CIDB Convention Centre
In 2013, CIDB HQ, ABM, CIDB Sarawak, and the architects collaborated to develop the masterplan for the CIDB Sarawak Complex. A key component of the plan was the CIDB Convention Centre, intended to be the complex’s centerpiece with a unique design and creative architecture. Over time, the concept evolved to a more toned-down building that harmonizes with its surroundings, balances massiveness with lightness, and uses transparency to invoke public interest. Despite its refined appearance, the goal was to make a significant impact on its users, the surrounding area, and Sarawak’s architectural and construction norms.
The CIDB Sarawak Convention Centre’s design deviates from traditional enclosed structures by featuring semi-open corridors with decorative louvres and polycarbonate panels. This design facilitates natural cross ventilation and air exchange with the outdoors. Enclosed spaces are then segmented by these corridors, encouraging exploration.
The design concept draws inspiration from historical building practices, reflecting how traditional vernacular buildings were adapted to their environment and culture. Our approach integrates modern technology to create an ecologically sustainable building. The design incorporates elements from Sarawak’s local architecture, such as exposed spun piles inspired by the Rumah Orang Ulu’s belian timber piles, and an elliptical layout and roof reminiscent of the Bidayuh Baruk house. Louvres and open corridors echo traditional Sarawak Malay houses, and the use of pond water for cooling references traditional water-dependent village houses. The building’s cutouts allow cool pond air to circulate, enhancing natural ventilation. Dayak floral motifs on the louvres cast decorative shadows, attracting public curiosity.
Extensive brainstorming between the consultant team and client helped address potential construction and design issues. Budget constraints posed challenges, particularly given the unfamiliarity with IBS (Industrialized Building System) in Sarawak’s construction industry, where conventional designs were more common. Despite these challenges, the design achieved an impressive IBS score. The cooperative contractor was able to overcome installation difficulties in realising the building aspirations.
Technical challenges included ensuring the elliptical shape of the convention centre’s roof layout, requiring precise surveying and recalculations, especially for the twisting roof gradient. However, with the creativity of installation on the roofing works, it managed to be one of the iconic steel roofing structures in Sarawak.
The CIDB Convention Centre stands out as a cost-efficient option among similar-sized convention centres in Malaysia. Its sustainable design contributes to an estimated 30% reduction in electrical and air conditioning costs compared to conventional buildings. This efficiency is due to its ability to harness natural daylight and air ventilation through its open corridor design and capillary system theory. The elliptical building and roof shape also mitigates rain and wind impacts more effectively than a flat surface.
The design's primary goal is to re-establish a connection with traditional building methods, when our forefathers meticulously observed and looked into their surroundings and climates in order to build dwellings that were both culturally and locally suitable. Our design aims to produce a structure that proudly represents cultural history while also reflecting the fundamentals of environmental sustainability by integrating these traditional design elements with modern materials and construction methods. This ecologically sustainable building will serve as a venue for many significant events and ceremonies in the future.
Project Information
Malaysia
Gun Metal Grey
Completed
2018
BlueScope Architectural Award 2024 – Malaysia – Lasting Beauty of Colorbond Steel (Gold)
BlueScope Architectural Award 2024 – ASEAN – Lasting Beauty of Colorbond Steel (Gold)
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