Birmingham Central Mosque
Bespoke Plaster Ceiling Design and Installation
Victorian Cornice Company designed, manufactured and installed the Birmingham mosque ceiling within the main entrance to the new section of Birmingham Central Mosque.
The ceiling measured approximately 13 metres by 8 metres. We developed the symmetrical design from the original architectural plans. Our team then manufactured the individual sections from traditional fibrous plaster.
Project Overview
Victorian Cornice Company was commissioned to design, manufacture and install the Birmingham mosque ceiling within the main entrance to the new section of Birmingham Central Mosque. Measuring approximately 13 metres by 8 metres, the symmetrical plaster ceiling was developed from the original architectural plans and manufactured using individually cast fibrous plaster sections.
Project: Main entrance ceiling
Location: Birmingham Central Mosque
Ceiling size: Approximately 13 metres × 8 metres
Service: Bespoke design development, manufacture and installation
Material: Traditional fibrous plaster
Installation period: Approximately one month
Additional work: Bespoke perimeter uplighting cornice
The supplied plans showed the overall ceiling pattern, but the design first had to be carefully scaled so that we could understand how every element would work across the full ceiling.
Due to the size and complexity of the design, it was important to develop a practical manufacturing and installation method before any moulds or plaster sections were produced.
Developing the Birmingham Mosque Ceiling
The client provided detailed plans for the ceiling design. First, we reviewed the drawings and scaled the design using QuickScale.
This helped us calculate the dimensions of every shape. We also worked out how many of each section the complete ceiling would require.
Next, we divided the design into separate repeating shapes. We could manufacture these sections in our Birmingham workshop and join them together on site.
This method made the large ceiling easier to manufacture, transport and install.
Full-Scale Workshop Setting Out
Before making the moulds, we drew a full-scale section of the design on our showroom floor.
We made cardboard templates for the proposed shapes and positioned them over the drawing. This allowed us to check the proportions, spacing and alignment.
Once we confirmed that the shapes fitted together correctly, we produced stronger wooden templates. The installation team later used these templates to mark the design onto the mosque ceiling.
Marking Out the Ceiling
Our installation team used the wooden templates to transfer the complete pattern onto the ceiling.
The large symmetrical design required extremely accurate setting out. Therefore, the team checked every line, shape and junction before installation began.
This stage took approximately one week. Getting the layout right was essential because even a small error could affect the full ceiling pattern.
Manufacturing the Five Bespoke Moulds
After confirming the design, we created five bespoke master shapes.
We built a separate rubber mould for each shape. These reusable moulds allowed our workshop team to cast the required number of plaster sections accurately and consistently.
The team checked and prepared every section before sending it to site.
Installing the Central Ceiling Design
We installed the inner sections first because they controlled the position of the complete pattern.
Once the centre was correctly aligned, the installation team gradually worked outwards. Meanwhile, our workshop continued casting new sections to keep the site supplied.
Close communication between the workshop and installation teams helped the project progress without unnecessary delays.
Installing the Birmingham Mosque Ceiling
The complete installation took approximately one month.
The team positioned each plaster section against the marked ceiling layout. They then joined the neighbouring pieces and finished the joints by hand.
Every component had to align with the centre and the surrounding pattern. As a result, the finished installation appears as one continuous decorative ceiling design.
The completed Birmingham mosque ceiling measures approximately 13 metres by 8 metres.
We developed the design from the original plans, calculated the individual components and produced all the required templates and moulds. We then manufactured and installed the plaster sections.
Finally, the concealed lighting brought the complete design to life and emphasised the scale and detail of the plasterwork.
Planning a Bespoke Plaster Ceiling?
Victorian Cornice Company designs, manufactures and installs bespoke plaster mouldings for residential, commercial, heritage and religious buildings throughout the UK.
We can work from architectural drawings, sketches, photographs, existing plasterwork or completely new design concepts.
Whether your project requires a decorative ceiling, bespoke cornice, restoration work or individually manufactured plaster features, our team can advise on the most suitable design, manufacturing and installation method.