Kutubu Convention Centre   Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

Set in a sloping former quarry site in Port Moresby, the Kutubu Convention Centre forms part of Star Mountain Plaza, an integrated mixed-use precinct comprising two hotels, workplace, retail, restaurants and bars, and a multi-purpose cultural facility.

 

Set over four levels, the 5,500 sq m convention centre includes an 800-seat banquet hall, flexible meeting spaces which open to the naturally ventilated grand central foyer, food and beverage outlets, and 1,000 sq m of flexible open-air function spaces designed to accommodate a range of uses.

The Kutubu Convention Centre is an iconic yet highly functional design defined by a signature roof, inspired by Papua New Guinea’s traditional timber long houses which form the heart of the country’s rural villages. Spanning 30m wide, 100m long and rising over 16m above the ground, the Kutubu roof is a timber structure on a grand scale sheltering outdoor function areas beneath from sun and rain.

The interior concept for the project responds in kind by offering a contemporary experience of the Papuan form of the long house. Materials, colours and patterns pay homage to Papua New Guinea’s traditional measure of currency, the cowrie shell, the region’s landscape and environment as well as indigenous traditions of craft.

Designed to meet the requirements of the 2018 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) conference which it successfully hosted, Kutubu is more than a legacy project. The convention centre is a cultural landmark and nation building initiative which will encourage integration with the wider business district and local community.

Sustainability Case Study →

“A modern building with a strong narrative and impressive appreciation of traditional values.”

UK Civic Trust Awards 2021

Location
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

Project Type
Culture and Exhibition Halls →

Client
Stratum Unlimited, Hilton

Area
5,600m2 GFA

Status
Complete

Year
2018

Photography
Michael Kai, Adam Bruzzone

Associate Architect
Ignite Architects