Six Winners Announced For 2020 Volvo Cars & Aurizn EcoDesign Challenge

Six local interior design firms have been announced as winners in the 2020 Volvo Cars & Aurizn EcoDesign Challenge. The six Malaysian firms – A&A Concept Design & Contract Sdn Bhd, Forfar Design Sdn Bhd, IQI Concept Sdn Bhd, Orb Group Sdn Bhd, Kort Studio and Studio BEVD Sdn Bhd, are part of the 10 firms shortlisted for the finals. The winning designs were picked by online voters and a judging panel representing Volvo Car, EcoWorld and Aurizn.

The challenge was jointly organised by Volvo Car Malaysia, duduk (a new brand by Eco World Development Group Berhad), and lifestyle publishing house, Aurizn. This year, participants had the exclusive opportunity to join an online briefing with Jonathan Disley, Head of Design at Volvo Car Asia Pacific and Owen Ready, Head of Strategic and Brand Design of Volvo Cars, where they learned how to consider Volvo Cars’ Scandinavian philosophy to inspire their designs.

From the 50 entries received, 22 submissions passed the initial evaluation on budget compliance and completeness of inventory. They were then put online for the Malaysian public to vote for their favourite designs, where the votes had accounted for a portion of the total score given by the panel of judges. The 10 designs with the highest online voting scores were shortlisted for final judging, out of which the six highest scorers were announced as winners.

In addition to designs that display a high level of originality and understanding of Scandinavian aesthetics, this year’s submissions were also judged based on functionality, material quality, the emotional quotient that the space brings, and sustainability – all of which shape Volvo’s design philosophy.

“Scandinavian design at its best is often understated, yet stands out by the mere presence of its simplicity,” said Nalin Jain, Managing Director of Volvo Car Malaysia. “This functional, open and minimalistic design language can be seen in all Volvo cars. On the outside, we have clean and proportioned lines that look and feel just right; and inside, careful craftsmanship, attention to details, and quality, earthy materials that create an open, uncluttered space. The six winners today succinctly captured Volvo’s design philosophy and translated them into Malaysian homes, and for that, they have my heartfelt congratulations.”

Ho Kwee Hong, Divisional General Manager of EcoWorld, said: “By giving local design firms a platform to showcase their creativity and strength, we have empowered them to think about the future of sustainable design in Malaysia. Evident from the many creative designs we have received this year, we are truly encouraged and hope that through this collaboration with Volvo Car Malaysia and Aurizn, that we can open up more avenues for creative Malaysians to showcase their talents and deliver high-quality, sustainable homes and communities for future generations to come.”

As part of the winning the challenge, the six design firms each get to use a Volvo S90 T8 Inscription Plus for six months. The S90 T8 is one of the most powerful and sophisticated vehicles in its segment with 407 hp worth of performance. The six firms also receive contracts to furnish the top three floors of two duduk by EcoWorld projects i.e. Huni D’ EcoArdence and se.Ruang D’ EcoSanctuary. Each design firm is given a contract to build their design for an entire floor. This represents the first occasion in which a new property development is available for purchase with interior designs inspired by Volvo Cars’ philosophy.

In total, the six contracts are worth a total of RM4.5 million across both developments. Due to high level of interest due to the Volvo Cars & Aurizn EcoDesign Challenge, the units that will be fully furnished by the winners of the Challenge were fully booked in just one month by eager buyers who want to be among the firsts to own property with interior designs voted by Malaysians and designed with Volvo Car’s Scandinavian design philosophy.

Tong Shew Long of A&A Concept Design & Contract Sdn Bhd said, “We were elated when we received news that our firm was selected as the winner of the 2020 Volvo Cars & Aurizn EcoDesign Challenge, and truly humbled, especially knowing that there were many qualified contestants. It goes without saying that the Volvo design philosophy has inspired us, particularly the form and shape of its award-winning Volvo XC40. Our winning idea is cemented in the openness and warm, earthy colours and textures found in Scandinavian design. We hope that end users will be able to find a safe sanctuary in our design and we will continue our hard work with even greater zeal for the next stage in furnishing EcoWorld’s duduk projects’ floors.”

Bobby Ang, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Aurizn, said, “At the end of the day, these units are going to be future homes of Malaysians, which is why we opened up the final selection process to the public. The collaboration between Aurizn, Volvo Car Malaysia and EcoWorld really is an amalgamation of sustainability, Swedish sensibilities, and Malaysian creativity.”

“Volvo Cars has always placed a high priority on environmental sustainability, whether it is in the low carbon emission of our cars, or by reducing our environmental footprint in our business operations. Through our partnership with EcoWorld and Aurizn, we strive to continue promoting sustainability in every aspect of our lives, even when it comes to the design of our homes. We hope that future owners of these units will not only be able to enjoy a balanced living space inspired by the quiet beauty, simplicity, and functional philosophy of Scandinavian design, but also have a peace of mind that they are living sustainably,” concluded Nalin.

For more information on the winning designs and duduk by EcoWorld units, please visit http://www.duduk.my. duduk by EcoWorld is a new sub-brand of EcoWorld which pioneeres new-age residential developments. Founded in 2020, the new brand offers easy entry, modern high-rise residential developments aimed at a younger generation of urban homeowners.

duduk by EcoWorld is located near Setia Alam and Kota Kemuning, and offers generously-sized homes that are not only semi-furnished with basic home items but also include clubhouse facilities at attractive and reasonable prices.

For more information, visit https://www.volvocars.com/my/ecodesign-challenge. The winning designs of the 2020 Volvo Cars & Aurizn EcoDesign Challenge by duduk can be viewed at https://www.aurizn.com/2020-volvo-aurizn-eco-design-challenge-results.

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