The Borneo Architecture Journal

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One Stop Collection Centre (OSCC)

The design approach was to assimilate utilitarianism architecture to represent an industrial outlook—the clean-line look gives a strong and definitive contrast between the different elements of the space, and it revolves around minimalism to obtain a sleek and functional design

The OSCC building, situated in Kota Samarahan, about 37 minutes from Kuching City Centre, is located in an industrial zone near the new Batang Samarahan Bridge. The site covers 3.78 acres, with 2 acres designated for current development, leaving room for future expansions. The building’s gross floor area is approximately 1300 m², carefully planned to ensure logical relationships between spaces, enhancing functionality.

To accentuate the building, the design integrated primary colours for an interesting, unembellished look, with minimal use of red and yellow providing a bold contrast to the generally subdued simplicity

The OSCC's design is both functional and modern, featuring a lobby with a retail gallery and a glass-separated production area. The packaging area has a high ceiling, allowing for future expansion. Additional facilities include a product testing lab, two flexible training rooms, a dynamic event space, a co-working area, and a mezzanine-level incubator concept office.

The primary goal of the OSCC is to support local cottage industry start-ups, particularly women entrepreneurs, by helping them promote their products, providing business training, and enhancing product development for national and international markets. The project aims to increase the success rate of local entrepreneurs by offering networking opportunities, marketing assistance, financial coaching, and alignment with Sarawak Digital Economy policies.

The roof height at the Packaging Area is slightly reduced to give visual delineation of the different functions of the internal space

Metal cladding wall finish with stainless steel gutters and rainwater downpipe adds an extravagant vibe to an otherwise mundane building typology

The design of the OSCC building embraces utilitarianism, reflecting an industrial outlook with clean lines and minimalistic aesthetics. The concept of ‘form follows function’ was central to the design, which focuses on simplicity and conspicuous views of structural elements, avoiding unnecessary design details. Considerable thought was given to selecting materials that are durable, maintenance-friendly, and visually appealing, aligning with the project's design philosophy.

Steel staircase to the Mezzanine Floor Incubator Office Space

Steel was selected as the primary material for this project for its versatility in design, allowing flexibility to create long-span structures with a sleek and minimalist look and its prefabricated nature enables quick assembly on-site. Steel's structural integrity ensures strength and durability, supporting the required large span and open spaces in the building, which are central to the design. Additionally, steel is sustainable and recyclable, aligning with the client's environmental responsibility ethos. Its maintenance-friendly properties, such as resistance to corrosion, keep the building functional and aesthetically pleasing over time. Steel’s aesthetic appeal enhances the industrial look, reinforcing the ‘form follows function’ philosophy.

Steel staircase detail—made of folded chequered plate treads, steel plate, and expanded metal railings

Incubator concept office on the mezzanine floor above the OSCC management office and lounge, with the dynamic performance space in the foreground

The building’s seamless roof and façade, coupled with double-volume spaces, add a sense of grandeur to the industrial design, with flexibility for future expansion. The design incorporates primary colours to accentuate the otherwise minimalist approach.

Due to the timing of its construction during the COVID-19 pandemic, the project includes contactless and social distancing features, such as automated sliding doors, biometric access systems, and facilities for video conferencing, ensuring the building is suited to the new-normal work environment.

Text by the architect

PROJECT GALLERY

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