Table of contents 1 Profile 1 2 Portfolio 2-9 -School Walls -Multifunctional Towers - Gyms -Boulder Gyms -Competition Boulders -Concrete Walls -Play Sculptures -Special Projects

3 Selected Projects 10-13 -Camp5 Climbing Gym -B2 Boulder & Bar -Shah Alam Xtreme Park -Putrajaya Climbing Gym

Outdoors, on Earth’s mountains, crags and boulders, are the moves that inspire our sport. But in the decades that followed the advent of the artificial , climbing has been evolving and has taken new form. BLOCX Walls express the form and future of climbing.

Innovation is our keystone. To meet the demands of this ever evolving sport we remain dialed-in with the professional alumni, exploring new materials and creative processes and conceptualizing that are pushing the limits.

What we present to you in these pages is a brief retrospect of our evolution. We have come a long way, established an endearing reputation, but our work has only just begun. Just as we have never trademarked our ideas, we will never stop exploring, innovating and creating the walls that redefine climbing.

Juliane Wurm in “Belly Button Window”, 7b Bukit Keteri, Malaysia Photo: R. Eder Profile O1

Patrickvvvvvvvvvvv Andrey Mike Tscharner Jeremy Peet Aswadi Noor Founded in 1992, Basel, Switzerland, by internationally respected climbers Mike Tscharner & Patrick Andrey, BLOCX has established a reputation as one of the most cutting-edge artificial climbing wall manufacturer in the market. The duo’s zeal, passion and enthusiasm for climbing and translate directly into their work. Compelled to challenge existing forms, BLOCX has presented the climbing wall market with radical innovations including: double-sided revolving discs, interchangeable free form elements and duplex climbing holds.

BLOCX specializes in providing customized solutions through expert consultation, intimate attention to design and fabrication, efficient installations, project management, operation, support and training. As owners and managers of two internationally acclaimed facilities, Camp5 and B2, BLOCX has proven that their approach to wall design and their vision for the future of indoor climbing is leading the world.

1 Portfolio O2

Synonymous to radical freeform boulder walls, artistically compelling sculptures and dynamic climbing walls with variable structures, BLOCX offers a wide range of products and surface options, suitable for specific purposes due to their inherit characteristics.

Climbing imparts responsibility whilst boosting self-esteem and self-confidence. It is therefore not surprising that many countries around the world are absorbing climbing into the PE curriculum. The nature of the sport also tends to attract participants that may be less inclined toward typical team-based competitive school sports.

School walls are unique in their demands; often having limited available space, a specific demographic of user, large class volumes, key safety concerns and a limited budget. Given that most schools have a gymnasium hall with sufficient ceiling height, BLOCX recommends installing the wall inside; mounted to the existing structure, enabling cost effeciency and the optimal utilization of space.

Lycée Francais, Malaysia Ap ‘n’ Daun, Switzerland Outward Bound, Malaysia Multifunctional Towers

Climbing is one of a multitude of vertical challenges that can be incorporated into the wall design. , High Ropes Course elements, Via Ferrata and Flying Fox are just a few options that can be included to add scope of activities.

Multifunctional Walls are common on military bases, but as the climbing market grows and diversifies and competition between climbing gyms increases, we are seeing a trend toward hybrid walls; enabling a greater range of programs and providing revenue potential from lucrative corporate and commercial markets.

Linggi Learning Center, Malaysia Shah Alam Municipal Challenge Park, Malaysia Banting, Malaysia 3 As an owner and operator of two leading climbing gyms, the value of BLOCX consultation reaches well beyond the design of the wall. Whether your business is club- orientated, membership-driven or a purpose- built competition venue, we are experienced and well-versed in the unique needs of your operations.

The days of the dingy climbers’ den are over. Today’s climber seeks large, spacious, well- lit, well-ventilated, clean, well-maintained & professionally-operated facilities. The conceptualization & design of new facilities is influenced by our close collaboration with master planners, architects and trend scouts.

Camp5, Malaysia Laufen, Switzerland Climb Asia, Singapore Portfolio

Bouldering has moved from being a faction of climbing to becoming it’s own genre.

The Boulder Gym is a niched market that has tapped into areas where the climbing community enjoys high participation levels, offering exclusive bouldering venues in locations where ceiling height denies the possibilities of a climbing wall.

Our B2 in Switzerland has demonstrated the success of this model, setting a new standard and establishing a benchmark for boulder gyms worldwide. B2, Switzerland Landihalle, Switzerland Grindelwald, Switzerland Camp5, Malaysia

5 Bouldering is our passion; from where we derive our name. Our freeform top-out boulder blocs have become an icon of BLOCX design.

