Cultural & Public, Commercial, Timber

Landmark convention centre to catalyse Sarawak’s engineered timber transformation

One of the world's largest timber buildings

The Sarawak State Government has officially endorsed our design for the next stage of Borneo Convention Centre Kuching, BCCK 2, set to be one of the world's largest single-floor timber structures, measuring 15,500 m² under roof with a clear span of 42 metres.

Designed by KIRK, in partnership with local architect Arkitek KDI, BCCK 2 is a planned expansion of the existing BCCK site in Kuching, envisioned as a world-class facility to increase event capacity, bolster the premium tourism industry and create new opportunities for the world to engage in the unique culture and environment of Sarawak.

BCCK 2's engineered timber design presents vast economic potential

Evoking culture and landscape in timber

Set on a sprawling waterfront site adjacent to the existing Convention Centre and overlooking the Sarawak River, BCCK 2's curvilinear form resembles the seed of a Belian tree — a protected hardwood species native to the area and used in traditional structures, such as the iconic Dayak Longhouses.

The building is parametrically optimised to utilise the natural climate and provide protection from harsh tropical rainfall and solar radiation. Its distinct organic shape demonstrates the sophisticated lines achievable through contemporary timber techniques.

Why engineered timber?

Timber was a natural choice for BCCK 2 - not only as a biophilic material, reflective of the natural landscape, but as a wholly renewable, recyclable, zero embodied carbon building material.

Embodied carbon emissions of an engineered timber building can be 60-75% less than a conventional concrete-steel counterpart per square metre.

The advanced digital design and manufacturing technology behind engineered timber allow for prefabrication and rapid assembly onsite, which will fast-track project delivery, even for a building of BCCK 2's impressive scale.

Green shoots for economic growth

BCCK 2 will be transformative for Sarawak. A seed in both shape and function, it is set to catalyse growth in the region’s engineered timber industry.

Economically and geographically, Sarawak is fertile ground for industry growth, and yet the region has yet to realise its timber potential, with much of the locally harvested timber used for low-value, non-structural elements.

Projections indicate that the engineered timber required for BCCK 2 could nearly triple the region's GDP contribution if sourced locally.

Alongside endorsing BCCK 2’s design, the Sarawak State Government has also committed to the use of engineered wood for all structural elements — a significant investment in Sarawak's engineered timber future.

We are impressed by the Sarawak State Government's bold stance - not only in their endorsement of this transformative project, but in advocating for Sarawak’s engineered timber future. It is our hope that other regions follow in their footsteps and we see large-scale timber projects like BCCK 2 get the green light. One more step towards a carbon-positive future.

Richard Kirk
Founder and Director, KIRK

KIRK's engineered timber expertise

KIRK is a market leader in mass engineered timber architecture. Our portfolio of projects showcases a number of ground-breaking timber designs, including:

We regularly share our timber architecture expertise with companies looking to take advantage of this growing opportunity and elevate their next building development.

For more, contact our Brisbane or Kuala Lumpur studios.

For more on BCCK 2 - view our project page.

Thank you to Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) for inviting us to join them in advocating for Sarawak's engineered timber transformation.

Experts in Timber

KIRK has a deep interest in researching and developing cutting-edge construction methods and material knowledge. The studio is committed to employing renewable resources and local industry on a large and meaningful scale upon selection of the construction materials.  Specifying locally-grown timber species, manufactured in Queensland demonstrated the benefits of this technology as a sustainable alternative to steel and concrete.  Local Queensland timber is central to the sustainability initiatives employed by KIRK.

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