A Mosque Redefined: A Gateway to Modern Islamic Architecture in Malaysia
Mentions of mosques or other Islamic-related architecture always reminds one of its minaret and prominent dome or at the very least, its geometric patterns. Masjid Daing Abdul Rahman in Nusa Idaman, Johor shall be considered as the ice breaker of this norm in Malaysia. One would have not guessed that it is a religious building but any other commercial works without its signage. The mosque is undeniably a beyond basic model within its context yet still features one of the most elementary components in many Islamic architecture, especially the one in a warmer climate, a mashrabiya screens. Evading an obligation towards the typical Islamic geometry, the screens feature a much more contemporary patterns approach to its counterpart. The conceptual idea came from leaves – a non-amusing, often ignored natural elements except that when it comes Autumn. In a tropical country, it is a safe bet to say that leaves are indeed the least appreciated detail in one’s everyday life considering the absence of such season. Present as both a decorative element and a shading device against harsh Tropical sunlight, the screens are made of solid galvanised panels. The choice for the material lies solely on the key factors of it being the most cost efficient and easy to maintain in a longer run compared to options like lightweight glass reinforced concrete or perforated aluminium panels. The layers of materiality between steel, glazed glasses and clay brickwork as the façade was a meticulous decision-making process to ensure that it become a unified element that protects the building, performing at its best within the climate.
With a total area of 2000 m2, the mosque is able to hold a capacity of 2000 people at once. The architecture was made to steer the community towards togetherness, not just about it existing as a worshipping place. Cafes were placed to bring in interfaith community within instead of it being exclusively for Muslims.
The segregation between genders—a vital element in designing a religious place, for the purpose of privacy, were address in multiple manners but prominently through the allocation of praying spaces. Men occupies the main prayer hall on the ground levels while women were given the first and the second mezzanine floors. The main prayer halls are equipped with a generous overspill area to accommodate larger crowed during Friday prayers. The mezzanine floors also double as classrooms and multipurpose hall, depending on the needs.
Nature was brought into the design by inclusivity of landscape within the building itself, promoting a vague experience between the outside and the inside. Multiple numbers of trees were placed within the overspill area as a way to achieve the said intention. The affect brought by the glass wall and the screens helps to further constitute a fine line between the interior and exterior, allowing visibility to and from the prayer halls indubitably without putting a discount on neither privacy nor comfort. The very same patterns from the external screen was repeated on the aluminium framed glass sliding door displaying an exceptional level of attention to details. The mosque has subtlety addressed every component of a religious building in a comprehensive manner, a nod to religion, culture and progression. Masjid Daing Abdul Rahman is the gateway for a fresh yet humble escape from the ordinary.
A Tranquil Forest Retreat, Where Nature’s Bounty and Sustainable Design Unite in Stunning Views
Vanavasa which means ‘living in the forest’ in Sanskrit is a 30 key resort built on to a 2-acre site located at Tanarimba, Jandabaik, Pahang. The site is a pristine tropical forested hill on the crest of Tanarimba (approximately 800m above sea level) with spectacular views looking towards Genting Highlands.
The client, originally intended the resort as a private resort exclusively for the staff members to use during weekends or company events. his eventually evolved into a full-fledged resort concept, now open to the public.
The resort consists of a 10 room main building connected to 20 room chalets via a network of buggy tracks. Due to the steep slopes walking up to the chalets would be challenging for many; hence, the idea of the buggy tracks came into the picture.
The main building nestled into the slope of the site consists of carparking, reception and a gym at the entry level. The level above is houses the restaurant, kitchen, a heated pool and outdoor decking with changing room and toilet facilities. The upper floor is exclusively for 10 rooms that look out onto the pool and the Genting Highlands Resort in the distance. The building floor plate was curved slightly to ensure all the rooms enjoyed this view.
As the site was on a slope, it was possible to create another floor below the carpark level in which the back of house where the staff living quarters were discreetly tucked in. The main building was constructed in off-form concrete, exposed brickwork and unpainted cement walls to create a natural palette of materials that could co-exist with its surroundings.
Dotted along the rest of the hill were 10 units of pod-like chalet structures on stilts each consisting of 2 units (upper and lower level) totalling 20 rooms that were connected to the main building through buggy tracks that snaked along the undulating hill.
The pod like shapes of the chalets that lightly perched on the hills were inspired by the tent like glamping structures popular in many rest houses in Janda Baik. These however were built in steel framed structures wrapped in a skin of standing seam Colorbond metal roofing. By stacking one room above the other, a narrow floor plate could be achieved allowing the ‘pods’ to be carefully placed in between the trees. By disallowing any wet works on this part of the site, heavy machinery access was avoided, preserving the natural topography, flora, and fauna. All chalets were orientated to the stunning views of the Genting Highland mountain range.
The project managed to achieve a Gold Certification by GreenRE for its efforts in its ecological approach to the project. For example no air conditioning is provided in the development. To achieve this, careful consideration were made to orient the building away from the western sun. Insulated roofs wrap the chalets down to the sides creating additional protection. The restaurant for example is totally open, allowing breeze to naturally flow in and bamboo blinds were installed to keep out the elements. Small details like allowing slots of openings just below the ceiling of every room ensures cross ventilation and hot air discharge even if the main doors and windows were closed.
Other green initiatives included rain-water harvesting tanks that capture the surface water run-offs and reused for irrigation. Natural ground water was also found on the site during construction and this was later used to build a small fish pond where the natural water from the mountain flowed in. Originally the main material intended for the roof eaves and sunshade louvres were bamboo. However, this idea was later abandoned as the quality of local bamboo was not good enough and required them to be imported from Indonesia or Thailand. This defeated the purpose of using this green material as the logistics did not make any ecological sense. In the end we decided to use composite timber (WPC) with bamboo-like profiles to create the originally intended aesthetics. Other green initiatives included use of water-efficient water fittings, use of sustainable and low VOC materials, LED lighting and very little landscape intervention by by retaining the trees and vegetation in their naturally wild state. By not providing any fencing surrounding the resort, meant that animals were not restricted from coming into the resort allowing them to co-exist naturally.
Beyond Durability, Sustainability Reigns
More than just bricks and mortar, SDE 4 is a living embodiment of architectural brilliance and environmental consciousness. From its playful box-stacking design to its climate-responsive features and innovative roofing system, it paves the way for a future where learning thrives in harmony with nature.
Elevating Design with Enduring Confidence
The Masjid Al Farinee Denai Alam's dome, a hallmark of Islamic architecture, demanded a roofing solution that could deliver both flawless aesthetics and superior performance. The KAWA NS 500 Standing Seam Profile rose to the occasion. Its seamless surface, devoid of lapping, not only created the desired smooth curvature but also eliminated the risk of leaks associated with end lap joints. The insulation system with Rockwool blanket and reinforced foil provided exceptional thermal and acoustic insulation, ensuring a comfortable and serene atmosphere within the mosque.
The commitment to longevity and lasting value is reflected in the choice of COLORBOND® Steel for the roof systems, backed by its proven weathering durability and colour stability against harsh climates. Notably, its Clean Technology feature minimizes tropical dirt staining, maintaining the pristine beauty of the mosque's exterior for years to come.
As a landmark of faith and innovation, Masjid Denai Alam seamlessly merges traditional Islamic artistry with cutting-edge construction techniques. Its metal dome, a symphony of precision and elegance, is a proof to the boundless possibilities of architectural design when tradition and modernity come together in perfect harmony.