UNIFOR Complex, wholly owned and managed by UNIFOR Charitable Trust, is a 10-storey development comprising an 8-storey Office Block on top of a 2-storey Commercial cum Convention Facilities podium.
Housing both UNIFOR and UNIFOR Charitable Trust offices, it is designed as a humble, iconic Green Building landmark to signify religious freedom in Sarawak. The Unit For Other Religions (UNIFOR, in short), established in 2017 by the Sarawak Government, was tasked to manage the needs of the non-Islamic religions in Sarawak, covering approximately 68% of the State population.
The design brief called for a new building with noble intent. Its silent yet powerful mission is to spur rental income-generating activities for the Charitable Trust, making it not only financially independent but able to finance the various activities geared towards the well-being of the non-Islamic Communities in Sarawak. It is a unique example that Architecture, at its best, is not just about form and function but a reflection of humanity’s enduring commitment to promote progress and compassion. Whether grand or humble, UNIFOR Complex showcases that when we build with purpose, we build a brighter future.
THE CONCEPT
Like a beautifully wrapped present, this contemporary Architectural design symbolises a divine gift of Unity among religious communities. As a whole, the development portrays a dynamic built form which is expressed by its ONE continuous WRAP of aluminium composite panel cladding embracing the architectural envelope together with a distinctive architectural sunscreen representing the “Universe” signifying the Divine Power and Hope.
THE ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN APPROACH
The design of UNIFOR Complex hinges simply on the basic principles of Passive Design. The sun-screened glazed building front showcases itself along the elongated North-facing site. At the same time, the continuous wrapping of aluminium cladding protects it from the Eastern and Western sun.
The extended edges of the composite aluminium cladding envelope defined the overall building form while providing shade. Guided by its noble and humble intent with a tight budget, the design focuses on symbolism and space sufficiency. Priorities are given to accessibility, sustainability and social impact, ensuring the design spaces serve a greater good. All spaces are sufficiently designed and have standard materials.
The UNIFOR Complex reinterprets unity through a contemporary tropical lens
—merging cultural symbolism, passive performance, and expressive façade geometry into a singular architectural narrative.
THE COMPOSITION
UNIFOR Complex is a 10-storey development comprising an 8-storey Office Block on top of a 2-storey Commercial cum Convention Facilities podium. Commercial spaces targeting F&B outlets are located on the Ground floor. The Convention Facilities occupies the entire 1st floor and consists of a Main Hall with 1000-pax banquet seating capacity, Pre-function Lobby, function rooms, meeting room and lounge. The 1st Floor is easily accessed via an independent entrance, the Foyer is served with lifts, escalators and a staircase.
An open, paved and landscaped Concourse at the building foreground is designed as a multi-purpose outdoor civic space and is seamlessly connected to the Commercial and Alfresco on the Ground Floor. This rentable space will be used for religious festivals, charity sales, car shows, etc. On non-event days, the Concourse will be used for car parking.
A semi-enclosed Rooftop garden is designed as a thermal buffer between the topmost roof and the offices. This volumetric space with true cross and stack ventilation is a rentable event space for smaller functions.
THE GREEN BUILDING FEATURES
The project has achieved Green Building Index Certified Rating Provisional Certification. The key Green features are:
- Low OTTV of 35W/m2
- Designed Building Energy Intensity (BEI) of 137 kWh/m2/yr
- Building Management System
- Low-E glass
- Low VOC paints
- Daylighting to 90% NLA space (excluding Main Hall)
- Use of plastic formwork
- Rainwater Harvesting
- Water-efficient fittings
- Shading device (Sun-shading screen)
- Regenerative Lifts
- Bio-swales
- Evaporative Cooling (Rooftop Garden)
- Thermal Buffer (Rooftop Garden)
- Chilled water Air-conditioning system for conventional facilities
- VRF air-conditioning system for the offices
CONCLUSION
UNIFOR Complex demonstrates that Design and Energy Efficiency can be easily achieved with a good combination of Passive Design principles and Space Sufficiency to serve its purpose.
