Integrating traditional design into a modern community hub
The Australian Islamic Mission needed a new home—and part of that would mean a community complex of buildings to facilitate learning and religious worship for local members of the Muslim faith. The Punchbowl Mosque development was designed to be constructed in two stages: the Mosque first and the community buildings second.
Our job? Structural and engineering design. The mosque space needed to be open, and it needed a design focus that was traditional instead of contemporary. We delivered a high-vaulted space that featured exposed concrete muqarnas, an ornamental vaulting design in traditional Islamic architecture. The biggest challenge was that—to ensure all concrete elements would remain durable throughout their design life—the muqarnas needed a class two finish. By using a fiberglass mould to form the shapes, we were able to implement the design and protect against cracking.
The mosque itself will have capacity for approximately 300 people and contains facilities such as ablutions, a minaret, and two levels of basement carpark. When completed, Punchbowl Mosque will be a focal point and meeting place for the Islamic community in the Punchbowl area in Sydney. Future works may include an elementary school and other buildings to support the Sydney Muslim community.
At a Glance
- Offices
- Client
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- Infinity Constructions Pty Ltd
- Architect
- Candalepas Associates
- Award
- Sulman Medal 2018 – Australian Islamic Mission
Francis Toledo-Silva, Principal, Social Infrastructure Sector Leader, NSW
My work is important because we help create safe designs that lead to safe and efficient buildings that are appropriate for the client and their long term financial and project goals.
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