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Cambridge Mosque
Marks Barfield Architects, award-winning designers of the London Eye, partnered with Roofglaze to create the UK’s very first green mosque.
Project Details
Client
Architect: Marks Barfield Architects
Sector
Commercial
Location
Cambridge
Roofglaze supply Cambridge Mosque with the perfect daylighting solution
Cambridge Mosque, designed by Marks Barfield Architects, is a groundbreaking development in the prestigious city, and a brilliant example of the environmental benefits that our rooflights can offer. Originally proposed by Marks Barfield to be “a calm oasis within a grove of trees”, the finished project goes beyond its purpose to create what is now a culturally rich landmark of Cambridge.
With branching wooden supports mimicking trees, a surrounding Islamic Garden, and a grand payer hall, the Mosque fulfils its role as a place of peace. Above the supports are our Fixed Flat Glass rooflights, both outside of the main building and above the prayer hall itself. This means that during the day, the building is naturally illuminated, allowing visitors to connect with the world outside while they pray.
“A unique prayer space that fuses traditional and modern architecture, and has green credentials that reflect Islam’s ideals of earth, soul, and community care.” – Cambridge Mosque Website
One of Roofglaze’s largest projects to date
With no less than 63 Bespoke Fixed Flat Glass Rooflights, Cambridge Mosque features more of our rooflights than any other project that we have been involved in. Designed, manufactured, and installed by us, our rooflights provide almost 300m² of sunlight to the Mosque all year round, meeting Marks Barfield’s goal to create a sustainable, eco-friendly sanctuary with no artificial lighting required during daylight hours.
To avoid any glazing bars obstructing the daylight, every rooflight specified in the project was to be single pane, despite each being as sizable as 7.29m². In an economical approach, Marks Barfield opted for most of the rooflights to be square shaped with circular structural openings in the roof, giving the illusion to visitors that the rooflights themselves were circular. This decision vastly cut down the cost of the project, though several true circular rooflights were manufactured and installed on certain areas of the building due to roof space limitations.
Project-specific testing helped Roofglaze meet Marks Barfield’s specifications
All of the rooflights specified for Cambridge Mosque were to be Class 1 Non-Fragile according to CWCT, meaning that they are durable enough to be safely walked on for short periods for occasional maintenance purposes. In preparation for the project, we manufactured prototypes of the impressive 7.29m² panes to undertake non-fragility testing at the British Research Establishment, ensuring that they were Class 1 Non-Fragile compliant.
The rooflights supplied to Cambridge Mosque exceed Part L Building Regulations minimum standard for thermal insulation and airtightness, which is another factor contributing to its energy-efficiency. With all of its considerations and efforts towards sustainability, the landmark is outstandingly close to being a zero-carbon building.
“Cambridge Mosque is a true landmark building for the city of Cambridge, with the emphasis on sustainability, green energy and environmentally friendly materials - admirable, and a model to follow worldwide.” – Matthew Wingrove, Head Architect
Cambridge Mosque is a multi-award-winning project
Following its completion and public opening, Cambridge Mosque received the attention it deserved and won multiple awards, the crown jewel of which is the RIBA Stirling Prize 2021: Peoples Vote. Other notable RIBA awards the project won are Building of the Year, Client of the Year, and Project Architect of the Year.
A huge thank you to Marks Barfield Architects for inviting us to collaborate on such a grand and culturally significant project.
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