Petronas Twin Towers

The crown jewel of a dynamic country

Safety and comfort are built in to this internationally recognised landmark

Built to symbolise Malaysia’s forward-looking optimism, the 451.9-metre Petronas Twin Towers was the tallest building in the world for eight years and it remains the tallest twin structure in existence. It is built to rigorous safety standards, standing on the world’s deepest foundations and constructed largely from reinforced concrete.

Fire resilience – the ability for a building to contain and rapidly recover from a fire – is a key consideration in any project on this scale, so contractors imposed strict specifications on the materials used. With an extremely tight construction schedule, they also sought out local suppliers to ensure on-time delivery. The qualities of ROCKWOOL stone wool, coupled with the fact that we manufacture stone wool locally, made the product a clear choice for this colossal project. After we jointly built and tested the Towers’ curtain wall system to assure two-hour fire resistance, around 900 tonnes of stone wool (the weight of a small ship) were ultimately installed in the floors, ceilings and walls.

The insulation does more than help keep the building’s thousands of occupants safe. In a city that’s near the equator and close to 30°C all year round, stone wool improves thermal performance, reducing the amount of energy needed for air conditioning. Insulation in the ceiling also contributes to better acoustics.

Commenting on the project, Jeff Wilcox, Business Unit Director of ROCKWOOL ANZ, said:

“Nearly 30 years after the completion of the iconic Petronas Twin Towers—Malaysia’s crown jewel and a powerful symbol of the nation’s ambition—we are proud to reflect on our contributions to such landmark developments. Our involvement in enhancing the safety and comfort of buildings like the Petronas Towers marks a significant milestone in ROCKWOOL’s nearly 40-year presence in Malaysia.

As the nation continues to grow, so too does the demand for a higher quality of life. With our comprehensive product portfolio and ongoing investment in R&D, we are well-positioned to meet these evolving needs and help enrich the lives of people and the cities they live in, including vibrant hubs like Kuala Lumpur.”

Project Data