Description
Kangaita Catholic Parish in Nyeri Diocese has three principles that guided every design decision:
- Creating sacred space that inspires worship
- Fostering genuine community connection
- Ensuring practical functionality for decades to come
How we responded:
Natural light as spiritual element
We used large floor-to-ceiling glass to flood the space with natural light. The distinctive two-story cylindrical tower wraps this glazing around the sanctuary, transforming daylight into a spiritual experience throughout the day, from morning mass to evening services.
Every seat connects to the liturgy
We used a radial plan to ensure no one was too far from the altar. From whichever corner of the room, every congregant has a direct view of the front, allowing for a fulfilling celebration of the liturgy. The cylindrical form helps to project the priest's voice and the choir's hymns evenly in the space.
Natural comfort
The tower design and strategically placed high windows create natural airflow, keeping the sanctuary comfortable during services without expensive air conditioning systems.
A home for parish life
Beyond Sunday worship, the building accommodates the full life of an active parish. The symmetrical wings house dedicated spaces for catechism classes, parish administration, pastoral counseling, community meetings, and weekday activities. Everything happens under one roof, building stronger bonds within your parish family.
A visible landmark
The landmark tower and cross create visibility throughout the area, making the church easy to find and establishing a strong Catholic presence in the region. The broad entrance forecourt provides gathering space where parishioners naturally connect before and after services—the architecture itself encourages community.
Welcoming to all
Wide entrances and thoughtful circulation ensure elderly parishioners, families with young children, and those with mobility challenges can participate fully in parish life.
In the end, we created more than a building, we've created a spiritual sanctuary where faith is nurtured in a communal space.
Project status:
Completed
