A platform for design and architecture from Borneo

Surau As-Sa’adah is an important place of worship that brings together the surrounding Muslim community. Located beside the main road, it provides convenient access for residents of the wider Eco Horizon development. Designed with a minimalist approach that responds to the local context, the two-storey surau has a total built-up area of 2,871.40 square feet on a compact 0.17-acre site. It can be completed within six months and complies with Syariah requirements, ensuring the surau operates in accordance with Islamic principles.

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Arkitek KDI, Kuching, 2009, MIPIM Asia Award 2010, Public and Civic Buildings

Borneo Convention Center Kuching (BCCK)

Arkitek KDI, Kuching, 2009, MIPIM Asia Award 2010, Public and Civic Buildings

Designed by Arkitek KDI, the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) is an architectural tribute to the Sarawakian rainforest. Under the theme “Let’s meet under the trees,” the center features a signature free-flowing roof inspired by the Ririg leaf, supported by structural columns that mimic the forest canopy. This 36,500-square-meter landmark on Isthmus Island balances modern functionality with indigenous heritage, offering flexible, world-class event spaces that harmonize with the riverfront landscape.

Arkitek KDI, Kuching, 2009, MIPIM Asia Award 2010, Public and Civic Buildings

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Practice

Chapter 4: Crossing The Checkpoint

Practice

This is the fourth and final article in a four-part series in which Chai Si Yong discusses how a small, dedicated group of architects works to improve the way local practices carry out their work.

Practice

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Products, Exal, Housing, Awards, APAC Property Awards

SÓL Estate®

Products, Exal, Housing, Awards, APAC Property Awards

APAC Awards 2023-2024 | Best Architecture Multiple Residence
APAC Awards 2023-2024 | Best Residential Development 20+ Units
SÓL Estate by EXAL in Kuching spans 31 acres, designed by DKO Architecture and LandArt Design, blending Australian nature with Sarawak culture. Tailored for multigenerational living, it features sustainable, solar-oriented homes, amenities, and concierge services in a well-connected Batu Kawah area.

Products, Exal, Housing, Awards, APAC Property Awards

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Built, Cambodia, Phnom Penh

The Commune

Built, Cambodia, Phnom Penh

Lateral Architects reimagines urban housing through six low-rise blocks in The Commune, located in Toul Kork district. Open pathways, shared spaces, and climate-responsive design foster community over isolation.

Built, Cambodia, Phnom Penh

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Student Projects

The Sanctuary: A Vertical Microcosm of Borneo’s Natural Landscapes

Student Projects

The Sanctuary, by Joanne Ho from UNIMAS, is a luxury high-rise in Kuching that integrates urban living with nature. Inspired by Borneo’s diverse ecosystems, its garden terraces evoke the essence of rivers, rainforests, and highlands. The design pays tribute to Sarawak’s indigenous wisdom through biophilic and sustainable architecture.

Student Projects

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Installation, Malaysia, Sarawak

Cardboard City 1.0

Installation, Malaysia, Sarawak

This is a retrospective look at PAMSC’s first World Architecture Day (WAD) celebration in 2011, featuring an installation crafted from recycled cardboard. The cave-like structure highlights the role of architects and raises awareness about the basic human right to decent housing, emphasising its importance in promoting good architecture in our communities.

Installation, Malaysia, Sarawak

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History, Malaysia, Sarawak

St. Joseph’s Church and Cathedral, Kuching

History, Malaysia, Sarawak

In 1891, St. Joseph’s Church in Kuching was completed, marking ten years of Catholic presence in Sarawak. Originating from 16th-century missions, Catholic work flourished after Mill Hill missionaries arrived in 1881, establishing schools like St. Joseph’s (1882) and St. Teresa’s (1885). The church, rebuilt in 1969 as St. Joseph’s Cathedral, became a symbol of faith and education. Now an Archdiocese since 1976, Kuching’s Catholic community preserves its legacy through the 2016 History Gallery of the Archdiocese. By Chai Kit Siang

History, Malaysia, Sarawak

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Installation, Malaysia, Sarawak

Red Ribbon Pavilion

Installation, Malaysia, Sarawak

In the Malaysia-China Friendship Park, Kuching, the Red Ribbon Pavilion connects past and present, recalling a pivotal chapter in global history while celebrating the lasting connection between Sarawak, Yunnan, and beyond. Inspired by the contours of the 24-Turns Road, the pavilion honors the Nanyang Mechanics Volunteers who braved the Burma Road during World War II. More than a solemn monument, it embodies resilience, sacrifice, and the ongoing flow of life.

Installation, Malaysia, Sarawak

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Outreach, Malaysia, Selangor

The Lighthouse Library

Outreach, Malaysia, Selangor

UCSI University’s School of Architecture & Built Environment (SABE) and Colllab have renovated the library at SJK(C) Kampung Baru Ampang to create a modular, flexible space that promotes reading habits through innovative displays and seating, enhancing the learning experience for both students and teachers.

Outreach, Malaysia, Selangor

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Products, Saint-Gobain, Gyproc, Exterior Walls, Wall Lining, Ceiling

Saint-Gobain Gyproc® for Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu

Products, Saint-Gobain, Gyproc, Exterior Walls, Wall Lining, Ceiling

Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu, designed by Daniel Koh Architect, blends Sabah’s cultural heritage with vibrant city life in a coastal tropical setting. The hotel’s durable and lightweight gypsum boards by Saint-Gobain, including Gyproc® Glasroc® X for external walls and Baseline® and Topline® for interiors, ensure excellent performance, fire resistance, and sustainability. These eco-friendly materials contribute to the building’s resilience and comfort while supporting environmentally responsible construction.

Products, Saint-Gobain, Gyproc, Exterior Walls, Wall Lining, Ceiling