KTS Anniversary Park and Function Hall
Originally conceived as a community-driven initiative, this project has transformed an underutilised property along the picturesque Sarawak River into a vibrant public area for Kuching’s residents. In doing so, it has turned a temporary opportunity into an enduring legacy. The site, which was once a stone stockyard, served as a place of labour and industry, with occasional sightings of crocodiles. However, it is now reimagined as a dynamic community hub situated along the winding river, with commanding views of the majestic Mount Santubong.
Although the surrounding industrial and commercial activities have since relocated further out of town, the site is characterised by its flat, open expanse, along with the remains of stone piles and loading zones. Additionally, the surrounding area features low-rise commercial shop houses, light industrial warehouses, and a charming 'kampung' across the water. This unique location presents an opportunity to revitalise a utilitarian space into a vibrant waterfront destination, breathing new life to what was once a neglected corner of the city.
The design embraces the openness of the site, creating multifunctional spaces for various activities, from weekend markets and food festivals to open-air performances and riverside yoga sessions. Pathways made of recycled stone meander through the landscape, guiding visitors on a journey that intertwines with native plantings and pocket gardens, infusing greenery to the industrial character. Moreover, remnants from the past, such as weathered concrete platforms, have been creatively repurposed; for instance, one has been converted into a fish pond, enhancing the connection to the river’s ecosystem.
At the heart of this revitalisation is a striking multi-purpose hall, which is capable of accommodating up to 500 guests. Constructed from the salvaged steel frame of a derelict warehouse in Kuching, this hall, together with a landscaped park, spacious car park, and a Chinese restaurant, forms the core of the site’s transformation. By embracing its temporary status, the design prioritises construction methods and materials that are recyclable or relocatable, thereby embodying both environmental consciousness and creative reuse.
The building’s exterior is elegantly finished with standing seam metal cladding, a manually crafted profile that offers a refined, high-class appearance while maintaining an industrial edge. Notably, the eastern façade opens dramatically to the park, with a folding canopy that seamlessly extends from the wall like an unfolding piece of origami, creating a sense of fluidity between the indoor and outdoor spaces. Adding to this dynamic experience is the fully glazed northern wall, featuring an artful mosaic of tinted glass in two hues, which frames sweeping views of the Sarawak River. Here, visitors can enjoy a unique Sarawakian experience — a spectacular fireworks display that lights up the sky, creating a vibrant tapestry of colours over the water. This glass wall effectively blurs the boundary between interior and exterior, inviting the landscape to become an integral part of the hall’s overall experience.
Throughout the project, raw and unfinished materials enhance the building's industrial vibe — from exposed off-form concrete slabs to the bold interplay of raw plywood finishes, old and new steel structures. These elements not only celebrate the site's industrial heritage but also create a lively, multi-functional public space that encourages the community to reconnect with the river and the surrounding scenery.
Ultimately, this project exemplifies our belief in the transformative potential of reimagining existing structures. By breathing new life into what was once overlooked, we have created a space that is both sustainable and striking, proving that even the most ordinary spaces can be reborn in extraordinary ways.
Text by the architect
PROJECT GALLERY
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Architect : IDC Architects Sdn Bhd
Client : Palm Spring Estate Sdn Bhd
Area : 1,925 m²
Project Location : Kuching | Sarawak
Year : 2013 -
C&S Engineer : Jurutera Jasa (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd
Mechanical Engineer : PKM Projek Konsultant Sdn Bhd
Electrical Engineer : PKM Projek Konsultant Sdn Bhd
Interior Designer : Mooredeco Design Studio
Contractor : Polybuilding Construction Co.
Design Team : Ar. Ng Chee Wee | Jeffrey Yeung | Jenny Tho | Mary Nicholas | Yi Hee Fui | Tiong Ing Thian | Melvin Lim | Liew Chia Pau | Special Mention to Ar. Mike Boon for his early input
Photography : Ar. Alan Lau | Jeffrey Yeung -
Floor | Floor Finishes
• Tile : MML
• Timber : KTS Plywood Industries
Wall | Wall Finishes
• Wall Covering : Amcan
Roofing System : Standing seams by Amcan
Aluminium and Glazing : Hwa Hong
Façade Systems : Standing seams by Amcan
Ceiling | Ceiling Systems : Louvres by Amcan
Sanitary Fittings | Systems : Madaya
Lighting Design | Fittings : JustLight
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