Sacred Heart Cathedral of Kericho: A Vault of Cypress and Light, Kericho, Kenya
Set amidst the lush tea plantations of the Kenyan Highlands, the Sacred Heart Cathedral of Kericho is a monumental achievement in contextual religious architecture. Designed by John McAslan + Partners, the building is defined by a striking, ascending roof that shelters up to 1,500 worshippers. By relying entirely on natural ventilation, daylighting, and locally sourced materials, from Kericho-grown cypress to Nairobi Blue stone, the cathedral honors both the faith and the frugality of its rural community.
Fusing Faith and Landscape
Located 250km southwest of Nairobi, the cathedral sits in a commanding position overlooking the rolling hills and valleys of the Great Rift Valley. The architectural challenge was to embody Catholic liturgy while seamlessly integrating the structure into this majestic landscape.
The design relies on a single, giant unifying roof that ascends dramatically towards the heavens. Inside, the nave widens as it approaches the altar, maximizing the congregation’s engagement with the Mass. The space is not enclosed like a traditional European cathedral; instead, it opens completely along both transepts, allowing the congregation to expand seamlessly onto the landscaped terraces and gardens outside.
Tectonics: Crafted Honesty
The ascending vaulted volume fuses African context with historic ecclesiastical references, exposing its structure in an incredibly honest and crafted manner. The Timber Ribs: The breathtaking ceiling is constructed from finger-jointed slats of Cypress timber, grown locally in Kericho. The timber was specifically detailed to accommodate the high humidity range of the local environment.
Local Stone and Earth: The material palette is strictly local. The flooring and podium cladding are machine-cut and hand-dressed Nairobi Blue stone. The sanctuary features Kenyan granite, and the religious statues were carved from soapstone sourced from the nearby town of Kisii. In-Situ Concrete and Terrazzo: The complex geometry of the arched frames required an intricate, in-situ concrete pouring system specific to Kenya. The exterior is clad in hand-applied, washed terrazzo, selected for its durability and self-cleaning attributes.
The Living Building: Frugality and Empowerment
The project proves that awe-inspiring architecture does not need to be environmentally taxing. Passive Operations: Built to operate with modest energy, the 2,800-square-meter cathedral requires almost no mechanical heating or cooling. The open transepts provide continuous cross-ventilation, while the ascending roof design pulls hot air upward and out. Artisan Empowerment: Buildability was a key driver. The architects were committed to utilizing and improving local artisan skills throughout the construction process. From the hand-dressed masonry to the intricate installation of the roof's ecclesiastical patterns and stained glass, the construction process directly empowered the local labor force.
Data Sheet
Project: Sacred Heart Cathedral of Kericho
Location: Kericho, Kenya
Architect: John McAslan + Partners (Executive Architect: Triad Architects)
Completion Year: 2015
Area: 2,800 m²
Capacity: 1,500 seated
Key Materials: Kericho Cypress Timber, Nairobi Blue Stone, Kisii Soapstone, In-Situ Concrete, Terrazzo
Typology: Religious / Cathedral
Client: Diocese of Kericho
Project Gallery
