St Ann Church Extension
In November 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the pressing need for expanded community spaces. Our team was approached with an urgent request to design an extension for St Ann Church in Kota Padawan, a central community hub serving over 2,500 congregants from the Borneo Highland community and nearby residential areas. While the extension had been part of the original master plan by another architect, it was on hold until the pandemic underscored its necessity.
Drawing from the architectural heritage of the predominantly Dayak community, the design takes inspiration from the traditional Bidayuh Longhouse. The extension introduces two new buildings—a Classroom Block and an Administration Block—arranged in an L-shape along the southern edge of the existing church complex. This layout creates a central courtyard, envisioned as a dynamic open-air event and celebration space.
Classroom Block: Reinventing the Communal Corridor
Stretching 108 m, the Classroom Block demonstrates tropical sensibility through its north-facing, single-loaded corridor, significantly reducing solar heat gain and enhancing natural ventilation. Perforated screens along the façade protect from sun and rain while adding visual rhythm and character. The wide corridor acts as a concourse area, functioning both as circulation and a semi-outdoor communal area, echoing the traditional ruai (communal corridor of longhouses). Extended, lowered window sills offer informal seating, supporting community interaction and learning.
Administration Block: Complementary and Functional
Mirroring the Classroom Block, the Administration Block houses essential church functions, including a reception, priests’ offices, and a waiting area on the ground floor. The upper level accommodates a meeting room, audio studio, resource centre, pantry, and additional offices. A shop with a mezzanine level caters to visitors and congregants; it enhances accessibility and functionality.
This block also integrates tropical design elements to ensure user comfort and practical usability. Screened corridors shield occupants from climatic elements while maintaining visual connections to the central courtyard. Expressive external staircases, painted bright yellow and projecting outward, evoke a playful spirit. Inspired by the symbolic entry ramps of Noah’s Ark, they extend a gesture of welcome, inviting community engagement and reinforcing the open character of the building.
A Collaborative Effort
Community-driven projects inherently require intensive collaboration, transparent communication, and meticulous financial planning. Given the charitable nature of this initiative and a constrained budget, every design and construction decision was closely scrutinised. The project offered an opportunity for a young architectural assistant—initially an intern and parish member—to assume a lead role, supported by experienced professionals, including a seasoned inspector of works and a project committee headed by a retired civil servant with extensive project management expertise.
Awarded in January 2023, the project faced delays due to unforeseen underground conditions, adverse weather, and subcontractor coordination challenges. Despite these setbacks, the Certificate of Practical Completion was issued in November 2024, followed by regulatory approvals in early 2025.
Celebrating Community through Architecture
The Blessing and Opening Ceremony, held on March 8, 2025, and officiated by the archbishop, was a testament to the project's intent. Congregants filled corridors, occupied window seats, and animated the central courtyard — realising the design's intent as a shared, lived space.
The project is more than just classrooms and administrative spaces; it is a vibrant, inclusive landmark designed for gathering, communication, learning, caring, and sharing. It embodies the spirit of community-driven architecture, where thoughtful design merges with collective effort to strengthen bonds and inspire meaningful interactions for generations to come.
Text by the architect
PROJECT GALLERY
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Architect : PDC Design Group
Client : St Ann Catholic Church
Area : 1,916 m²
Project Location : Padawan Town | Sarawak
Year : 2024 -
C&S Engineer : ND Consultant
M&E Engineer : Alpha Beta JP Sdn Bhd
Quantity Surveyor : FCH Quantity Surveyors Sdn Bhd
Contractor : Pembinaan Leyan Sdn Bhd
Design Team : Chai Si Yong | Tay Tze Yong | Diana Then | Tan Tze Khi | Lim Han Seng
Photography : Three Eleven Photography -
Floor | Floor Finishes
• Tile : Guocera
• Vinyl : Globalniaga
Roofing Systems : Ecosteel | UGI
Paint Systems : Jotun Paint
Door | Hardware : Kaisu KASA
Sanitary Fittings | Systems : Madaya
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