Shuitang, located in Sneung Village, Battambang, Cambodia, features a water pump and filtration system that provides clean drinking water to local residents. This project was honored with the Architect Community Project Fund from the Hong Kong Institute of Architects (HKIA). Beyond offering a sustainable source of safe drinking water to underserved communities, Shuitang has become a social hub, hosting public gatherings, celebrations, and community events. A key part of the design process involved exploring, documenting, and drawing inspiration from local architectural techniques and traditional handicraft methods, which have influenced modern architectural design.
Sneung Village is a remote settlement on the outskirts of Battambang, previously devastated by landmines during the Khmer Rouge era. The community relies primarily on a nearby lake and a well for water. However, the water supply remains unreliable due to climate change: recurring droughts and floods cause the lake to dry up for half the year, and the well is contaminated by pollutants discharged from nearby factories. Additionally, the frequent use of plastic bottled water has led to significant garbage pollution in the village.
To address the water scarcity issue, our team raised funds and launched the Water Hall project. Rainwater and water from nearby lakes are collected and filtered through a purification system to provide safe drinking water for the community. Residents can come to collect water and take it home. To reduce plastic waste, villagers use locally crafted pottery jars and bottles for storing filtered water.
After the Water Hall was completed in spring 2019, Battambang faced one of its worst droughts in recent years. Despite this, the community continued to have access to filtered drinking water. The project has been warmly embraced by the local residents and has become a central venue for public activities, fostering a strong sense of community spirit.
Design Drawings
△ Plan View
△ Elevation Drawing
△ Section Diagram
△ Axonometric Diagram
△ Axonometric Diagram
Project Information
Project Type: Infrastructure, Community Building
Location: Sneung, Cambodia
Architectural Firm: Orient Occident Atelier
Area: 60 m²
Year: 2019
Photographers: Magic Kwan, Kenrick Wong
Design Team: Kenrick Wong, Magic Kwan, Fionne Chan, Harrison Lai
Client: Sneung Village
Partners: Jane Luk, Janet Tam
Must log in before commenting!
Sign Up