Sarawakians win architecture competition

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TOP DESIGN: (From left) Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Idris Jala presents the award to Lau. Also seen are Kueh, Ngu Ung Hieng from Arkitek KDI Sdn Bhd, OSK’s Ong Ju Xing, and Persatuan Arkitek Malaysia president Saifuddin Ahmad.

KUCHING: Arkitek KDI Sdn Bhd, in collaboration with Alan Kueh, has won the first prize for OSK Holdings Berhad’s recent Master Planning and Architectural Concept Design Competition.

Both Arkitek KDI Sdn Bhd led by Datuk John KS Lau and Kueh are from Sarawak. It is learned that this was the fourth time Arkitek KDI Sdn Bhd competed in national competition, where they have won a prize each time.

The competition called for an iconic response to a prime site of 2.93 acres in Kuala Lumpur currently occupied by the existing OSK Building and an adjacent vacant plot at Jalan Ampang.

Thirty-four entries were received from across the country under Stage 1 with only five entries shortlisted for Stage 2.

The winning scheme comprises a 60-storey building divided into three components, office/meeting/convention, serviced apartments, and luxury hotel.

Levels 1 to 23 are designated as office space to match the existing OSK Office Building. Both office towers are linked by a minimalist sky bridge on the uppermost office floors, which would facilitate inter-office interaction.

The remaining levels are divided into serviced apartments (180 rooms) at intermediate levels and 6-star luxury hotel (200 rooms) on the highest floors of the building to maximise views.

The total built up area for the tower will be 1.4 million square feet with 900 new car parks. The total estimated cost is RM400 million.

The jury admired the elegant and timeless quality of the winning submission which complements the existing OSK Building design. With consideration given to green technology, sustainability, economical construction methodology and flexible office space, the submission stood out as the most impressive design solution.

The new OSK Tower is intended to be a banking hub for Kuala Lumpur boasting conference and convention facilities on the podium block facing Jalan Ampang.

With the integrated hotel and serviced apartment facilities, it will be the ideal destination for local and international banking communities.