SDA 2022 Entries

• Commercial Building - Buildings that are used for commercial purposes, and include retail, hospitality, workplaces, factories and warehouses and buildings where commercial services are provided. At least 50 percent of the buildings’ floor space will be used for commercial activities. 
• Light + Surface - The innovative use of light and the way it is inextricably linked to surfaces, whether it’s the effect the light has on the surrounding surfaces or the materials used to create the light.  
• Public Building - Public Buildings used by the public for any purpose, such as assembly, education, entertainment, government, healthcare, transport or worship. This will also include civic centres, community centres, libraries, visitor centres, culture, health + wellbeing, faith, education, sports venues and stadia, transport, central + local government, entertainment and event venues
• Architectural Photography Award - A new category for 2022. Photography focusing on architecture and interior design including exterior or interior images. Both amateurs and professional photographers are invited to enter this Award.

Our client, a leading property development and investment company, retained our services to design & specify the surface finishes in a project very close to their hearts. The Norbury Islamic Academy has been serving the South West London community for many years. The Mosque project required us to combine Islamic traditional architecture & interiors with modern day finishes, using higher spec, sustainable materials & textures. Infusing these two combinations formed a balanced ambience, promoting peace & tranquility. There were three different areas which required individual attention, as the surfaces and aesthetics had different use and purpose. The mimbar area which was a focal point, needed a surface that was more intricate in pattern and design, and needed to embody traditional Islamic geometric colours and patterns. The challenge with this particular project was that it was completed during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the design team & clients determination to continue, despite the challenges we faced together, made the journey a very special one that we were all very proud of. The new modernistic design approach to the Mosque has greatly benefited the community who have appreciated this space immensely, during these unprecedented times. The project was completed in Summer 2020 & costed in the region of £xxxxx

The washroom & ablution area walls and floors were designed using Italgraniti's Lux Experience range. It is the innovative project of marble-effect surfaces telling the memory of seven magnificent stone essences. The range combines its industrial culture with pure natural beauty. The polished finishes were used on the walls, to rebound the effect of the lighting whilst the floor used an unusual new surface finish called Fade, where technical properties allow for slip-resistance, however, aesthetically the finish provides an aged look.

The main prayer areas and columns were designed using Italgraniti's Shale range which masters the natural essence of slate, creating an intense new porcelain stoneware. Shale banishes artificial solutions, showcasing the product of in-depth, creative research through coordinated indoor and outdoor surfaces. Graphic dynamism, chromatic control and studied metamorphic traits are all revealed on the new surface, which is well-balanced but above all authentic. The walls and columns surfaces which are ordinarily painted and become subject to wear and tear, were covered using a textured finish to enhance and promote a zen-like experience. The use of soft lighting further helped to develop a tranquil, peaceful environment in the prayer hall.

The tiles used in the prayer area and the ablution area are LEED compliant, (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) which are the most widely used green building rating system in the world. Available for virtually all building types, LEED provides a framework for healthy, highly efficient, and cost-saving green buildings.

Apart from COVID-19 N/A