The Sanctuary: A Vertical Microcosm of Borneo’s Natural Landscapes
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS)
Joanne Ho
Master of Architecture
Semester 2 Year 4| 2025
Tutors
Ar. Awang Hasim bin Awang Sulong | Mr. Johnson Tan | Dr Azmah binti Arzmi
The Sanctuary is a luxury high-rise hotel and serviced apartment that reimagines the relationship between Kuching’s urban high-rise architecture and nature. Inspired by Borneo’s rich ecosystems, The Sanctuary is a vertical tapestry of river landscapes, rainforests, and highlands, woven into a seamless vertical journey.
The verticality of the development is articulated through a series of garden terraces. Each terrace embodies a distinct natural realm, immersing guests in a sensory experience that transitions from the rhythmic flow of river-themed public spaces, through the lush tropical rainforests of Borneo, to the misty serenity of highland retreats.
The architectural elements of the hotel and apartments pay homage to the indigenous wisdom of Sarawak’s communities, reinterpreting vernacular practices through biophilic and sustainable design.
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Joanne Ho is an aspiring architect from Sarawak, Malaysia, currently pursuing her Master of Architecture at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS). Deeply rooted in the belief that architecture is the container of life, Joanne sees design as more than mere form — it is the invisible framework that shapes how people live, connect, and experience the world around them.
Her work explores how architecture can become a vessel in which community, culture, and nature coexist harmoniously. Drawing inspiration from Sarawak’s rich heritage and diverse landscapes, she aims to create spaces that not only respond to the needs of the present, but also honour the stories of the past and the rhythms of the natural environment.
Joanne is passionate about socially and environmentally conscious design. Through both academic projects and creative explorations, she continues to shape her voice as a designer grounded in empathy, identity, and innovation.