Al-Medy Mosque

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The aim of the project was to demonstrate that the ancient material of stabilised earth could be used to create a modern architecture. A mosque was considered an ideal prototype building, as it would be used daily by many people. The main elements of the mosque, from the ground level to the top of the minaret, are made of compressed stabilised earth blocks (CSEB), stabilised with 8.3 per cent cement. CSEBs are water-resistant compared to raw earth, and have a higher mechanical resistance. About 160'000 blocks of various kinds for walls, columns, arches, vaults and domes were laid in 49 days by 225 workers.

Source: Aga Khan Trust for Culture