Client: Masharef International Co. Ltd.
Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Services Provided: Architecture, Engineering, and Interior Design
Total Built-up Area: 3,222 m²
Construction Cost: 22,250,000 SAR
Completion Date: 2014
Challenge:
The Masharif Hills Mosques were envisioned as spiritual and architectural landmarks within the larger Masharef Hills Residential Development, requiring a contemporary approach that harmonized with the surrounding urban environment while maintaining the sanctity of traditional mosque architecture. The challenge was to design two distinct mosques—a Grand Mosque (2,847 m²) and a Local Mosque (1,050 m²)—that would serve the growing community efficiently while meeting local regulatory requirements. Additionally, the project aimed to incorporate sustainable design principles and cost-effective construction methods, ensuring functionality, adaptability, and environmental responsibility.
Approach:
Designed by Dar Al Omran - Rasem Badran (DAO-Badran), the mosques were conceptualized to blend religious symbolism with contemporary spatial efficiency, ensuring that prayer halls, courtyards, and supporting facilities remained both user-friendly and architecturally significant.
The Grand Mosque serves as the central religious hub, designed to accommodate larger congregations, while the Local Mosque caters to daily prayers for the immediate community.
The architectural blueprint seamlessly integrates geometric compositions, minimalistic facades, and carefully curated openings that enhance natural ventilation and daylighting, reducing energy consumption.
The landscaping and surrounding environment were designed to complement the mosques, ensuring seamless urban integration within the residential masterplan.
The construction methodology prioritized sustainability, incorporating local materials and passive cooling techniques that mitigate heat gain, ensuring energy efficiency and long-term durability.
Impact:
The Masharif Hills Mosques stand as an innovative reimagining of contemporary mosque architecture, offering a modern yet deeply rooted interpretation of Islamic spatial traditions. Through their integration of functionality, sustainability, and cultural sensitivity, these mosques provide a welcoming and spiritually enriching environment for worshippers while contributing to the architectural identity of the Masharif Hills community. By balancing cost-effectiveness with design excellence, the project sets a benchmark for future mosque developments that embrace both modernity and tradition.
Media
Comments