A design as green as its surroundings
Every element of the cathedral was designed with sustainability at front of mind. Its various components were made up of a simple palette of natural materials, including timber, clay tiles, granite, stone, and concrete. These materials were sourced and crafted locally, helping to support nearby businesses, while minimising the cathedral’s embodied carbon. This approach also ensured that the cathedral’s finishes and textures aligned with those of its surroundings, helping it to blend seamlessly into its environment.
The building is naturally ventilated, with fully openable side doors allowing natural airflow to be regulated to suit the climate and size of congregation without the need for costly and energy-intensive air conditioning systems. This simple system allows internal temperatures to remain cool and comfortable in every season.
Additionally, the building’s giant, tilted roof is not only visually striking, but also plays an important role in recycling water. With its enormous surface area, the roof catches large quantities of rainwater. This is used to supply the site’s irrigation system, saving water and costs.
We analysed local climate datasets to understand the large variations in temperature and light intensity and researched the seismic activity that can occur within the cathedral’s setting. Using this data, we created a resilient design that provides a comfortable place of worship in all conditions, while being able to withstand seismic activity such as earthquakes and tremors.