Landmarks of Selangor: Rimbun Dahan

I saw the information about the 18th Residency Exhibition at Rimbun Dahan in the newspapers. So early in the morning of 17th March, M and I ventured to visit this landmark of Selangor, home of architect Hijjas Kasturi and his wife Angela. Rimbun Dahan is a 14 acre site in Kuang. Getting there was a bit tricky despite a GPS, but after a few wrong turns and with help from some locals, we arrived a little late because Angela had already begun her guided tour of the grounds.

She related the story of how her husband wanted to build a home in a kampung setting. And what a 'kampung'! Rimbun Dahan was built between 1989 and 1997 and 'is a centre for the creative arts, architecture, and the conservation of nature and buildings'. The main building which is their living quarters on one side and linked to the guesthouse on the other is surrounded by indigenous gardens, ponds, pools and sculptures. The modern design of the buildings 'reflect traditional forms - the bumbung panjang (long roof) and the tiangs (posts) of the traditional Malay house'. There are studios for dance and artists-in-residence, spaces for indoor and outdoor performances, an underground gallery and a garage of classic cars (notably Jaguars - I like!).

Right wing of the main building (MB 2013)

Part of the main building seen from the pool (MB 2013)

The grounds are planted with trees and plants of the Southeast Asian species. A spice garden was most interesting and Angela graciously offered seeds/cuttings to anyone interested. I noticed that the pala (nutmeg) trees (from Indonesia) were rather tall and fruiting well. So also there were many other fruiting plants and trees - cucumbers, lady's fingers, etc.

Water garden with a sculpture on the left (MB 2013)

A restored 19th century Malay house from Perak, the Rumah Uda Manap, proved quite unique as there are Chinese decorative elements on it. Two other relocated/heritage houses are nearby.

A Perak Malay house with Chinese details (CNB 2013)

From inside the above house (CNB 2013)

The back of the dance studio opposite the garage (CNB 2013)

Sculptures dot the grounds and somehow rather blend in with the environment. We had to leave (after thanking Angela) but without seeing the exhibition by resident artists Helmi Azam Tajol Aris and Jonathan Nichols. We had to rush back to Pulau Pinang after receiving news about my beloved mother.

Two sculptures in Rimbun Dahan (CNB 2013)

Ref: Landmarks of Selangor. Jugra Publications, 2003.
Website: www.rimbundahan.org