The Steel Architectural Awards ASEAN 2026, organized by BlueScope, has announced the twelve projects selected to advance to the regional evaluation phase in ASEAN. These projects represent notable achievements in the architecture of Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam, having been chosen through national award programs and will now proceed to a regional analysis conducted by an international panel.
In its second regional edition, the competition honors architectural works that demonstrate excellence in design, innovation, sustainability, and the creative application of coated steel solutions. With the 2026 theme defined as 'Shaping Resilient Futures: Timeless Design with Coated Steel,' the award focuses on projects that connect deeply with their environment while offering lasting value to future generations.
The main objective of the award is to elevate the standard of steel architecture in Southeast Asia, recognizing developments that combine aesthetic appeal, longevity, novelty, and conscious resource use. In addition to rewarding individual projects, the program encourages knowledge sharing, professional exchange, and strengthening ties within the region's architectural community.
ASEAN 2026 Finalists
The finalists were distributed across various categories, covering different types of constructions:
Commercial Category
- Indonesia: Jakarta Premium Outlet, Pandega Desain Weharima (PDW)
- Malaysia: TUAH 1895, GDP Architects Sdn Bhd
- Thailand: KiN, DesireSynthesis
- Vietnam: Can Gio Pavilions, DE-SO Asia
Industrial Category
- Indonesia: Euroasiatic Head Quarter, PT. Pandega Desain Weharima
- Thailand: Nova Organic Office and Warehouse, Atelier of Architects
- Vietnam: Pandora Crafting Facility – Binh Duong, HCMC, Archetype Vietnam Ltd.
Residential Category
- Indonesia: IC House, ANGKASA ARCHITECTS
- Thailand: Baan Maiyalap, Physicalist
Institutional, Public and Other Categories
- Indonesia: Desa Binaan Tampelas, PT Pandega Desain Weharima
- Malaysia: Pusat Rehabilitasi Perkeso Sultan Nazrin Shah, RSP Architects Sdn Bhd
- Thailand: Chiang Mai University Main Stadium, A49CH
Evaluation Process
The finalist projects will undergo the ASEAN evaluation process scheduled for October 2026. The responsible teams will present their work directly to the jury. Each proposal will be analyzed based on three essential pillars: Design Excellence, Innovation, and Sustainability.
The evaluation pays special attention to how coated steel contributes to the architectural quality, durability, climatic responsiveness, technical performance, and long-term relevance of the work.
ASEAN 2026 Jury
An international jury, composed of prominent figures in architecture and industry leaders, will evaluate the ASEAN finalists. This body includes:
- Arch. Geoffrey Croker (Director, fjcstudio, Australia)
- Arch. Firman Setia Herwanto (Vice President, Ikatan Arsitek Indonesia, Indonesia)
- Arch. Dr./Dr. Serina Hijjas (Director, Hijjas Kasturi Associates, Malaysia)
- Arch. Kulthida Songkittipakdee (Vice President, Association of Siamese Architects under Royal Patronage, Thailand)
- Arch. Dr./Dr. Truong Nguyen Hoang Long (Coordinator of Environment and Sustainable Design, Ho Chi Minh City University of Architecture, Vietnam)
The 2026 program covers projects from four ASEAN nations: Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam, divided into six award categories: Commercial, Industrial, Residential, Institutional, Public, and Other.
ASEAN Award Ceremony in Bangkok
The announcement of the winners of the Steel Architectural Awards ASEAN 2026 will take place in Bangkok, Thailand, on November 20, 2026. The event will bring together architecture professionals, industry leaders, academic partners, press members, and project teams from across the region to celebrate the successes of the finalist and awarded projects.
In addition to the ASEAN category winners, the evening will include a special recognition honoring the sixtieth anniversary of COLORBOND® steel, highlighting works that illustrate the enduring beauty, resistance, and performance of coated steel in architecture.
Beyond the Award
The Steel Architectural Awards ASEAN was designed to transcend the scope of a simple competition. The program establishes opportunities for architecture professionals to exchange ideas, learn from notable examples, and strengthen their professional connections throughout Southeast Asia.
As an extra recognition of excellence, the team responsible for the winning project in each ASEAN category will be invited to participate in a one-week learning and exchange trip to Australia. This itinerary will allow direct contact with major names in architecture, innovative projects, and industry specialists, fostering a deeper exchange of knowledge between ASEAN and Australia.
Through this regional platform, the Steel Architectural Awards ASEAN continuously demonstrates how architecture can reconcile design excellence, technical performance, and material innovation to create buildings that remain relevant, resilient, and meaningful for future generations.
