In the bustling metropolis, where concrete jungles dominate the skyline, SL Rasch emerges as an architectural and specialist contracting firm that transcends traditional paradigms. With an unwavering commitment to coalescing human habitats with the natural world, SL Rasch stands as a testament to the possibility of a symbiotic existence between architecture and nature.
Founded in the early 1980s and with vast experience within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, SL Rasch has a vision: not just to create beautiful buildings but also to harmonize them with their natural surroundings in an interdependent relationship. Mustafa Rasch, CEO at SL Rasch, explains: “The philosophy of the company from the beginning was to create architecture that works with nature. Humankind has generally put its constructions ‘onto’ nature, obstructing it massively, and we have all seen the catastrophic results of this, with rising temperatures, deforestation, pollution, and depletion of resources like water.
“Our approach or calling is to find the right building form and try to ensure that it can work in harmony with nature. That is a very big challenge; it’s not easy to develop such structures, and I would say it’s an ongoing search, but this is what we’re striving for.”
“The philosophy of the company from the beginning was to create architecture that works with nature”
Timeless Majesty: An Iconic Clock Tower in Makkah
From day one, when the firm was just a small architectural practice led by Mustafa’s father, Dr Mahmoud Bodo Rasch, the intention was to revolutionize the construction industry with buildings that blend into their surroundings, being environmentally conscious. Its approach was to integrate renewable and lightweight materials, energy-efficient design, and innovative technologies to minimize the ecological impact. “However,” Mustafa continues, “it quickly became apparent that the projects we were looking to develop were not feasible. It was getting too expensive and too difficult to find contractors who could build the kind of structures we wanted. So we decided to transform ourselves more into a main contractor, a specialized contractor, taking over the overall project responsibility rather than just the planning.”
Through its commitment to setting high standards for responsible construction and demonstrating that the enduring power of architecture could not only inspire awe but also foster a deeper connection with the natural world, SL Rasch soon became highly sought after by discerning and forward-looking clients.
The Clock Tower in Makkah, also known as the Abraj Al-Bait Clock Tower, is a soaring landmark located near the Masjid al-Haram, the holiest mosque in Islam, in the city of Makkah. Completed in 2012, it stands at a height of 600 meters and is a prominent feature of the Abraj Al-Bait complex, which includes luxury hotels, shopping malls, and residential apartments. “Initially, it was only going to be 400 meters, without the clock, but a decision was taken to climb to 600 meters because, right in front of the holiest site in Islam, stood a rather traditional hotel constructed primarily in concrete. The decision was therefore taken to make the tower more prominent, so something special was needed for the top overlooking the Haram. It was a challenging predicament, but then Mahmoud Bodo Rasch came up with the idea of a clock tower, which would give the structure some substance and meaning. But there was a problem.
“The foundations had already been completed for a tower teaching 400 meters,” Mustafa explains, “and the client, who had faced a certain amount of criticism, needed a solution. After many discussions, it was decided to make the building taller by a full one-third and place the biggest clock in the world within it. The Clock Tower would be the minaret – a structure that plays a multifaceted role in Islamic architecture, serving practical, symbolic, and cultural purposes – for the whole of Makkah. Of course, to increase the height of the tower, it had to be extremely lightweight, so we devised a steel structure clad with glass-fiber composite panels to give a very durable and lively finish. It’s around 35,000 tonnes in total, including the clock and a state-of-the-art sound system. It may sound very different at first, but it is ultra-lightweight.”
“We are delighted to be working in line with Vision 2030 and the ambitious projects that it is spawning”
Other features of the Clock Tower are the 23-meter-diameter crescent on top, five stories of offices, and an astronomy exhibition that brings together the findings of modern science with the time-honored teachings of Muslim scientists, demonstrating that there are no real contradictions between science and the Islamic tradition.
Redefining Construction with Lightweight Materials
Operating in the Kingdom for over 40 years (in fact, Mustafa’s father lived in Saudi Arabia for several years before the business was even established), SL Rasch has seen the nation evolve into one that is now one of the most open-minded in the world when it comes to design and construction. “They are always happy to try new things, and we are delighted to be working in line with Vision 2030 and the ambitious projects that it is spawning – pressure always makes you perform to your best!”
Yet, SL Rasch’s vision extends far beyond individual projects. Collaborating with research institutions and universities, the firm advocates for lightweight structures, green infrastructure, and urban planning initiatives that prioritize ecological health.
“The materials are chosen specifically for each individual project, and if you have a large span, for instance, membrane and steel are the most efficient materials to use,” Mustafa says. “The materials are chosen according to the physical needs of the building and the desire to minimize or optimize the material input if you want the lightest weight possible.
