In an era striving for sustainability and cultural resonance, Malaysia is set to redefine its skyline with Rimbunan Sky, the nation’s first mass timber high-rise. This architectural marvel extends beyond conventional building materials, incorporating a cutting-edge façade that melds photovoltaic panels with wind turbines, thus achieving self-generated power. Not just a marvel of green technology, the building also pays homage to the country’s cultural heritage through its intricate Islamic ornament layout. This article introduces Rimbunan Sky, a fusion of sustainable innovation and cultural symbolism, establishing a new architectural lexicon for Malaysia.
At the heart of Rimbunan Sky is a commitment to connecting urban dwellers with nature, creating an oasis amidst concrete and steel. This vision is most poignantly manifested in the building’s central atrium, which runs the full height of the tower from ground level, serving as a “Garden in the Sky.” This vertical garden allows natural light to permeate the interiors while offering breathtaking city views from each floor, infusing a sense of trees and water into the everyday experience of its inhabitants.
However, the vision goes beyond aesthetic appeal and into the realm of self-sustainability. To achieve this, Rimbunan Sky incorporates a photovoltaic façade and wind turbines, enabling the building to generate its own electricity. To further its commitment to sustainability, the tower also features rainwater harvesting systems, rendering it an entirely self-sustainable habitat.
The marriage of these elements—natural aesthetics, cultural heritage, and self-sustainability—make Rimbunan Sky not just a skyscraper, but a manifestation of modern Malaysia’s progressive ethos, seamlessly blending the traditional and the innovative.
of green technology, the building also pays homage to the country’s cultural heritage through its intricate Islamic ornament layout. This article introduces Rimbunan Sky, a fusion of sustainable innovation and cultural symbolism, establishing a new architectural lexicon for Malaysia.
Standing at an imposing height of 415.8 meters with a total footprint of 209,880 sqm, Rimbunan Sky isn’t just a testament to architectural grandeur; it’s a symbol rich in meaning. The tower’s 99 storeys pay homage to the 99 names of God in Islam, resonating deeply with the spiritual fabric of Malaysia. Even the site itself has historical significance—Rimbunan Sky repurposes the long-abandoned Plaza Rakyat, a project halted in 1997 due to the global financial crisis, breathing new life into a dormant landmark.
In terms of spatial attention and inspiration, Rimbunan Sky draws heavily from “Girih,” a complex Islamic geometric design based on overlapping circles and hexagonal grids. This not only brings in the aesthetic qualities but also embodies the Five Pillars of Islam. In a transformational architectural arrangement, the building’s core column—known as ‘tiang seri’—stands as the spiritual epicenter, representing the stability and strength of Islam across Malaysia’s 14 states. The building’s design signifies the development of Islam under the constitutional democracy rules guided by the law and the Agong organization.
The circular path of the building’s transformation encapsulates how Islam has grown and evolved in Malaysia while adhering to the nation’s laws. In doing so, it showcases Malaysia as a role model Islamic nation, where the practice of Islam can serve as an example to other countries.
Lastly, the building’s shape, which is a blend of unique geometric patterns and modern Girih style, embodies Malaysia’s unique position as an Islamic country where multiple races and religions coexist harmoniously. In Rimbunan Sky, every Malaysian has the freedom to celebrate their own religious beliefs, underlining the country’s commitment to multiculturalism.
