Techo International Airport Cambodia by Foster + Partners: A Sustainable Gateway to the Future

Techo International Airport, designed by the world-renowned architectural firm Foster + Partners, marks a new era of sustainable infrastructure in Cambodia. Officially inaugurated in Phnom Penh, the airport stands as a symbol of national growth and architectural innovation. Inspired by Cambodia’s ancient heritage and tropical climate, the design blends cultural identity with cutting-edge engineering and environmental consciousness.

Located 20 kilometers south of Phnom Penh’s city center, the airport terminal consists of a central headhouse and two aerofoil-shaped piers. The first phase, including the headhouse and northern pier, opened in 2025, while the southern pier is expected to complete by 2030. The layout prioritizes passenger comfort through short walking distances, clear sightlines, and intuitive navigation. The vast terminal is unified under a single sweeping roof canopy, supported by striking structural “trees” spanning 36 meters each.

The roof’s undulating form draws inspiration from Cambodia’s palaces and temples, symbolizing a harmony between tradition and progress. Beneath it, a latticed soffit inspired by traditional basket weaving filters daylight beautifully into the spacious terminal. Over 180 skylights bring soft, natural light throughout the day, while warm artificial lighting integrated into the structure creates a serene nighttime ambiance.

According to Stefan Behling, Head of Studio at Foster + Partners:

“Techo International Airport is a celebration of Cambodian culture and light. It’s one of the most sustainable airports in the region—filled with natural daylight, local greenery, and a deep connection to the landscape.”

Greenery flows throughout the terminal, featuring native Romduol trees, palms, and local flora that emphasize the sense of place. The interiors showcase warm, tactile materials and 200 handcrafted sculptures, including a bronze-cast Buddha, reflecting Cambodia’s artistic heritage and modern identity.

Sustainability is at the core of the design. The terminal’s overhanging roof minimizes solar gain, reducing the need for artificial cooling. The intelligent daylight strategy significantly cuts energy use, establishing the project as one of the greenest airports globally.

Foster + Partners also masterplanned the broader airport city, envisioning a vibrant urban hub centered around a green public park and a future high-speed rail link—encouraging public transport and reducing carbon emissions.

“Our design merges innovation with Cambodia’s cultural identity, creating a space that is both technologically advanced and emotionally resonant.”

The result is a transformative gateway that redefines the travel experience in Southeast Asia—an architectural masterpiece that merges sustainability, technology, and culture into one seamless vision of the future.

All the photographs are works of Nigel Young