WITH its crescent-shaped rooftop and star-like dome Al-Mukminin Mosque situated in the west of Singapore, possesses a charm of its own. Built in 1987, the mosque is characterized by a modern architectural design. However in the last few years the mosque’s structure has been in need of a face-lift and additions. The improvement in the mosque could help serve its users with optimum efficiency and that is why a decision was made to carry out some renovations.
One of the important changes to the mosque was the inclusion of a multi-coloured curved louvred screen that would act as a security barrier for users walking in the corridors. Construction of the louvred screen was awarded to a Singapore-based architectural firm on the basis of a design submitted by them. The renovation commenced in April 2005 and was completed successfully in 2006. The functional but aesthetic design of the screen mimics the Islamic arabesque which is a complex overlay of two or more geometric patterns to form a third pattern. The selection of ALUCOBOND aluminum composite panels was guided by a number of considerations, chiefly among which was its suitability, durability and formability.
ALUCOBOND was suitable because it is available in various colour tones. The colours of nature, traditionally used in Islamic architecture such as yellow (earth), blue (sky and water), green (vegetation) and black, were all available in this product. The colourful panels transformed a nondescript area into an attractive and exuberant facade.
PVDF coil–coated ALUCOBOND is manufactured in accordance to the highest standards in Germany and that is the reason why it is considered durable. The product has proven to stay smooth and even, without rippling or warping when exposed to severe environments. This has been proven in past successful projects in Singapore utilizing material from ALUCOBOND such as covered linkways and bus shelters.
ALUCOBOND is also ‘scalable’ This means that although the material is rigid, it is flexible enough to be, shaped and fabricated – qualities, which were of immense importance in this project as the panels were required to be sheared into various sizes. This quality also allows architects to weave creativity into their designs.
The finished multi-coloured louvre screen serves many purposes. Firstly, it acts as a security barrier for users walking along the corridors. Perforation in the barrier allows light into the corridor creating interesting visual effects and also allows one to peer through the slits - an activity children are likely to be drawn to. Secondly, it allows natural ventilation while ensuring minimal water penetration during downpours. This is achieved by carefully positioning the upturns, some on the inside of the louvres and some on the outside. Interspersing three fixed modules of patterns allows for the ‘random pattern’ look. The horizontal louvres are slightly tilted towards the outside to ensure that any water falling on the louvers will drain outwards. Thirdly, it acts as a new backdrop to the existing fan-shaped roof of the prayer hall.
In all, a total of 1800 sqm of ALUCOBOND panels was used to transform the mosque’s former appearance into one that meets the modern-day requirements of its owners and users alike.
