A Project of Faith and Art began in summer 2019. We welcomed architect Mustafa into our Watford showroom. He was working on a deeply meaningful commission—the Men’s Ablution (Wudu) Block at the newly built Aisha Masjid & Islamic Centre in Reading.
Armed with detailed blueprints, Mustafa presented a project that was about far more than functionality. This was about spiritual elegance, Islamic artistry, and creating a space that combined faith, form, and beauty.
The Artistic Vision: Islamic Geometry in Modern Design
The mosque’s architectural team collaborated with artist Muhammad Eatwell, renowned for his intricate Islamic geometric patterns. His work—symmetrical, interwoven, and inspired by centuries of Islamic tradition—became the decorative backbone of the Men’s Wudu area.
The vision: replicate the pattern across the space in multiple ways, from bold focal features to subtle accents, achieving a blend of spiritual reverence and contemporary design.
From Pattern to Practice: Creating Cohesion
The design revealed itself in thoughtful details throughout the space:
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Drainage grids echoed faint impressions of the geometric motif.
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A central aisle of seats flanked a partition wall with taps and soap dispensers.
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The ceiling panels, embedded with spotlights, carried the same design, forming a quiet canopy overhead.
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On the back wall, a calming blue print of the simplified pattern set a serene tone.
- The centrepiece was the partition wall, bearing Muhammad Eatwell’s original design in rich blues and metallic gold. Topped with a bespoke gold-sprayed glass worktop, the installation tied together colour, symmetry, and sacred artistry.
Installation Day: A Spiritual Milestone
When installation day arrived, the atmosphere was extraordinary. Even our seasoned installers felt moved, describing the project as one of the most meaningful they had ever worked on.
The teamwork—builders, architects, site managers, legal teams, and financiers—was seamless. We left with a sense of pride, knowing we had contributed to a project with deep cultural and spiritual significance.
A Second Chapter: Designing the Ladies’ Wudu Room
In late 2020, Mustafa returned with a new commission: the Ladies’ Ablution Block. While smaller and more intimate, he insisted it should be even more spectacular than the men’s area.
Once again, Muhammad Eatwell delivered. This time, the design embraced soft pink tones with gold detailing, evoking warmth and grace while maintaining visual harmony with the men’s Wudu area.
A Celebration in Pink and Gold
The printed glass panels stretched wall-to-wall, carefully cut around taps and soap dispensers. Above the golden glass worktop, full-height mirrors amplified natural light and enhanced the sense of space.
The highlight was the printed Stretch Ceiling—a half-pattern reflected in the mirrors, creating the illusion of a complete, floating design overhead. This interplay of light, colour, and geometry turned the room into an unforgettable visual experience.
Final Thoughts: When Faith Meets Design
When the final elements came together, the results were breathtaking. Every detail—from the patterns to the reflections—spoke to a shared vision of beauty, purpose, and devotion.
This project remains one of the most rewarding experiences of our career, not only for its architectural achievement but for its spiritual meaning.
A heartfelt thank you to Mustafa, artist Muhammad Eatwell, and the entire team at the Aisha Masjid & Islamic Centre for allowing us to contribute to such a sacred and visually stunning project.
