The Award is provided annually to a graduate student from one of the following universities: Curtin University, the University of WA and the University of Notre Dame Australia. The graduate student must have completed the degree of Master of Architecture, and, in the judgement of the relevant selection panel, have demonstrated excellence in their studies and be likely to benefit from undertaking further research and/ or study (which may, but is not required to, include travel) in order to pursue a career in architecture, as a registered architect.
EUGENE ING HANG TIONG
The University of Western Australia
HELLO,
I am a Malaysia-raised architectural graduate from the University of Western Australia, where I completed my Master of Architecture specialising in Social Impact Design. My education has shaped a mindset grounded in sustainability, community, and design empathy — values I continue to apply in my professional work within the property development sector.
Currently based in Malaysia, I work at the intersection of design and management, overseeing projects from concept to completion. This experience has deepened my understanding of how architectural thinking can inform commercially viable yet socially and environmentally responsible developments.
My research interests centre on sustainable cities, cultural identity, and regional growth, particularly in Sarawak — my home state. I am passionate about exploring how architecture and urban design can respond to local context while contributing to global conversations on sustainable development.
Contact
email: eugenetiong56@gmail.com
phone: +60 19 285 9419
EDUCATION
Master of Architecture [Focus area in Social Impact Design]
The University of Western Australia — 07/2022 - 12/2024
GPA: 6.87 | WAM: 85.07 |Graduate with Distinction
Bachelor of Environmental Design
The University of Western Australia — 07/2019 - 07/2022
GPA: 6.26 | WAM: 78.09
ACHIEVEMENTS
Shortlisted, The Australian Institute of Architects [WA]EG Cohen Medal — 2025
Recognised for achieving academic excellence whilst also demonstrating a spirit of unselfishness to the fellow students through the time at university.
Recipient, BBMLab Graduate of the Year Award — 2022–2024
Recognised for outstanding academic performance, design excellence, research contributions, and community engagement aligned with the BBMLab’s mission and vision.
Recipient, BBM Design Lab Award — 2024
Awarded for the Yakanarra Multipurpose Art Space project. Recognised for exceptional design quality and outstanding commitment to circular economy principles in architecture.
Furniture Display, Henri Living Showroom — 2024
X.01 Chair. Selected for exhibition as a high-end furniture piece, recognised for excellence in furniture production and alignment with the concept of “stack and pack.”
Shortlisted, Cameron Chisholm & Nicol Award — 2024
Recognised for outstanding design performance in the Master of Architecture program.
Third Place, ‘A’ Design Pitch Competition — 2023
Natural Pavilion. Awarded for modular circular pavilion design for UWA campus, focused on innovation and DfD principles.
Invited Seminar Speaker, UWA School of Design — 2023
Delivered a seminar to first- and second-year students on presentation strategies, drawing techniques, and workflow approaches.
Recipient, Midland Brick Prize – 2022
Awarded for best overall academic performance in the Bachelor of Design program at UWA.
EXPERIENCE
Graduate of Architecture Property Development
Mafrica Corporation, Sibu, Malaysia — 02/2025 - Present
• Involved in end-to-end development management, overseeing feasibility analysis, site evaluation, and project initiation.
• Led strategic planning and concept development for mixeduse projects, aligning design outcomes with commercial and market objectives.
• Coordinated consultant teams, approvals, and technical documentation to maintain project efficiency and regulatory compliance.
• Supported financial assessments, cost planning, and value engineering to optimise project returns.
Student Architect Work Placement
UWA School of Design, Perth, Australia — 11/2023 - 02/2024
• Led a team of three in designing a multipurpose art space for the Yakanarra Aboriginal School, in collaboration with Metio Canberra.
• Worked closely with senior architects and clients on planning, materials, and budget considerations.
• Produced sketches, 3D models, renders, and documentation using AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Lumion.
Student Mentor Architecture
Trinity Residential College, Perth, Australia — 02/2023 - 11/2024
• Coordinated tutoring sessions for student residents, assisting with design software and drawing techniques.
• Supported peers in concept development and architectural workflow strategies.
Team Leadership · Client Communication · Mentoring & Peer Support · Time Management · Adaptability · Problem Solving · Attention to Detail
CONTENTS
01 Natural Pavilion
Page 06 - 17
Group Work: Introducing a revolutionary pavilion, constructed with mycelium and Chidori joint technology, that seamlessly integrates sustainable architecture, offers versatility for various uses, prioritises eco-friendly design with easy assembly, and sets a forward-thinking standard for advanced construction techniques.
02 Artisan Oasis
Page 18 - 27
Studio: Artisan Oasis in Timor-Leste is a cultural stronghold preserving traditional craftsmanship, with an architectural design embodying the ‘Inheritance’ ethos and symbolizing the coexistence of nature and tradition, while serving as a sanctuary that blends past and present, fostering cultural rejuvnation and inspiring future generations.
03 X.01 Chair
Page 28 - 41
Furniture Making: Drawing inspiration from Western Australia’s Fitzroy River, the minimalist X.01 Chair features a striking crossing-leg design that mirrors the river’s flow. Crafted from Jarrah and Victorian Ash, its rich tones evoke the layered rock formations along the riverbank. Ergonomically designed, flat-pack, and stackable, the X.01 Chair fits seamlessly into any setting with its stylish design. A selection of projects from
NATURAL
'Design,
Grow, and Coexist
PAVILION
Coexist with Nature.'