BLOCX boulder structures are the pièce de résistance of any event, be it mobile blocs for competition & recreation or volumes or fixed boulder walls for all levels of user.

Climb On 2008, Singapore X-Games 2006, Malaysia Swiss Cup 2007, Switzerland Climb On 2007, Singapore Portfolio

The inherent characteristics of concrete offers excellent artistic sculpturing possibilities.

Concrete’s durability, resistance to weather, extremely long lifespan and low maintenance make such structures ideal as playground features and interactive sculptures in public parks and exposed outdoor environments.

Our concrete walls can be designed to incorporate bolt-on holds placement.

Shah Alam, Malaysia Camp5, Malaysia Petronas Bentong, Malaysia SS3, Malaysia 7 Play Sculptures

Children inherit a natural instinct to climb; climbing sculptures are increasingly popular in pre-schools, kindergartens and company crèches. Climbing holds, available in bright colors, animal shapes and alphabets, are magnets for little hands.

BLOCX play sculptures encourage muscular development, improved motor skills, orientation, balance & coordination. As with all our walls, our play sculptures are unique; each hand-shaped and designed with soft lines for safety and organic forms to spark little climbers’ imaginations.

Ziegelei Restaurant, Switzerland Pratteln, Switzerland Kinder Estrich, Switzerland Putrajaya, Malaysia Portfolio

Depending on the project, location and client’s needs, we offer a full range of special packages; fueled with years of experience, knowledge and obsession for cutting-edge structures. Whether it’s a diversion or a passion, BLOCX transforms concepts into reality.

Every project demands a different and thoughtful approach in design and concept in order to optimise the location parameters and achieve the intended purpose. Fitness Gym, Sooka Sentral, Malaysia Street Installation, Dreirosen Anlage, Basel, Switzerland Art Gallery, Kunsthalle Basel, Switzerland Private Home, Cluny Hills, Singapore

9 Projects 03

Since opening in December 2005, Camp5 has become a bench- mark for climbing gyms worldwide. Founded on the principle that climbing will always be a fringe sport, as long as it is located on the city fringe, Camp5 has established itself on the 5th Floor of one of Kuala Lumpur’s premier shopping malls. Three years and 14,000 members later, Camp5’s bold move has been very successful as a pilot franchise, establishing climbing as a mainstream fitness option and enjoying patronage from the lucrative health, wellness, and lifestyle market.

Camp5 is a showroom for BLOCX walls. The open plan layout is fitted to take full advantage of the privileged panoramic views, offering a unique feeling of exposure rarely captured in an indoor environment. Trademark features like BLOCX discs have been employed to maximum effect, ensuring our walls remain adaptable as the market matures. Built in phases, the facility now boosts an extensive beginners’ area to service the growing market, a state-of-the-art boulder area, a concrete “trad” wall to coach crack-climbing and pro gear placement, and an advanced lead-climbing wall.

The third (final) phase of construction - 22m high “showpiece” - will begin late 2009. “I rarely climb on plastic. However, I highly appreciate the originality of B2 and its pleasant atmosphere. There is lots of space, air and light. Truly remarkable are the boulder blocs and walls built with imagination. On those you can nearly climb like outdoors and you need the entire palette of climbing techniques in order to solve the problems. B2 Boulder & Bar has set the trend for boulder gyms. The A subtle friction step on an arête, a mantel on an oversized approach to balance lighting and open space has established knob, a dyno to a rounded sloper and an Egyptian in the a relaxed boulder garden atmosphere; a bold contrast to the roof. With all those different boulders everyone can find a narrow, dark caves still found in climbing gyms. personal challenge”.

The mix of both steep walls and top-out boulders has Fred Nicole (39), Swiss boulder guru, has been travelling established the standard for the future of indoor bouldering. the world for over 20 years in search of the ultimate crag.

Photo courtesy of prana.com

Photo courtesy of b2.com 11 Shah Alam Extreme Park is Malaysia’s premium Shah Alam multi-sport facility. Skating, biking, climbing and bouldering are all offered by the Municipality of Extreme Park Shah Alam, Malaysia. BLOCX was awarded the role as specialist for the climbing and bouldering sectors in 2007.

The installation included a 15m-high arch tower and bouldering garden.

The roofed tower, consisting of beginner and advanced walls, a speed-climbing wall, a competition wall and abseiling bridged platform, also offers the opportunity to install a flying fox and rope-access training.

