Briefing.
The business of building and furnishing Asia, companies, projects, policy, and people, reported and checked by our newsroom.
Australia's Precinct Seeks A$200 Million for Bluegum Glulam Plant
The Precinct is developing an A$200 million plant in Portland, Australia, to produce glulam and LVL from Australian bluegum and softwood thinnings. This project aims to convert exported timber resources into engineered wood products for construction.
Jakarta's Great Garuda Project Faces Planning, Social Challenges
Jakarta's ambitious Great Garuda project, designed to protect the capital from floods and create new land, faces complexities in planning and significant social impact on local communities. The initiative integrates coastal defense with urban development, driving demand for materials but also raising concerns about equitable development.
Trunk Co, Ltd opens first hotel outside Tokyo, Sapporo, Sept 2027
Trunk Co, Ltd will open its 107-room Trunk(Hotel) Sapporo in Hokkaido, Japan, in September 2027. This marks the brand’s first property outside Tokyo, following its three existing hotels. The new hotel will feature a design based on local craft and natural materials, alongside a debut spa and multiple dining options.
AtkinsRéalis, BCA International Partner for Middle East Urban Development
AtkinsRéalis and BCA International have signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding to explore urban development and infrastructure projects across the Middle East. The partnership aims to combine Singapore’s built environment expertise with AtkinsRéalis’ experience in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, focusing on sustainable development and construction productivity for future regional projects.
Powerhouse Parramatta Opens 7 November 2026, Features Moreau Kusunoki, Genton Design
Powerhouse Parramatta will open on 7 November 2026 in Western Sydney, Australia. The $915 million cultural institution features architecture by Moreau Kusunoki and Genton, with Arup and Lendlease on the project team. It will launch with five major exhibitions, presenting over 3000 objects.
Bangkok, Miami, Singapore Luxury Towers Integrate Automotive Design: Carbon-Fibre, Aluminium, Car Li
Luxury residential projects in Bangkok, Miami, and Singapore are integrating automotive design elements, from car elevators to interior material specifications. Developers are incorporating vehicle access directly to apartments and using materials like carbon fiber and leather, influenced by brands such as Porsche Design, Bentley, and Aston Martin.
Minor Hotels Opens 352-Key Avani Kota Kinabalu in Q1 2027
Minor Hotels will open the 352-key Avani Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia's Sabah state in Q1 2027. This property forms part of The Logg Luyang integrated development and introduces the Avani brand to the region.
Minor Hotels to open Avani Queenstown New Zealand flagship
Minor Hotels will open Avani Queenstown in New Zealand by September 2026. The property, formerly Oaks Shores Resort, will become the Avani brand's national flagship and its second hotel in the country, following a transformation into a full-service offering.
Langham Custom House Bangkok, 75-Key Property, Targets December 2026 Opening
Langham Hospitality Group will open The Langham, Custom House, Bangkok in December 2026. The 75-key hotel, located on the Chao Phraya River, integrates a restored 1888 Custom House building with a new contemporary structure, featuring 60 guestrooms and 15 suites.