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Amber Kampot: A Luxury Resort Captures the Beauty of Cambodia’s Shorelines
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Amber Kampot: A Luxury Resort Captures the Beauty of Cambodia’s Shorelines

/ Kampot, Cambodia /

/ Story: Kangsadan K. / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Hiroyuki Oki, Robert Kleiner /

Like the opening scene of a movie, a luxury resort named Amber Kampot nestles warmly amidst lush mangrove forests and tidal ponds straddling the boundary between land and sea in southern Cambodia. Embracing the charm of rural life, it offers a wonderful panorama of the Kampot River lined with picturesque fishing villages. Needless to say, the region is widely regarded as a treasure trove of culture, history and beautiful coastlines.

The waterfront resort is aglow under the lights as the night unfolds. Seen from a distance, the building façade built of heavy timber framing is stained to a dark shade that perfectly blends into the wider landscape of southern Cambodia.

Characterized by rectangular precision, the waterfront vacation getaway consists of a principal building that includes foyers, service facilities and the entrance to villas for guest accommodations. The luxurious country villas come in three types, each offering a spacious veranda overlooking a meticulously manicured lawn and gardens bursting with curb appeal.

Amber Kampot boasts 6,000 square meters of indoor and outdoor living space designed for travelers seeking luxury accommodations in a peaceful environment. The overall effect is impressive. To the West, the misty mountain peaks of Bokor National Park are visible from miles around, while the tidal mouth of the Kampot River creates unforgettable hotel experiences.

A drawing of the floor plan of Villa Type 1A. / Courtesy of Bloom Architecture
A drawing of the floor plan of Villa Type 1B. / Courtesy of Bloom Architecture
A drawing of the floor plan of Villa Type 2. / Courtesy of Bloom Architecture
A drawing of the floor plan of the principal building and nearby swimming pool overlooking the Kampot River. / Courtesy of Bloom Architecture
A charcoal sketch of the master plan illustrates the positioning of the principal building, the riverfront pier and villas for guest accommodations disposed around tidal pools and pristine mangrove forests at the estuary of the Kampot River, southern Cambodia. / Courtesy of Bloom Architecture

Apart from nature’s most unspoiled landscapes, fresh air and sunshine, vernacular style homes stand as a testament to the fishing community’s rich cultural heritage. Together, they provide the Phnom Penh-based firm Bloom Architecture with valuable inspiration. And the result of all this is a hideaway luxury resort warmly cocooned among the trees, green foliage and tidal pools.

From a design point of view, the principal building and villas for guest accommodations are built strong, thanks to heavy timber framing stained to a dark shade that blends with the natural surroundings. Quality stains penetrate the wood grain, preventing moisture damage. Plus, they merge with growing plants and bodies of water in the background, creating a verdant oasis perfect for relaxation.

A diverse array of foliage plants adds privacy screen protection to a villa for guest accommodations.

Amber Kampot offers three types of accommodation, including detached and semi-detached houses known as Villa Type 1A, Villa Type 1B, and Villa Type 2. They vary in size depending on the number of guests staying and share one outstanding feature – an off-the-grid getaway where privacy takes priority. Each villa has a roofed platform along the outside that connects with nature, creating a perfect blend of cozy indoors and beautiful outdoors.

Step into the room, and you find the interiors painted a cool-toned white alternating with spots lacking embellishment intended to showcase the rawness of wood and concrete surfaces. Together they speak volumes for the beauty of vernacular culture – the forms and the crafts of carpentry unique to skilled builders in this part of Cambodia. Their signature lies in the perfect blend between traditional woodworking, an emphasis on natural lighting and the floors covered in sandstone pavers.

Plants with colorful foliage permeate through the living spaces at Amber Kampot, blurring the boundaries between indoors and outdoors.

Minimalist vessel sinks paired with greenery give off good vibes.
A glass wall hung with pleated curtains opens and shuts as needed to regulate the amounts of light streaming into the room. It visually connects with a lush lawn hemmed in by trees and the understory of colorful shrubbery.

