Europe’s first eco-mosque in Cambridge has won a national award for its design and contribution to the community, Cambridge Independent reported.

In a category featuring schemes differing in scale, complexity, and purpose, the Cambridge Central Mosque by Marks Barfield Architect won the judges’ favor. 

The award was announced in a November 20 event hosted by comedian and actor Miles Jupp.

The mosque is designed to be naturally lit throughout the day and naturally ventilated, even at peak occupancy, while using a combination of green technologies, including rainwater harvesting, air-source heat pumps, and photovoltaics to minimize its carbon footprint.

The award reconfirmed the importance of sustainable design within the industry.

First Eco-Mosque

Marks Barfield Architects, who won the original contract in 2009, designed the Central Mosque.

In 2011, anonymous leaflets were posted through doors of houses close to the proposed site, urging people to object on grounds of potential congestion.

However, Cambridge City Council said it received 50 letters opposing the plans – but more than 200 in support.

The mosque received planning permission in 2012.

Construction Associate Sarah Duncan assisted CMT Design and Build Limited in drafting the development agreement, building contracts, warranties, and appointments in order to bring the project to fruition and see the first phase of the development completed.

Ashtons Legal for business services has also advised on the construction of the mosque which started in September 2016 at Mill Road.

The UK’s first green mosque opened to worshippers last April.

Estimates in 2009 suggested a total of about 2.4 million Muslims over the UK. According to the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, the number of Muslims in Britain could now be around 3 million.