The new Multilateral Bank Office in Phnom Penh sets a precedent for sustainable interior design in Cambodia and the wider Southeast Asian region. Designed by The Room Architecture and Design, the 1,500-square-meter office is the first in the country to achieve LEED Gold certification for Interior Design, reflecting a commitment to environmental performance, operational efficiency, and occupant well-being.

Functional planning and design approach

The workplace layout prioritizes flexibility and collaboration. A combination of open-plan workstations, enclosed offices, and reconfigurable meeting areas allows the space to adapt to different operational needs. Movable walls, modular furniture, and shared multipurpose areas accommodate events, video conferences, and team gatherings without increasing the spatial footprint. Regional character is introduced through patterned partitions that reinterpret Cambodia's modernist brick screens, alongside artwork by local artists and native tropical planting.

Acoustic and thermal comfort were major design drivers. Double-glazed partitions, acoustic lighting fixtures in felt, and sound-absorbing ceiling and wall panels ensure a calm and focused workspace. High-performance glazing and energy-efficient mechanical systems further enhance comfort while minimizing energy use.

Environmental and performance outcomes


Despite challenges in sourcing sustainable materials within a developing construction market, the project achieved strong environmental outcomes. Energy consumption was reduced by 30 percent through high-efficiency HVAC systems, daylight-responsive lighting, and occupancy sensors. Water use decreased by 42 percent via low-flow fixtures, and the ventilation system delivers 30 percent more fresh air than standard, supported by high-performance filters and real-time air-quality monitoring.

Over 80 percent of construction waste was diverted from landfill through strict on-site management and contractor training, and a new recycling program encourages long-term behavioral change among occupants.

Materials, circularity, and lifecycle thinking

All major finishes and furnishings are green-certified, incorporating recycled or recyclable content. Durable modular carpets, raised floors, and demountable partitions support reuse and reconfiguration. The project achieved a 35 percent reduction in operational greenhouse gas emissions compared with ASHRAE 90.1-2010 baselines, with lighting, cooling, and ventilation systems each exceeding industry performance benchmarks.