Traditional Cambodian wooden houses attract architectural tourists

The Bun Roeung house located in Wat Kor village of Battambang town was built in 1920. - Tourism Ministry

PHNOM PENH (The Phnom Post/Asia News Network): A team of more than 30 local and international architects will co-host an international workshop on the vernacular architecture of traditional wooden houses at Wat Kor village in Battambang province, aiming to preserve the value of this heritage architectural style.

The event will kick off on Nov 2 through Nov 15. It will end with an exhibition of sketches of the traditional houses.

“The workshop will provide a platform for local volunteer architects to be trained in the vernacular architecture process of sketching the buildings, to serve as a reference for collective benefits in the community and also maintain older buildings,” it said in an Octo 28 press release.

Workshop organiser Mao Vutha said it would serve as a forum for students and new architects to undergo training in basic technical skills, while also gaining an understanding of the importance of preserving old buildings.

“In cooperation with the National University of Battambang and the provincial administration – along with our sponsors and donors – this programme will encourage community members to recognise the value of the heritage of these buildings and contribute to their preservation,” he said.

He added that the programme will also help raise the profile of the community, especially as the province has submitted Battambang town to Unesco for inclusion on its historical cultural heritage list.