john mcaslan + partners builds cathedral of kericho in kenya

john mcaslan + partners has completed a cathedral in kenya with an inclined clay-tiled roof and a dramatically ascending interior volume. located approximately 250 kilometers south-west of nairobi, the ‘sacred heart cathedral of kericho’ accommodates up to 1,500 parishioners beneath its giant canopy. the elevated structure offers sweeping views across the surrounding landscape, including the region’s tea plantations.

the cathedral is located approximately 250 kilometers south-west of nairobi
image © edmund sumner (also main image)

john mcaslan + partners sought to create a welcoming and inviting structure that naturally integrated with its setting. externally, the cathedral’s tiled-roof forms a distinctive presence on kericho’s landscape, while internally, the church features a wide nave in order to maximize the congregation’s engagement. the building itself opens completely along both transepts, promoting natural ventilation and allowing parishioners to leave at multiple exit points.

the cathedral accommodates up to 1,500 parishioners beneath its giant canopy
image © edmund sumner

the design brings together both african and ecclesiastical references, with the building’s structure expressed using clear forms and a palette of natural materials. with the exception of the stained glass windows, all of the project’s materials were locally sourced and fabricated. inside the church, arched concrete frames with timber-ribbed vaulting sit atop a stone plinth, creating a dramatic volume that soars upwards. the ceiling is constructed from finger-jointed cypress timber slats, while the roof is topped with clay tiles.

the church features a wide nave in order to maximize the congregation’s engagement
image © edmund sumner

‘the complex geometry of the building was accommodated by an in-situ construction method specific to kenya,’ explain the architects. ‘the size of each structural frame required a complex pouring system for the concrete. the building’s cladding material was carefully selected as washed terrazzo, known for its self-cleaning attributes and was applied by hand. the nairobi blue stone cladding of the podium was hand-dressed and fixed by local masons.’

arched concrete frames with timber-ribbed vaulting
image © edmund sumner

the vast majority of the project’s materials were locally sourced and fabricated
image © edmund sumner

the building itself opens completely along both transepts, promoting natural ventilation
image © edmund sumner

the building opens out onto the surrounding landscape

project info:

client: diocese of kericho
architect: john mcaslan + partners
executive architect: triad architects ltd
contractor: esteel construction ltd
multi-disciplinary engineers: arup (UK)
structural engineers: eng plan (kenya)
electrical & mechanical engineers: EAMS (kenya)
QS: barker and barton (kenya)
furniture design and entrance doors: studio propilis (kenya)
stained glass and artworks: john clark, glasspainter (germany)
area: 2,800 sqm / 30,139 sqf
dates: 2010-2015