The three concrete boulders, each 100% unique, explore the possibilities of concrete as a creative medium. Without the requirement of bolt-on holds, we have freed our minds and conceptualized overlapping structural boulder problems of all difficulties. The result is a dense playground of natural boulders; each different in form and surface, hosting challenges from beginners to professional climbers. Projects

BLOCX was awarded the tender to design and build the climbing facilities of the Putrajaya Challenge Park.

This facility has been purpose-designed as Malaysia’s National Climbing Training Centre and international competition venue, offering a sustainable attraction for the entry-level climber. The colossal hall offered unlimited scope to conceptualize a design that would raise the bar for competitive climbing.

Putrajaya, unchallenged as the premier facility for the next Climbing World Cup, features the largest lead competition wall ever built, a wide competition boulder wall, a gigantic advanced wall, a vast room for beginners, a separate children’s climbing area, a warm-up area, a training room, and much more.

PutrajayaAsia's Climbing largest climbing Gym gym

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Table of contents

4 Technology 16-20 -Skin -Surface -GRP -Flowstone -Interchangeable Features

5 Process 21-23 -Design & Engineering -Custom Manufacturing -Installation

6 Testimonial 25-27

7 Contact 28

David Lama, La Sculpture 7c+ Lost World of Tambun, Malaysia Photo: R. Eder Technology O4

BLOCX has developed number of specialized skins for a variety walls to suit different projects and environments. As a balance between durability and customization, high plywood is used as a superior base material. Whilst GRP is used for freeform 3D elements, flowstone or recycled plastic panels provide ideal materials for outdoor installations. Panels

BLOCX wall designs comprise flat surfaces interlinked to establish the primary wall 3D form. Contrary to perception, flat panels provide the greatest scope for modular adaptability; providing a base upon which the placement of holds, discs and volumes are optimized, maximizing a walls route-setting potential. For indoor walls we use high quality 18mm thick 9 layer plywood. For Outdoor walls we recommend marine plywood in the same thickness. As the ultimate waterproof solution, we also offer 18mm thick recycled plastic panels.

Peach - unstructured surface Walnut - free hand negative structure Mango - included GRP structures 16 Our colored finishes offer the option of a top-coat color of your choice. BLOCX standard colors are: blue sky silk grey yellow green traffic purple pastel orange

Rock Finish consists of a double layer coating mixed with silica, offering a rock like friction. The base color of the paint is silk grey; the color of the silica defines its final look: grey or earth toned.

Depending on their location, BLOCX panels are either left natural or receive routed negative surface structure. Routing is all done by hand, with a trained eye for aesthetics, offering a variety of potential foot placements for experienced climbers. At the client’s request the routing can be stylized to suit a particular theme. Negative structuring does not compromise the bolting grid.

Ap ‘n Daun, Chur, Mango Panels with silk grey Rock finish Technology

GRP (Glassfibre Reinforced Polyester) is used mainly for our Volumes and Discs and for freeform- structures; especially top out boulders and children’s sculptures. All our GRP structures are handmade; no mold has ever been used and so each form is unique.

18 Technology

In harsh outdoor environments, public parks, and playgrounds we recommend flowstone sculptures. These shell concrete structures offer variety and ease of manipulation in regard to both form and surface. Flowstone’s great advantage is it’s resistance to weathering and pure strength. Interchangeable Features

Interchangeable features are built into or fixed to the surface of the wall.

The smallest and most basic feature is the climbing hold. Holds have the ability to offer a broad variety of shapes, but are limited by their size and only offer positive features. Discs can offer both positive & concave or negative forms. Holds Volumes are large positive forms designed to Bolt-on holds are the essential route-setting medium of offer a dynamic change to flat surfaces. any climbing wall. Using a variety of Holds is the key to extending the scope and potential when route-setting. BLOCX uses holds from a list of quality suppliers in order to provide a comprehensive variety of shapes, colors and sizes. Our main suppliers; HRT, EGrips, So iLL & Metolius. Discs The BLOCX Disc is an innovation. Designed to allow hassle-free complex changes to the climbing surface, Discs optimize route-setting flexibility. Discs come in various diameters from 15cm inserts up to 220cm monsters!

The BLOCX Disc can be rotated into an infinite number of positions, or flipped inside out turning a sloper into a pocket. Each disc is hand sculptured; no two discs are alike.

Volumes Volumes add grand features to flat surfaces. Unlike large cast-mould holds, volumes are constructed from plywood and/or GRP making them strong enough for built in bolt placement yet lightweight for easy installation.

