Borneo 744 involves the conversion of a complex of former Public Works Department mechanical workshops into a unique entrepreneur and arts district. The existing warehouses were refurbished to create spaces for a multitude of various functions – a black box auditorium for 200 people, a dance studio, exhibition spaces, F&B areas, co-working spaces for an entrepreneurial incubator and workshops for the production and design of local textiles and craft.

The architects saw this project as an opportunity to explore notions of revival and rejuvenation for abandoned buildings. With an extremely tight construction budget, and with a large portion of the funds needed for repairs of the existing structures and provide infrastructure, much thought had to be given to the nature of the new insertions to create strong, memorable spaces with minimal means. Borneo 744 is a unique environment for incubating local entrepreneurs and artists, while giving a series of abandoned factory buildings a new lease of life for the future.

PAM Awards 2018 for Excellence in Architecture – Shortlisted in Adaptive Reuse Category