The strange oversized steel beams that dangled beyond the structure were repurposed to create an appropriate entrance. The leaky basement structure that extended beyond the upper floor was used as the foundation for enlarging the main worship space. Interior spaces include a men’s prayer room on the upper floor and women’s prayer room on the lower floor, full kitchen for their Ramadan celebrations, a ceremonial wash room, and more. The former eyesore on one of Golden’s main streets is now a pleasure to behold.

Location: Golden, Colorado

Sustainability: reusing an existing building… increased exterior insulation… upgraded exterior windows… higher efficiency HVAC system… low-VOC finishes

Credits: structural engineer…Anayat Schneider // mechanical & electrical engineer…Given & Associates // contractor…self-performed by owner

Year Completed: 2009