Architecture

Between Earth and Light

A circular earthen mosque that returns to simplicity — not as aesthetic reduction, but as theological precision. A sacred shell that breathes, shelters prayer without hierarchy, and grows with its community.

Earthen domed mosque set against desert cliffs

The circle is the oldest act of drawing — whole, infinite, equal at every point. From its centre, seven radial segments unfold, each echoing a sacred rhythm: the seven heavens, the seven verses of Al-Fātiha, the seven circumambulations of the Kaaba. All direction converges on the mihrab — the spatial and spiritual heart.

The walls are compressed earth: grounded, warm, site-responsive. Between the seven segments, glass slivers let light in, casting lines of guidance across the floor. The mosque expands not through form but through light — as the voids widen, it grows from 350 m² to over 500 without changing shape.

It is tuned to its climate. The circular form minimises wall exposure; thick earthen panels store coolness; an oculus above the mihrab works as a thermal chimney. A modular steel frame lets the panels be prefabricated and raised by the community itself — light on machinery, heavy on participation. The building is a seed — rooms, courtyards and gardens can be added over time.

As the glass slivers widen, the mosque grows — from 350 m² to over 500 — without changing shape.

350 → 500+ m²
grows without changing form
7
radial segments: heavens, verses, tawaf
1
circle — the whole form from one centre

Concept diagram showing the circle, seven radial segments, and the mihrab — Concept — the circle, the seven radii, and the mihrab as the spiritual and spatial heart.

Interior prayer space with three figures and light shafts — Prayer space — worshippers beneath the timber roof, shafts of light across the earthen walls.

Floor plan of the prayer space showing radial segments, mihrab, minaret and supporting functions — Floor plan — seven radial segments converging on the mihrab, with minaret and supporting functions.

Material sample board with steel, earth, glass, terrazzo, stone and rug — Material palette: steel, compressed earth, glass, terrazzo, stone, prayer rug.

Ablution space lit from a circular oculus above — Ablution space — oculus above, stone wudu blocks below.

Exterior view of the mosque and minaret against desert mountains — Exterior — the mosque and minaret set against the desert cliffs.

At a glance

Program: Mosque, wudu areas, imam house, lecture hall, minaret
Structure: Modular steel frame + compressed-earth panels
Materials: Compressed earth, steel, glass/polycarbonate, terrazzo
Ventilation: Stack effect — oculus chimney + low cool-air intakes
Status: Competition entry

Next in architectureTORI — Islamic Center →

Other practices