By Marlynda Meraw
KUCHING, Oct 31: For Hock Seng Lee (HSL), a design can be more than just blueprints—it can be a space for living, connecting, and learning.
Today, HSL opened the doors of its Precinct Grande duplex showhouse to 70 architecture students from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) in a corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme that blended education, creativity and community spirit.
The visit formed part of HSL’s twin CSR initiatives with Unimas and Hoan Gallery, underscoring the developer’s commitment to supporting both education and the arts.
Accompanying each area within the showhouse were paintings from the Hoan Gallery, carefully selected to complement the interior spaces being showcased.
Students from Unimas’ Faculty of Built Environment, led by lecturer Ar. Idr Wong Hsin Jyi, explored the elegant, resort-style Resort Duplexes at Precinct Grande; homes designed to celebrate space, light and green living.
Architects from David Ong Architect (DOA), MNSC Architect, and Studio Objects of Affection (OOA) gave design talks and took part in an open Q&A session, guiding students through the ideas behind La Promenade’s distinctive residential identity.
For the students, the visit brought classroom theories to life.
“The place feels open but secure,” said 29-year-old Amir Hamzah, who is on his third and final year in the course. “Upon going past the guardhouse, the landscape looks like a valley, a picturesque area.”
Meanwhile, for Chloe Chai, 21, a third-year student, admired the spatial composition of the building design.
“I really like the circulation and the void on the first and second floor. You can see the whole living area from above,” she said, adding that she would have believed the living space was from overseas should it was shown to her out of context.
HSL’s collaboration with Unimas and Hoan Gallery reflects a broader vision: to nurture future designers and creators, while shaping spaces where art, architecture and community meet.
Set amid landscaped greens and shaded walkways, Precinct Grande dedicates 17 per cent of its land to open space, maintaining a low density of just 4.7 homes per acre. Each home offers 4,080 square feet of living space, a private lift, and an elderly-friendly bedroom with an en suite on the ground floor.
The entire third floor functions like a private condominium, with over 1,000 square feet of serene personal space featuring a bedroom, study, walk-in wardrobe, and a his-and-her bathroom.
Only 20 homes will be built, priced from RM2.8 million, with fully completed units valued at RM3.48 million. —DayakDaily
