The design was a decade-long project, officially opening to the public in 2017.
The 96 colored lanterns are oriented to follow the sun's path, casting different light hues depending on the time of day.
The building was constructed using rammed earth, a sustainable technique that incorporates soil from the local area.
Glenn Murcutt, the primary architect, is renowned for his environmentally sensitive, minimalist Australian architectural style.
The mosque was built to replace an older, smaller facility to better serve the growing local community in Newport.
It is one of the few mosques in the world that integrates large-scale contemporary sustainable design principles with traditional Islamic spatial requirements.
The Australian Islamic Centre in Newport is a modern mosque designed by the Pritzker Prize-winning architect Glenn Murcutt in collaboration with Hakan Elevli. The structure is defined by its lack of traditional domes and minarets, opting instead for a series of 96 custom-made, colored glass lanterns that serve as both roof elements and light apertures. The building utilizes a rammed earth wall construction, which provides high thermal mass and acoustic insulation. It serves as a community hub incorporating a library, prayer halls, and a recreational center for local residents. The interior features a neutral, minimalist palette designed to focus attention on the shifting natural light patterns throughout the day. It is recognized as a significant piece of contemporary Australian religious architecture.
Inside the main prayer hall, looking upward at the patterned, colored glass lanterns.
Check the official website for community event schedules before visiting.
Visit during mid-morning or mid-afternoon to experience the best light play through the colored lanterns.
Ensure you check for prayer time exclusions when the mosque may be reserved for congregants only.
Do not enter the prayer hall during active congregational prayers unless invited.
Open daily for visitors, but access to the main prayer space is restricted during congregational prayer times.
Modest clothing covering shoulders, arms, and legs is required; visitors must remove shoes before entering the prayer hall.
