Rimbunan Hijau Headquarters
Rimbunan Hijau Headquarters in Sibu, Sarawak, serves as the corporate headquarters for the Rimbunan Hijau (RH) Group of Companies, founded in 1975. The group started along the Rajang River, the longest river in Malaysia, and has since expanded globally to countries including Australia, British Guyana, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Korea, Papua New Guinea, Congo, Solomon Islands, Russia, and the USA. The site along the majestic Rajang River was chosen to honor the birthplace of the company.
The design concept draws inspiration from the swan, locally associated with the Rajang River, symbolizing the group’s globe-trotting activities. It also references the statue of ‘Christ the Redeemer’ in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, resulting in a striking, iconic gateway to Sibu. The headquarters is composed of two 12-storey office towers with a total area of approximately 158,000 sq ft, accommodating around 600 staff.
At ground level, the building features a landscaped promenade and an outdoor covered amphitheater facing the riverbank. These elements create a vibrant public realm, encouraging interaction and appreciation of the surrounding nature while strengthening the contextual relationship between the headquarters and the river. A plaza complements the nearby Suria Permata commercial center, enhancing the urban fabric and providing generous outdoor and commercial spaces.
Sustainability and climate responsiveness are central to the design. The towers are oriented to minimize solar heat gain and maximize natural lighting. The facade incorporates random shades of Low-E glass with varying reflectivities, reducing energy consumption while adding visual richness. Internal walls and ceilings use light colors to moderate contrast between exterior and interior, and continuous wooden wall finishes reinforce a tropical aesthetic. A centralized air-conditioning system ensures energy-efficient climate control, complemented by a rainwater harvesting system.
Two design elements — the central globe (originally designed as an auditorium) and the external louvers — were omitted at the client’s request. Nonetheless, Rimbunan Hijau (RH) Headquarters embodies the group’s vision within its local context, and since its completion in 2014, it has become both a corporate landmark and a symbol of aspiration for the people of Sibu.
Text by the architect
PROJECT GALLERY
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Architect : Arkitek KDI Sdn Bhd
Client : Pertumbuhan Tiasa Sdn Bhd
Area : 15,800 m²
Project Location : Sibu | Sarawak
Year : 2014 -
C&S Engineer : JK Bersatu Sdn Bhd
M&E Engineer : Perunding CH Engineering Sdn Bhd
Landscape Surveyor : Resource Survey
Quantity Surveyor : Perunding Juru Ukur Bahan Tiong
Photography : Sam Ng | KDI Arkitek -
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