Outside, gray stone paver patios, foot bridges and garden pathways give access to all the villas. Each one of them is enclosed by a fence of wooden stakes that doubles as privacy screen protection within hotel premises. Nearby, trees and the understory of shrubs and hanging vines thrive luxuriantly keeping the villas cool in summer.

A garden bridge gives access to all the villas on the resort set amidst pristine mangrove forests at the tidal mouth of the Kampot River, southern Cambodia.

Back on the waterfront, the principal building contains a restaurant offering fusion cuisine bringing together ingredients from different cultures and recipes. As to be expected, there’s also a spa for health and beauty treatment as well as a gym and a swimming pool. Nearby, a riverfront esplanade provides ample space where people may walk for pleasure.

Fresh air and sunshine! The riverfront resort is silhouetted against mangrove forests with the misty peaks of Kampot Mountain visible from miles around.

Briefly, Amber Kampot is a marriage of rural charm and well-thought-out design, a translation of complex ideas into a form easily understood by everyone. Unequivocally, the design team at Bloom Architecture has succeeded in creating a romantic villa getaway ensconced in nature. Swing by Amber Kampot on your next country sojourn.

Architect: Bloom Architecture

Designer Team: Antoine Meinnel, Cristina Toran, Robin Leonard, Ith Sovannarith, Ny Kechseang, Khoan Pengly and Patel Saniya

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Furniture Ideas for Spa and Health Resorts
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Furniture Ideas for Spa and Health Resorts

Inspiring design creates meaningful first impressions. It adds value to a brand, and make the product and service memorable. That’s reason enough for a team of Thai designers and business owners to put their heads together and create furniture that gives a further boost to the spa, wellness, and health resort industry.

 

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The team also get the help they need from the Institute for Small and Medium Enterprise Development (ISMED), a division of the Ministry of Industry; and the Creative Economy Agency (CEA), a public organization.

To introduce new design into their business, they work jointly with a select team of craftsmen from the Handicraft Retailers Group of Baan Tawai in Chiang Mai, the Furniture Carpenters Group of Sukhothai, and the Office of Small and Medium Enterprise Promotion (OSMEP).

Good design matters to the spa and health resort industry. This “Crafted Journey” furniture set is a product of collaboration with the Handicraft Retailers Group of Baan Tawai in Chiang Mai and the Furniture Carpenters Group of Sukhothai.
Beautifully crafted of rain-tree wood, these duo planters are inspired by flower garland pendants. – From Rungnirand. Designed by Sarisa Viraporn.
“Dwelling of Satisfaction”, a lighted curio cabinet set with antique finish and handy hints about the Thai way. — From Nantiya Décor. Designed by Rush Pleansuk.

The collaborative project aptly named “Crafted Journey” has Siriwan Tempati as team leader. Distinguished members include Rush Pleansuk of the design studio “Sumphat Gallery”, Sarinya Limthongtip of the “Srinlim” brand, and Sarisa Viraporn of the furniture store “Brezza Dee”.

The project debuted its products recently during the “Style Bangkok” event, and will go on show at the Chiang Mai Design Week 2019, which will take place on 7-15 December. Plenty of inspiring designs. See for yourself if you are in town during this time.

Designed to blend in with a round lounge chair, this rope weave partition can be set up vertically or horizontally. — From Chakriya. Designed by Rush Pleansuk.
A two-piece celadon tea set portraying mountain scenery and geometric shape art. — From Chiang Mai Celadon. Designed by Sarinya Limthongtip.
A handcrafted mirror frame inspired by lotuses in full bloom. Lotuses are symbols of purity. — From Bamboosay Craft. Designed by Sarisa Viraporn.
A set of table and curio cabinet gets its inspiration from stupas and other Buddhist shrines around the ancient capital Sukhothai. – From the Wood Handicrafts Cooperative of Baan Ram Yai. Designed by Sarisa Viraporn.
“Pigoon Sri”, antique inspired lanterns with a bullet-wood floral pattern on stained glass casing — From Mai Goft. Designed by Sarisa Viraporn.
“Chabaprai”, a set of stackable accessory containers handcrafted the old-fashioned way, available in both wood stain and color paint. – From Chabaprai. Designed by Sarinya Limthongtip.
“Trayble” is a set of table and tray crafted of teak. The wood tray can detach from the tabletop when needed. — From Baurieo. Designed by Sarisa Viraporn.
Round tables with complementing lounge chair and antique armoire present a relaxing provincial ensemble in the parlor designed for receiving guests.
DEmark Award 2018 / Design Excellence Award
livingasean