NATURAL PAVILION
Bio-Based Materials in Global Settings, Group Work
Location: UWA School of Design, WA
Project Type: Public
Unit Code: ARCT5885
Unit Coordinator: Dr Rosangela Tenorio
Group Members: Eugene Tiong, Jason Zhang, Wanyi Ning, Yuerong Wu
‘A Design Pitch Competition’
Natural Pavilion introduces a revolutionary design, merging sustainable architecture and biotechnology. Constructed with mycelium and Chidori joint technology, the pavilion is adaptable for diverse uses like classrooms or outdoor activities. Mycelium provides a sustainable foundation, and Chidori joints enhance both structure and aesthetics.
The Natural Pavilion is a 24 sqm design studio room, sited adjacent to the School of Design at UWA. It aims to become a truly circular building, bringing innovative design to the UWA campus with a completely different aesthetic language.
The design prioritises sustainability, ensuring seamless integration with the natural surroundings. Easy assembly and disassembly foster versatility, enabling relocation with minimal environmental impact. The pavilion’s adaptable nature accommodates diverse spatial requirements, transitioning effortlessly from a classroom to an open space.
By combining mycelium and Chidori joints, the pavilion sets a forwardthinking standard for sustainable architecture, emphasizing eco-friendly materials and advanced construction techniques. It showcases a vision for harmonious integration with the natural environment.
Mycelium Growth Process (Mold to Shape)
1. Prepare the Substrate
Sterilize agricultural waste (e.g., sawdust, straw) to eliminate contaminants.
2. Inoculate with Mycelium
Mix the clean substrate with mycelium spores or cultures in a sterile environment.
3. Fill the Mold
Pack the mycelium-substrate mixture into a mold of the desired shape. Ensure it’s firm but breathable.
4. Incubate
Place the mold in a warm, dark, and humid environment. Over 4–10 days, the mycelium grows and binds the substrate into a solid form.
5. Remove from Mold
Once fully colonized, carefully remove the formed piece from the mold.
6. Dry or Bake
Heat-dry the mycelium (typically 80–100°C) to kill the fungus and stop further growth. This hardens and preserves the shape.
7. Ready to Use
The final product is lightweight, biodegradable, and can be used for insulation, packaging, panels, or experimental architecture.
Start with 2 x Components A & 1 x Component B
Install Component B to Underneath
Repeat Step 1
x Components C Rotate Components B
Repeat Step 5 2 x Components C Rotate Components B
Mycelium Installation
Easy Connection through Screws & Steel Plates Allows for Effortless Assembly & Disassembly
Pavilion Form!
The Natural Pavilion was awarded Third Place in ‘A Design Pitch Competition’ and featured in the UWA School of Design 2023 Summer Exhibition as part of a modular, circular pavilion proposal for the UWA campus.
Scan to watch video
ARTISAN
'Collect, Preserve, and
ARTISAN OASIS
and Spread the stories.'
ARTISAN OASIS
Detailed Design Studio
Location: Dili, Timor-Leste
Project Type: Public/Education
Unit Code: ARCT5202
Unit Coordinator: Dr Rosangela Tenorio
In Timor-Leste’s evolving landscape, Artisan Oasis stands as a cultural stronghold, preserving traditional craftsmanship in Tais making, woodwork, ceramics, and basketry.
By retaining key elements of the site and drawing inspiration from the revered Uma Lulik and symbolic Tais, the architectural design embodies the ‘Inheritance’ ethos, integrating indigenous elements and mountainous forms. The site’s three volumes and organic landscaping symbolize the coexistence of nature and tradition. The Design Library, with its dynamic public spaces and private artist residences, reflects Timorese culture’s vitality.
Beyond a repository, Artisan Oasis is a sanctuary blending past and present, fostering cultural rejuvenation in the heart of Timor-Leste, echoing collective memories and inspiring future generations.
1. Massing & Zoning
Connection & Vertical access
3. Roof Installation
4. Tais Installation
Conservation Strategy: Retain Key Elements and Redevelop for New Use
Climate Response Strategies
TRAINING SPACE
FLEXIBLE COMMUNITY SPACE
PRIVATE STUDIO ROOM
WORKSHOP
ART CLASSROOM
X.01 CHAIR
'Designed to Stack. Built to
CHAIR
to Last. Styled for Living.'
Photo: Matt Biocich, 2024.
X.01 CHAIR
Furniture: From Prototype To Production
Location: UWA School of Design, WA
Project Type: Furniture Making
Unit Code: ARCT5593
Unit Coordinator: Peter Kitely, Guy Eddington
Material: Jarrah & Vic Ash H:
Drawing inspiration from the braided channels of Western Australia’s iconic Fitzroy River, the chair features a unique crossing leg structure that mirrors the river’s dynamic flow and convergence.
Expertly crafted from high-quality Australian hardwood, the X.01 Chair combines timeless elegance with refined craftsmanship, making it ideal for residential and commercial settings. Designed with ergonomic comfort in mind, it also offers practical functionality, including the ability to stack up to five chairs.
Merging aesthetics with environmental responsibility, the chair is engineered for efficient shipping, easy assembly, and ultra-low carbon emissions. Thoughtfully constructed for disassembly, the X.01 Chair allows for material recycling and part replacement, making it as sustainable as it is beautiful—an ideal choice for the modern, conscientious consumer.
ASSEMBLY GUIDE
b.
Photo: Matt Biocich, 2024.
Photo: Matt Biocich, 2024.
Photo: Matt Biocich, 2024.
Photo: Matt Biocich, 2024.
The X.01 Chair was selected for the UWA School of Design 2024 Summer Exhibition and featured at the Henri Living Showroom as part of a high-end furniture display.
