50 meters diameter octagonal shape to represent the traditional pakua symbol
16 RC columns encased by hand-sculptured stone rings as support
1500 tonnes of steel for the roof
3 concentric roof levels, each 10 meters higher than the previous
84 meters tall, including a 39 meters roof complex
Completed in 2009
Project Overview
The Kek Lok Si Temple is a Buddhist temple situated in Air Itam in Penang facing the sea and commanding an impressive view, and is one of the best known temples on the island. It is said to be the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia. It is also an important pilgrimage centre for Buddhists from Hong Kong, the Philippines, Singapore and other countries in Southeast Asia. This entire complex of temples was built over a period from 1890 to 1930, an inspirational initiative of Beow Lean, the Abbot. The main draw in the complex is the striking seven-storey Pagoda of Rama VI (Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas) with 10,000 alabaster and bronze statues of Buddha, and the 36.57 metres (120.0 ft) tall bronze statue of Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy.
The three-tiered temple pavilion supported by 16 ornately carved columns was made structurally possible by SW according to the client's wishes. In order to ease construction of the 2nd and 3rd levels, a 51m diameter temporary steel platform was constructed at the lowest roof tier level. A double roof/steel composite system was used to support the individual clay roof tiles donated by patrons. The final roof tier consists of 8 small and 1 large bronze stupas of up to 15 meters tall. A mechanical service gondola lift was designed for future maintenance of the roof pavilion.
