Norwegian architecture firm Snøhetta has revealed designs for an ambitious mixed-use coastal development in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, that draws inspiration from the region's dramatic mountain landscape. The Jesselton Docklands project, spanning 114,000 square meters, will transform the city's waterfront in northern Borneo with a design that echoes the nearby Mount Kinabalu.
The massive development will be organized around a central inner marina and spread across three distinct plots featuring residential towers, commercial spaces, hotels, and office buildings. According to Snøhetta, the architectural concept creates "a skyline reminiscent of a mountain range" as a tribute to the famous Mount Kinabalu, which is visible from the waterfront location.
"This master plan redefines Kota Kinabalu's interface with its waterfront, transforming the former port into a civic and cultural anchor for the city," the architecture studio stated. The firm emphasized that the project aims to integrate resilient infrastructure with the island's ecological and cultural identity, positioning Kota Kinabalu as a strategic hub within the Southeast Asian archipelago that bridges local heritage with global connectivity.
The complex's waterside entrance will feature two distinctive arched buildings that slope downward, creating what designers describe as a "welcoming portal" into the development. A raised bridge spans the entrance, opening up to reveal the inner marina and a local ferry terminal with a cascading design that descends toward the waterfront. This entrance sequence is designed to blend lush vegetation, water features, and architectural elements that represent the character of Kota Kinabalu.
Paying homage to traditional local water villages, some residential units within the development will be elevated on stilts above winding water channels. The design includes intricate wood-clad walkways, bridges, and platforms that connect the tapered buildings, which feature gridded and colorful facades. A central 732-meter-long walkway serves as the development's "spine," running alongside the project to connect all buildings across the three plots.
Snøhetta conceived the complex as a "hydrological interface" capable of managing stormwater through innovative water management systems. The design integrates vegetated channels, rain gardens, and retention landscapes to handle the tropical climate's heavy rainfall while maintaining the area's natural ecosystem.
The Jesselton Docklands project represents Snøhetta's latest venture into large-scale urban development, following recent projects including the renovation of a 1960s office building in Milan and the design of a Dutch city hall with a "powerful silhouette." The development aims to create a picturesque setting that combines modern architecture with traditional Bornean design elements, establishing a new landmark for the Malaysian city.