As with BLOCX Discs each volume is individually crafted and 100% unique.

20 Process O5

• Translucent Wall 360 0 , Kuwait Design & Engineering • Deep Water Solo Concept

We regard the conceptual design stage as the most important stage in the process of constructing a climbing wall. We carry out an extensive preliminary consultation with each client to ensure that the best possible results are achieved.

Our wall conceptualization and drawing process utilizes the most uptodate AutoCAD and 3D rendering software to ensure the seamless integration of the conceptual images and engineering drawings. During the conceptualization stage, our clients receive 3D renderings and animations; from the finalized design a full set of engineering blueprints and calculations relevant to EN12572:2007 and national building standards is supplied to the client.

Our construction principle transfers the entire working load of the wall to the supporting structure. All life-points are directly fixed to the back construction; thus a falling climber does not assert any load stress to the panels.

Due to primary material costs, BLOCX construction approach differs between production centers.

BLOCX Asia Pacific employs a steel back-construction; steel trusses fixed to existing sub-structure or free- standing tower constructions provide the primary frame. The secondary frame, also of steel, acts as the connection between the trusses and the panels. Our panels are impact tested and walls are inspected with all anchor BLOCX Switzerland primarily uses timber for their points load tested in compliance sub structure. with European Norm EN12572. Indoor Via Ferrata wall Border X , Orchard Central, Singapore 22 Process

Every panel we produce is 100% unique. Our team possesses an intimate understanding of climbing; a wealth and decades of experience is infused into each wall we build. Our customized approach enables us to explore possibilities unattainable via molded, mass-produced wall systems.

Each of our walls are assembled by our expert team of riggers and installation specialists. All installations comply with local occupational health and safety requirements. Depending on the size of the project, walls are partly or completely pre-fabricated in our factory, allowing for time-effective installations. 24

Testimonial O6

Hanspeter Sigrist, Switzerland’s, Climbing Legend and Swiss Team Coach, owner of Switzerland’s first climbing gym (1993).

“Camp5 is one of the best Climbing Gyms I have ever seen; offering a well-balanced concept and superb infrastructure that will appeal to everybody, especially women!”

Camp5 offers top bouldering walls with interesting and modular profiles. Here everyone can find a challenge! The climbing walls are beautifully crafted, with uncompromising workmanship and a great care for detail. There are no traces of climbing shoes on the wall. The staff of Camp5 are very friendly and competent. There is obviously a professional and clear line of operation!” Angela Eiter , Camp5 Malaysia,World Cup training 2006 26 Timy Fairfield Professional Rock Climber, National Coach, International TV Production Competition Route-Setter “The first time I visited Camp5 indoor climbing facility in KL, Malaysia, I was very excited to discover the BLOCX climbing wall system. I was instantly awed by the visual aesthetic and mesmerized by the artistic expression. I was absolutely psyched to feel all of the features and wanted to climb everywhere at the same time – I didn’t know where to start!

The strong initial visual impact is due to a refined design style that is both clean and rich with a diversity of sculptural form. The wall system is a beautiful marriage between a supple naturalism and contemporary minimalist design - very elegant. ”

“The BLOCX gym designs feature open and continuous wide sweeping climbing surfaces along with imposingly challenging compound angles that accommodate a high diversity of climbing movement styles; a route- setter’s dream!

The panel systems have a consistent and durable texture, subtle and intriguing micro-relief and an incredibly unique one-of-a- kind inset volumes in several sizes that can be used interchangeably as positive or negative relief – something that no other wall system in the world offers. The wall technology BLOCX employs is not only durable but light, easy to work with and highly adaptable for a myriad of wall designs and applications including commercial gyms usage, outdoor action sports parks or high level competition venues. I look forward to the day when more walls are rendered with BLOCX technology.”

Photo courtesy of Timy Fairfield Photo: Pamela Noor Pamela Photo:

Europe Juliane Wurn and Anna Stöhr, “After Burner “ 7c+ Bukit Malaysia Keteri, Burner “After and Anna Stöhr, Wurn Juliane Hohestrasse 134 CH - 4104 Oberwil, Switzerland T: + 41 76 3731190

Asia

Lot 2206-1 and 2206-3 Kg Jaya Industrial Area Jln Kusta ,Sg Buloh 47000 Selangor, Malaysia

T: + 603 61413671 F: + 603 61413673

E: [email protected] www.blocx.com

Photo courtesy of Timy Fairfield