Daing Abdul Rahman Mosque in Nusa Idaman, Johor is considered as the ice breaker of the traditional design of Mosques in Malaysia. One would have not guessed that it is a religious building but any other commercial works without its signage. The mosque is 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. Daing Abdul Rahman Mosque is the gateway for a fresh yet humble escape from the ordinary.