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Finalist BSAA-ASEAN 2024​

Finalist BSAA-ASEAN 2024

The ASEAN BlueScope Steel Architectural Award 2024 was a grand celebration of the strength, beauty, and innovation of steel in architecture. Held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, this prestigious event brought together architects from Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia, showcasing groundbreaking designs across the region.
 
Before advancing to the ASEAN level, Cowema Studio Architect emerged victorious in Indonesia’s Country Award for the Residential Category. Their winning project, MG House, captured the judges’ hearts with its harmonious blend of modern tropical design and steel innovation. The trophy they received, designed by Indonesian sculptor Rita Widagdo, symbolizes the strength and beauty of steel—a material that is as sturdy as it is adaptable to artistic expression.
Located in Joglo, West Jakarta, MG House redefines modern tropical living. Designed in 2018 and built during the pandemic, this residence was tailored for a retired couple and their three children studying abroad. The architectural challenge lay in crafting a home that balanced privacy with an indoor-outdoor connection in an urban setting. 
 
The house’s barn-inspired form, accentuated with geometric lines, stands out as a local landmark. The Cocoa Brown BlueScope Colorbond steel roofing and façade, paired with ulin wood accents, create a warm yet contemporary aesthetic. Sustainable materials, such as reclaimed wood and Polyurethane (PU) foam insulation, highlight the project’s environmental consciousness, while features like natural ventilation and a central courtyard enhance comfort and energy efficiency.
 
Representing Indonesia in residential category, Cowema Studio Architect presented MG House at the ASEAN BlueScope Steel Architectural Award on October 30, 2024, through a virtual platform. Competing against projects Laab Is More from Thailand, Cowema Studio showcased their innovative approach to blending steel with tropical design elements.
 
MG House Project detail

The final ceremony, held at Hilton Kuala Lumpur, brought together esteemed judges from Australia, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia. 

While the Residential Category award went to Laab Is More from Thailand, a design praised for its seamless integration with the local environment, MG House was recognized as a finalist, earning a commendation certificate for its outstanding design excellence.

Cowema Studio extends heartfelt gratitude to the entire team—Ida Bagus Gede Wahyudi Saraswati, Welly Kusumo, Paulus Hatma Mamo, and Ares Budhianto—along with the BlueScope Indonesia team, and the esteemed judges for their insights, AR. Achmad Deni Tardiyana, MUDD, IAI and others. This experience provided an invaluable opportunity to learn from international projects and expert critiques.
 
Although MG House did not claim the ASEAN title, the recognition and exposure at this level mark a significant milestone for Cowema Studio Architect. The journey continues to inspire their pursuit of architectural excellence and sustainable design.
 
Cowema Studio remains proud to have represented Indonesia, proving that steel architecture can embody both strength and elegance in a modern tropical context. To the entire architectural community—keep pushing boundaries and creating designs that leave a lasting impact.
 
THE FINAL CONTENDERS
Laab Is More, Thailand
Quantis Club House, Indonesia
B-Quik Ratchadapisek, Thailand
FNI Head Office & Workshop, indonesia
VanaVasa Resort, Malaysia
Foundry, Royal Thai Naval Dockyard, Thailand
DBW Garment Factory, Vietnam
Boonsong Osot Office, Thailand
Indonesia Arena, Indonesia
Masjid Daing Abdul Rahman, Malaysia
Raja Haji Fisabilillah International, Indonesia
Hayward Quartz Technology Factory, Vietnam
CIBD Convention Centre Sarawak Kuching, Malaysia
 
THE WINNERS
Industrial: The Industrial Foundry for Marine Vessels, Thailand, by. Ar. Natsit Wisetmora
Commercial: VanaVasa Resort, Malaysia, by M J Kanny Architect
Residential: Laab is More, Thailand, by Sifah Studio
Institutional (and Others): Masjid Daing Abdul Rahman, Malaysia, by Razin Architects Sdn Bhd
Long Lasting Beauty of COLORBOND® Steel: CIDB Convention, Malaysia, CIDB Convention Centre, by Arkiskape Sdn Bhd

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