DEmark Award 2018 / Design Excellence Award

We have the results of this year’s official accolade of design excellence. Eight pieces of furniture have won the coveted DEmark Award for outstanding design for 2018. Among the winners: a water hyacinth chair beautifully crafted on a metal frame, a neatly packed kitchen cabinet, a chair inspired by tea tree topiaries, and a set of chairs that come together as table legs.

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Furniture category: “Khing,” a set of stool and table inspired by research on tea tree topiaries, a craft skill that’s slowly disappearing – by the Sumphat Gallery

Every year, the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) gives out the Design Excellence Award, DEmark Award for short, as an acknowledgement of outstanding merit by Thai designers from across the country.

The ultimate official accolade seeks to increase direct presence of Thailand’s creative products in the world marketplace. Successful candidates will participate in international trade events, such as the Gmark Award competition in Japan, as well as DITP’s exhibition tours throughout Europe and Asia.

This year’s DEmark Awards were given to eight pieces of furniture for impressive achievements in  blending craft skills with modern manufacturing techniques.

Furniture category: A neatly packed kitchen cabinet called “Q-Mini Compact” – by Qrua
Furniture category: “Jaak Coffee Table,” an elaborate design that gets its inspiration from the bird cage common in southern Thailand — by Tima
Furniture category: “Sim Steel Bar Stool,” impressive knock-down furniture ideas — by Take Home Design
Furniture category: The so-called (W)hole Chair, featuring stow-away furniture ideas — by Everyday Studio
Furniture category: “Water Weed Chair,” a product of collaboration between a community skilled in the art of basketry and a modern furniture designer — by the Sumphat Gallery
Furniture category: “Krachap,” a hanging lounge chair featuring bamboo housing crafted on a steel frame — by Performax and “Kodax,” a lounge chair capable of moving in a circle around an axis — by Kenkoon

 

Every year, the DEmark Awards are given out in six categories — Furniture, Lifestyles, Fashion, Industry, Packaging and Graphic Design – as an acknowledgement of outstanding achievements by Thai designers and manufacturers. Not all of the winners are listed in this report.

Lifestyles category: “TARN Collection,” a mortar and pestle set — by Stew
Lifestyles category: “Year Ring Collection,” an accessory container made of wood — by Deesawat
Lifestyles category: “Hill Pot,” a collection of houseplant containers — by Qualy
Lifestyles category: “Chong Mana,” a collection of scented candles featuring the motto “work hard and you shall succeed” — by Dib Dee and “Wit Tray,” a food tray featuring bamboo crafted on a steel frame — by Yothaka
Lifestyles category: “Husk Object,” a set of tray, coasters, and flower pots made of neatly compacted rice husks — by Sonite
Industry category: “Vento Brick,” a perforate wall designed to enhance natural air circulation — by Kenzai
Fashion category: “Natural Blue Honor Sport Jacket,” an apparel collection made of indigo-dyed fabric – by Blue Nails
Graphic Design category: “Thunder Bird Hostel” — by Shake and Bake Studio
Graphic Design category: “Chiangmai Design Week 2018” — by Octopus Grafik Studio

 

For more information, please visit: http://demarkaward.net/en/demark_winner?product_type=0&year_awarded=2018&keyword=Search

 

 

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Hla Day: From Artisan Community to Craft Shop in Myanmar
livingasean

Hla Day: From Artisan Community to Craft Shop in Myanmar

The Hla Day Shop in Yangon is no ordinary crafts store. It sells works of skilled and authentic craftsmanship produced and marketed by a community of over 400 people working in an integrated, sustainable way with a product development team.

