As part of the wider commission to renovate DUNS’ major interior public spaces, IDCA was tasked with relocating and redesigning the visitor café to resolve long-standing operational and servicing challenges. The new café site offers unobstructed views, improved natural lighting, and seamless access to the building’s internal circulation routes, enabling efficient delivery and service operations.

Conceptually, the café expresses the richness of Sarawak’s natural landscapes. Inspired by forested river gullies and the sculpted limestone caves of Mulu, the interiors feature striated rock-like walls, rounded furniture volumes built around real trees, and carpet patterns echoing dappled forest light. A custom perforated aluminium ceiling forms a contemporary tree canopy, warmly illuminated to create an immersive, iconic visitor experience. The project also celebrates Sarawakian craftsmanship through bespoke rattan pendant lights produced in collaboration with indigenous artisans from Tanoti Crafts.