Monday, February 9, 2009

kuching isthmus


Kuching Isthmus project is so far the most potentially not-just-rumored mega project in Kuching. There are several other ambitious projects planned for Kuching before such as the city of 2000 around the masja area and new telaga air administrative district (which all have failed to materialized). But, Kuching Isthmus is progressing quite well with the nearly complete Borneo Convention Centre in the barrack area of Demak-Pending area. The whole masterplan for the breathtaking island is well-planned and designed for the ever developing city of Kuching. Basically, the plan is to developed the land into a new city planning. The whole planning of this ambitious project covers the development of some major projects such as the Kuching Tower, Borneo Convention Centre Kuching, Kuching Isthmus Hypermarket Mall, Office buildings, Luxury hotel and housing area.
Existing site for Kuching Isthmus

The ground breaking ceremony was initiated by Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud on 2 October 2005 with RM300 million start for Borneo Convention Centre. The mega project is situated on a 240 acre riverfront area on the east of Kuching City centre about 5 km away to be specific. The part of Kuching Extension Plan was designed to balance up the identity of Kuching as the capital of Sarawak and also the Borneo island as a whole.

Model of Borneo Convention Centre Kuching
3d rendering of BCCK


latest update on Isthmus Project and Borneo Convention Centre (January 2009)

Taking leaf as an inspiration for roof design


The convention centre is set to become a landmark for the city as well as providing convention and exhibition facilities for the state and also the world in the mystical land of Sarawak. It will be complete with state-of-the-art infrastructure and services to cater the needs for MICE industry. With a capacity of 1,500 delegates at one time, the convention centre, also known as BCCK costs about 195 million ringgit is estimated to be fully completed in August 2009 though there are news of possible delay. The construction of BCCK is accompanied with another the marina which is set to be built at the edge of the island.

Initial design for Kuching Tower by a canadian firm, ZW Group with City Gate Corporation

3d renderings of Kuching Tower by Hijjas Kasturi

The Kuching Tower is another key project in Kuching Isthmus as it is poised to be the tallest building in Sarawak. It will be a landmark for the city as well as the state. Stages of development, the project has not started since the main focus for the time being is on the BCCK. The designing stage however have been considered done and it was designed by famous Malaysian architect, Hijjas Kasturi. The 300 million ringgit tower complex will accomodate offices and luxury 315 room hotel. Standing at height of 150 meters, the 31 level tower (initially 39 floors) will house 200,000 square feet of first class business support office for the first 12 floors. From 15th floor upwards, a luxury hotel with a breathtaking view to the South China Sea and Sungai Sarawak. An 8 storey atrium completes the tower, offering high class Sky Lounge service viewing the surrounding landscape.


perspective rendering of the Isthmus Hypermarket Mall


Other projects are still under unknowned status such as condominium development, Shopping centre complex (Isthmus Hypermarket Mall) and Office building. Ken Yeang, another well-knowned Malaysian architect have been rumored to be building one of his masterpiece on the island. A twin tower with environmental elements in the design. ISthmus Hypermarket Mall is also a anticipating project since it will house big names in retail shopping such as Tesco, Jusco and Ikea. Upon completion, it is expected to be the largest in the region.

Sunday, February 8, 2009

proposed only

rumoured tesco+jusco+ikea in kuching isthmus. there is high possibilities of this to happen but kuching is always known to be a city built on rumors.. fingers cross for this to materialize in the near future.





pusat islam swk. located on the existing site of bangunan baitulmal swk and dbku library.





batu kawah shopping mall





grand centro/icon mall, planned to be built at the existing king's centre. poised to be the tallest building in borneo .the project have been cancelled.




samariang mall





Proposed 18 Storey Commercial and Hotel Complex, Jalan Padungan and Jalan Bukit Mata, Kuching



Proposed Apartment & Suites, Green Hill & Mathies' Road, Kuching
Might be a 30-storey building.proposed kenyalang park concominiums




updates and projects

tune hotel
tune hotel kuching. located opposite hilton. it used to be cat city nightclub. the only tune hotel with most minimal red color.



permaidani kampung
extension of waterfront project. this time, the opposite side of the river get some facelift. a new food avenue along kampung boyan, gersik and sourabaya. though its not that so architecture, this little project is a nice development that should be anticipated



titanium tower
titanium tower. used to be named brighton square. eventhough i don't really like the design, but its looks okla.. better than nothing. when its open? i don't really know. seems to be completed its const but..




I like to share some projects that are on-going in kuching and also the rumored ones that for me is interesting and can give kuching a whole new experience through lifestyle and architecturally. hopefully you guys will enjoy!

kuching sentral
kuching sentral model. the terminal cum shopping mall is complete with mall, shoplots and a cinema. for sure, this will be a great building because of its vicinity to the airport and the services that it offers.

kuching sentral progress. eventhouch site works have been done since 2008, the signboard of the project just appeared a few weeks ago. clear land.. check! piling.. hmm not finished yet.


one jaya mall
one jaya mall update. past this building during the cny break. this little community shopping mall is just 4 storey high. nothing much to expect since the size is small but the design is quite interesting and new to kuching. hopefully, more experimental buildings like this will be built in my beloved hometown.

matang jaya hypermarket
a new community hypermarket located in matang jaya. rumored to be operated by miri company e-mart. looks tacky to me.. there's no architectural design detail at all actually, but hopefully when its finished in the new future they can proof me wrong. i wonder if tenants like watson or guardian or dvd shops will open there??



borneo convention centre kuching (bcck)
progress of borneo convention centre kuching (bcck). Looking good.. i can say 70% is finished. can't wait for the kuching tower.. it's the essence of the whole development.



four points hotel
four points by sheraton. paparazzi shots of mine. located near the kuching international airport. 98% finished. heard that its opened for business but not 100%.



batu lintang mall
batu lintang mall, mixed development of office and shopping complexes.. no news about this project right now. It may just a rumored one but it was under naim cendera. Located at the government quarters land in front of saberkas, somewhere around the famous rojak kuchei restaurant.



pasir panjang family park
pasir panjang family park. located on the way to santubong, the location of this place is accessible by land transportation and surrounded by beautiful beaches and bakau trees. hopefully they could materialize this project.. nice dessign

existing view to the site.

architectural renderings of the project.. nice eyy..