///Myanmar///

Story: Samutcha Viraporn

At the beginning of July Hla Day celebrated its first anniversary at the Pansodan Street location in Yangon; but in fact this group has been working since 2012 to support small community businesses in Myanmar in developing local products and bringing them to the international market, with an emphasis on quality and social sustainability. Hla Day was successful almost from the very start, its goods so well received that it was able to expand. With Ulla Kroeber as its leader, the team now works with communities in Yangon and many rural areas, giving recommendations to craftsmen on product types, materials, and production processes. Among other benefits, these efforts provide work and income for women who have contracted HIV.

The Hla Day Shop, on the upper floor of building no. 8, Pansodan Street
Ula Kroeber, Hla Day Team Leader (right)

          Products include pillow covers, scarves, ornaments, cards, and dolls, and usable items from recycled materials. Besides being finely crafted work, a core goal is that products be contemporary and useful, and success in all this has resulted in project support from the AirAsia Foundation. “Hla day” in Burmese translates as “beautiful,” and the beauty here runs deep in the creation of true utility and value for crafts communities, buyers, and society as a whole while never forgetting to help the people at the back of the line.

Link: http://www.hladaymyanmar.org

 

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Social Craft Network
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Social Craft Network

The “SACICT Craft Trend 2018” display centered on the idea of a “Social CRAFT Network” enabling escape from the confusion of the social world to focus on design work that would produce intriguing and impressive art.

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“SACICT Craft Trend 2018” gave a view into the future of contemporary crafts for entrepreneurs, manufacturers, designers, and those who find enchantment not only in elegance handicrafts, but also in the unique imperfections of handcrafted items, and who want to not only learn more, but expand the circle of arts and crafts lovers.

The Social Craft Network is trending widely this year, using technology already in people’s lives to create a virtual society where needed information is right at their fingertips. These days, though, there is so much information at hand so quickly and easily that it’s bewildering, and we often just want to shut our eyes and rest. Design work itself provides a path allowing escape into more peaceful places in the mind.

Innovative hand-made ceramics resulting from experimentation and techniques of master craftsmen, developed into new forms and color combinations by Puri.

“Digital detoxing” is a good way to limit present-day escapism, and results in design trends based on actual usage of items by the consumer in daily life: walking, sitting, sleeping, for example. When people need rest, the designer’s solution is to meditate on what is most easily understood, not complex, seeking simple solutions that will improve daily life.

“Mass exclusivity” refers to extended development of handicrafts into industrial production, where concepts of craftsmanship are coordinated with industrial systems to mass-produce handicrafts without losing their unique character while at the same time reducing production costs.

Natural stone designed in novel forms for various uses, for example “TUB,” usable as either paperweight or door stopper, and “PLIG” multipurpose containers, designed by THINKK STUDIO, from SACICT

ASEAN Designers / Modern Craft Movement
livingasean

ASEAN Designers / Modern Craft Movement

World design is increasingly trending toward handicrafts and elegant craftsmanship, things practically written into the DNA of Southeast Asian designers. Here we give you 20 contemporary regional leaders who are reinforcing this wave, bringing traditional design into mainstream design.

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– Alvin Tjitrowirjo / Indonesia –

The dynamic Indonesian designer known as Alvin worked with prominent Dutch designer Marcel Wanders before setting up his own product design and interior decoration studio,collaborating with domestic producers of furniture and “alvin-T” decorative items that take a Western approach to Oriental craftsmanship.

 

– Thinkk Studio / Thailand –

The couple Decha Archjananan and Ployphan Theerachai’s Thinkk Studio is one of the most interesting sources of contemporary design. Their production processes unravel the secrets of traditional crafts, bringing them to utility in modern formats that always bear the marks of artistry and innovation.

– Korakot Aromdee / Thailand –

Korakot became well-known through his developing the local art of bamboo work, adapting techniques such as net sewing of Phetchaburi fishermen and ancient Chinese kite construction to produce inventive handicrafts under his own name. “Korakot” products are on display in residences and hotels all over the world, showing off endless variations of their characteristic elegance.

– Abie Abdillah / Indonesia –

Keep an eye on this designer, for sure! He specializes in rattan work, taking advantage of the worldwide importance of this material for Indonesia. The “Lukis” armchair is part of the 2016 collection for the famous Cappellini brand. Designer scout Giulio Cappellini previously has helped Tom Dixon and many other well-known designers debut on the world stage.

