minimal concrete mosque floats above body of water in indonesia

Jakarta-based architects rebuild Masjid Nurul Yaqin in Palu

Jakarta-based creative duo Dave Orlando and Fandy Gunawan rebuild the Islamic Center of Nurul Yaqin Mosque in Palu, Indonesia, composing a minimalist floating form. The restorative project of the spiritual space applies primarily concrete and brick materiality, as well as blue terrazzo for the flooring. The architecture displays modest and minimalistic Islamic ornamentation by laser-cutting 99 names of God into the stainless steel air vents surrounding the upper area of the building. The prayer hall is supported by 30 pillars with ornamental vaulting on the ceiling, as worshippers face a Mihrab in the shape of a slit. The terrazzo material provides a natural ripple texture, which symbolically resembles an eternal and limitless prayer to God.

all images by Daniel Dian Kristanto

the islamic center built in concrete and brick exudes simplicity

The mosque, consisting of two distinct buildings, harmoniously integrates with its serene surroundings. The prayer hall, with separate entrances for the imam and male and female worshipers, stands independently, while utility rooms are housed in an adjacent structure. Constructed primarily with concrete and bricks, the mosque exudes simplicity, complemented by subtle blue terrazzo flooring. Architects Dave Orlando and Fandy Gunawan fuse the structure with its environment surrounding the mosque with water and creating a floating illusion. Inside the prayer hall, 30 pillars support the ornamental vaulted ceiling, devoid of windows or glass, as the design emphasizes natural ventilation and minimal maintenance. A slit-shaped Mihrab bathes the hall in soft natural light, guiding worshipers towards Mecca. The smooth terrazzo floor seamlessly merges with the seascape, symbolizing an eternal and boundless prayer. This sanctuary-like mosque invites contemplation, offering solace and tranquility deeply connected to the surrounding nature, embodying the architects’ pursuit of peace and spiritual connection.

concrete, bricks and blue terrazzo are the main materials used in the reconstruction

the prayer hall forms separate entrances for the imam and male and female worshipers

slit-shaped Mihrab allows soft natural light in the hall

laser-cut stainless-steel air vents showcase the 99 names of God

the mosque appears floating on the coastline of Palu

at dusk, worshipers conduct the Maghrib prayer in the mosque

30 pillars support the ornamental vaulted ceiling

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curved vaulting with LED light detail

Wudhu area is dedicated to cleansing ritual/ablution before praying

project info:

name: Islamic Center Masjid Nurul Yaqin
designer: Dave Orlando | @daveorlandoo – Fandy Gunawan | @fandygunawan

branding: Gema Semesta | @gemasemesta

copywriter: Cindy Dwianjani | @cindydwianjani

location: Palu, Indonesia

photography: Daniel Dian Kristanto | @daniel__deka

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom