Long-Span Steel Reshapes Architectural Possibilities Across Southeast Asia
In an article dated September 15, 2026, Kiana Buchberger examines the significance of long-span steel in facilitating expansive, column-free spaces within civic, industrial, and commercial structures. The narrative traces the material's journey from the Pantheon’s dome to the Crystal Palace in London, underscoring its advantageous strength-to-weight ratio. Featured in the discussion are Steel Architectural Awards ASEAN projects, such as the CIDB Convention Centre Sarawak in Kuching, Malaysia, which boasts a 900-seat auditorium and a design that lowers energy consumption by 30%. Additional projects include the Industrial Foundry by Naksit Wisetmora in Samut Prakan, the Mayora Head Office Canteen in Jakarta, and the Jakarta International Stadium, all employing BlueScope steel. The Malaysian Academy of Han Studies in Melaka is noted for its curvilinear roof made from LYSAGHT® and COLORBOND® steel. Key themes encompass construction efficiency, spatial adaptability, and design freedom.
Key facts
- Article written by Kiana Buchberger, published September 15, 2026.
- CIDB Convention Centre Sarawak in Kuching, Malaysia, designed by Arkiskape Sdn Bhd, includes a 900-seat main hall under a long-span elliptical roof.
- BlueScope's COLORBOND® and COLORBOND® ULTRA steel were used for the convention center's roofing system.
- The convention center achieves an estimated 30 percent reduction in electricity and air-conditioning demand and an IBS score above 70 percent.
- Industrial Foundry for Marine Vessels in Samut Prakan, designed by Naksit Wisetmora, produces bronze propellers for naval vessels.
- Mayora Head Office Canteen in Jakarta, by Lex and Architects, accommodates more than 800 employees under a circular roof inspired by a turtle shell.
- Jakarta International Stadium by PDW Architects uses COLORBOND® steel in its long-span roof for uninterrupted sightlines.
- Malaysian Academy of Han Studies in Melaka by Studio 505 has a roof assembled from more than 25,000 radial steel profiles, using LYSAGHT® 360 SEAM® and COLORBOND® XPD PEARLESCENT steel in Copper Penny.
Entities
Artists
- Kiana Buchberger
- Naksit Wisetmora
Institutions
- Lex and Architects
- Arkiskape Sdn Bhd
- PDW Architects
- Studio 505
- BlueScope
- NS BlueScope
- Steel Architectural Awards ASEAN
- CIDB Sarawak Complex
- Mayora
- Malaysian Academy of Han Studies
- Jakarta International Stadium
- CIDB Convention Centre Sarawak
- Industrial Foundry for Marine Vessels
- Mayora Head Office Canteen
- ArchDaily
Locations
- Kuching
- Malaysia
- Samut Prakan
- Thailand
- Jakarta
- Indonesia
- Melaka
- Sarawak
- London
- United Kingdom
- Southeast Asia
- Pantheon
- Crystal Palace