“A very simple example of this is the large-scale umbrellas that we’re producing. With umbrellas of this size, you cannot work with wood, concrete, or glass, which is why we specify a high grade of steel. To form the actual roof of the umbrella, you need a material that is capable of folding and withstanding wind forces, rainwater, and all different weather conditions. The material we found to be the best during our long period of research was Teflon – it’s the strongest material to withstand weather conditions for a long time. Pure Teflon yarn is woven into membranes that are attached to the umbrella arms to create an optimal shading device and convertible roof structure.”
Achieving Superior Construction Through Thoughtful Investment
The benefits are there for all to see, but what are the cost implications? “Investing a little more in design and construction can yield significant cost benefits over the long term,” Mustafa says. “By investing in durable, lightweight materials and advanced construction techniques, buildings can have longer lifespans and lower lifecycle costs. This includes factors such as lower maintenance, repair, and replacement costs over the building’s lifespan, resulting in overall savings for the owner.
“Companies that prioritize maximizing profits over quality and sustainability may resort to investing less in buildings themselves, potentially leading to several negative consequences. Low-quality construction can diminish the market value of a property and make it less attractive to potential buyers or tenants. Buildings constructed with cheap materials and substandard workmanship may struggle to compete in the real estate market and command lower rental or sale prices. Furthermore, prioritizing profits over quality and sustainability raises ethical concerns about the welfare of workers, communities, and the environment. Construction companies have a responsibility to uphold ethical standards, ensure worker safety, and minimize the environmental impact of their activities.
“Low-quality construction can diminish the market value of a property and make it less attractive to potential buyers or tenants”
“While spending a little more in construction may require a higher initial investment, the potential benefits in terms of quality, durability, energy efficiency, property value, occupant satisfaction, risk mitigation, and reputation can far outweigh the upfront costs and lead to long-term success and profitability for the project and the stakeholders involved.
“That does not mean that SL Rasch is disproportionately expensive, though; we’re completely cost-effective. We have to be because we tender against competition to win jobs. We are not the cheapest, but we’re not the most expensive either, we’re in the middle somewhere. We don’t have clients with bottomless pockets, but we do have clients who appreciate quality workmanship, an eco-friendly approach, and genuine value for money.”
Lasting Structures, Latest Tomorrow
Central to SL Rasch’s success is its multidisciplinary team of architects, engineers, and computer experts who share a passion for sustainable innovation. Through ongoing research and experimentation, the firm remains at the forefront of lightweight building practices, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in architectural design.
“It’s a very special team,” says Mustafa, “and some have been with us for 40 years, while others are much younger people who come with new ideas and approaches. Technically, it’s a very advanced and broad-based team. Plus, we have a big network of consultants and companies that we work with to facilitate the special projects we undertake. In the end, the key is to find the right type of production companies, the right arm of the industry, that can benefit a certain project. We work together with great manufacturers, which, with the umbrella project, for instance, know hydraulic systems to the last bolt. This knowledge and expertise help us to develop the most efficient umbrella structures.”
SL Rasch has team members and associates who all share a common vision, mission, and values. This has established a positive team culture based on mutual respect, trust, integrity, and accountability, encouraging open dialogue, creativity, and continuous improvement.
The Role of Modern Construction in Earth’s Preservation
The Saudi market has always been very important for SL Rasch; it has been operating in the market for around four decades, and the company has now decided to focus mainly on work within the Kingdom. The company recently underpinned this commitment by setting up a branch in Saudi. It currently has a number of projects ongoing in Riyadh, as well as in Medina, Makkah, and on the Red Sea coast.
The team enjoys working in Saudi Arabia because the Kingdom is so open to new and visionary solutions. Moreover, this is a team that ‘walks the talk’, firmly believing in balancing environmental responsibility with economic prosperity and social equity in all aspects of its operations.
“We create an awareness for people to see how things can be done better”
Indeed, the people at SL Rasch like to disseminate this passion to clients and suppliers, as well as the world in general.
“We create awareness for people to see how things can be done in a better way. There is a responsibility to take care of the planet, and we must develop it correctly instead of abusing it for greed and profit, which is unsustainable and detrimental for several reasons, including environmental degradation, climate change, resource depletion, and loss of biodiversity,” Mustafa concludes.
By proving that architecture and construction can be a force for positive change, SL Rasch inspires and allows us to envision a future where humanity and nature coexist in perfect harmony. With each project, the company reaffirms its commitment to building a more meaningful world, one elegant design at a time.
At SL Rasch, it’s not just a business philosophy; it’s a philosophy of life.
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