 

– Ito Kish / The Philippines –

“Gregoria Lounge”brought Filipino design work onto the world stage and gave world recognition to Ito Kish. As a child, Ito was fascinated by designs on the gift wrapping paper he used to repair family house walls in their tiny village outside of Manila. His business in decorative items has now morphed into a leading furniture store – with products bearing his name – which provides interior decorating services for his fans.

 

– Apiwat Chitapanya / Thailand –

A beauty of light and shadow born of intricate welded lines stands out in both structure and detail as an impressive representation from this modern craftsman and expert metal worker.

 

– Jitrin Jintaprecha / Thailand –

Jitrin’s works are continually in demand, most notably from his own rattan furniture brand “Corner 43,” whose trademark gentle curves are naturally suited to contemporary forms and which has evolved steadily over the fourteen years of its existence.

– Lim Masulin / Indonesia –

From his infatuation with the weaving work produced by Indonesian artists, highly valued in the West, Lim Masulin and his BYO Living Company collaborated with famous domestic architects to scale up the concept to an architectural level and produce fascinating “woven” coverings for buildings.

 

– Rush Pleansuk / Thailand –

This former designer for the teak wood furniture brand “Plato” became ever more interested in handicrafts, especially traditional Thai techniques of lacquer-coating and setting gold inlay on lacquer ware. He now has his own design studio under the name “Sumphat Gallery.”

 

– Hans Tan / Singapore –

In the colorful piece entitled “Spotted Nyonya,”Hans Tan presents a uniquely Singapore narrative. “Nyonya” refers to the Singapore heritage mixture off oreign and Malay Peninsula cultures, evident here in a contemporary design context.

 

– Budiman Ong / Indonesia –

“Ong Cen Kuang” is a brand of lamps from Bali founded by Budiman Ong, whose stellar career was founded on sewn forms of cloth and origami-style folded paper fashioned into contemporary articles that display warmth, gentility, and a delicate openness.

Thailand BIG+BIH 2016 / Bangkok International Gift Fair and Bangkok International Houseware
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Thailand BIG+BIH 2016 / Bangkok International Gift Fair and Bangkok International Houseware

 Thailand BIG+BIH 2016 / Bangkok International Gift Fair and Bangkok International Houseware

/// Thailand ///

Story: Bundaree Deewong /// Photo: Bundaree Deewong, Sungwan Phratem

ASEAN’s International trade fair for trendy gift and lifestyle products took place from April 19th to 23rd, 2016 (trade Days the 19th to 21st, public days the 22nd and 23rd) at Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC), Bangna, Bangkok, Thailand.

This was the 41st edition of BIG+BIH, and it was organized under the concept “ASEAN Life+Style.” In the attractive “Fresh Taiwan,” “design lifestyle” products from Taiwanese designers were shown; “DEmark Award showcase” put on display well-designed Thai products now on the international market that had won Design Excellence prizes, and “SACICT Art & Craft” exhibited Thai folk arts and crafts products representing “Thainess” from local design traditions. The fair also featured product exhibits that provided an excellent platform for Thai designers and new entrepreneurs to show their latest collections.

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Dhanabadee, the famous ceramic shop from Lampang, Thailand
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Fresh Taiwan exhibition : design lifestyle products from Taiwanese designers
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Isan Collection : the project of the northeast design in Thailand
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Oggi, wooden furniture brand in Scandinavian accent

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Showcases at the fair were set out in 3 zones: BIG, BIG Design, and BIH. The most popular products of the fair were gifts and handicraft decorative items, household products, pet products and services.

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About home, modern wooden furniture and lamp in sophisticated style
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Unique design lamp made of veneer wood
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Hari Ora, wooden furniture shop
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Qualy, plastic objects in design
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Idealize shop, furniture that made of natural materials such as scrap wood and old tree stumps.
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Tin Home Toy, lifestyle products which made of galvanize sheets
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L-Living, decoration items for holiday homes

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Joar, unique stone lamps
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Baanchaan, Asian style hanging lamp
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C-Ssence, Bananamache product
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Klaps Design, modern furniture brand

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link: http://oct2016.bigandbih.com/

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