The Morodok Techo National Stadium, inaugurated in December 2021 in Phnom Penh. It is Cambodia’s new 60,000–75,000 seat venue built for the 32nd SEA Games (May 2023). Built with a $160 million grant from China.
Also worth a photographic visit.
Vann Molyvann “the man who built Cambodia” (1926–2017)
During the period following Cambodia’s independence, between 1957 and 1970, architect Molyvann was appointed by Norodom Sihanouk to reform and modernize Cambodia through the construction of new cities, infrastructure, and architecture. He is renowned for the modernization of the capital, Phnom Penh, and the design of various iconic monuments, including the Independence Monument, the Chaktomuk Conference Hall, and the “Olympic Stadium.”
Following the devastation by the Khmer Rouge (1975–1979), the city has undergone massive redevelopment over the past decades into a modern, rapidly growing metropolis.Many of the buildings designed by Vann Molyvann have since been demolished and were slated for replacement.
In 2008, two of Vann Molyvann’s greatest works, the National Theatre and the Council of Ministers Building, were demolished. But demolition is not the only threat. Because virtually all of Vann Molyvann’s drawings were destroyed after he was forced to flee the country in 1971, no trace of him remains when a building is demolished.
Over the past 10-15 years, the recognition and appreciation of New Khmer Architecture has increased.
Documentary films, studies and books have been made about his work and influence, and national as well as international interest in the modernist architectural style with a clear Khmer influence has grown.
Given this increased recognition, the Van Molly Van House is a beautiful example of cultural recognition and private business acumen.
For years, this architectural jewel home stood empty for sale and was overlooked on Mao Tse Tung Boulevard, near Toul Tom Pong.
Now, the enterprising Cambodian coffee chain Brown has stepped in to save the former Vann Molyvann House, securing the future of a valuable piece of the city’s past while simultaneously creating a beautiful new location.
Coffee Time!
In January 2026, I was in Phnom Penh and decided to visit and photograph the Vann Molyvann house. Using a tuk-tuk for transport and coordinates via Maps, we drove straight through the dynamic, hot and dusty main roads of Phnom Penh.
Location:
BROWN Mao Tseng Tong Address:No.107 Mao Tse Tung Boulevard, Sangkat Tuol Svay Prey 1, Khan Chamkarmon, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
It is always a challenge to find the right locations in a city like Phnom Penh. Google Maps certainly didn’t do a good job this time; I was dropped off quite a distance away and had to find my own way from there, looking for an architecturally interesting building amidst all the chaos, nondescript apartment blocks, and the thundering flow of traffic.
Eventually, I saw a distinctive-looking roof sticking out from behind a construction wall and a forest of internet cables and trees. Could that be it?
The house was built in 1966 as the home and workshop of Vann Molyvann, the revered Cambodian architect behind the capital’s iconic Independence Monument, whose modernist vision created a new physical landscape for post-colonial Phnom Penh.
Brown’s architects have carried out a careful, creative and contemporary restoration of the too-long unloved property, with the support of the Molyvann family and the Vann Molyvann Project , the organization dedicated to documenting and promoting the architect’s heritage.
Designed by Brown Co-Founder Hok Kang of HKA & Partners, the new Brown capitalizes on Molyvann’s approach to promoting natural light and airflow, typical of the New Khmer Architecture style he originated. The layout spans four floors and mezzanine levels. The minimalist ground floor is effectively an air-conditioned glass box that sees the building flooded with light while leaving visible the original exterior with its striking concrete brise soleils.
(brise-soleil (French for “sunbreaker”) is a permanent, structural sun shading system on the exterior of a building, consisting of horizontal or vertical slats)
What attracts me to Vann Molyvann’s work is the clean lines and ingenious nature of his modern style, and the equally clear relationship to traditional rural Khmer architecture—building on stilts—and clever ways to keep out the sun and heat through open-plan living and the method of draining excess rainwater.
Once I am certain that this is the house, it feels like an exciting discovery. The house has a very distinct identity and is now situated at a busy road intersection, making it feel out of place. Once inside, you quickly notice the revolutionary modern layout and spacious design. And the world outside fades away. At the back of the house, I discover an idyllic, lush tropical garden with shady trees.
With my 21mm wide-angle lens, I get to work at a leisurely pace and let myself be surprised by the clever layout of the bright space and the spacious living room and accompanying office and workspaces.
Walls and surfaces are adorned with artworks and artifacts that reflect the vintage architectural theme and customers can even browse and buy stationery and artworks.
All in all it’s a delight to enjoy Brown’s flavorsome, house-roasted coffee in such special surroundings.
Contact me for a photographic experience and discovery of Phnom Penh.