This newly constructed church rises from the ashes of a devastating fire, creating a striking visual presence on its historic site. Designed to accommodate 3,500 congregants, the complex seamlessly integrates an auditorium, chapel, and teaching spaces into a cohesive church facility.
The fire tragically destroyed the beloved church that once served over 5,500 congregants and nearby informal settlements, dealing a heavy blow to the community. The owners maintain a deep emotional connection to the original “Jesus Dome,” built in the 1990s, and wished for the new church to honor and enhance this iconic landmark.
Simply replacing the original dome was not a feasible architectural solution due to spatial and acoustic challenges. Instead, the architect redefined the project’s goal: to merge the dome concept with a multi-space auditorium boasting world-class acoustics.
Extensive architectural and engineering research led to the design of an economical large-span roof featuring three connected arches above the 3,500-seat auditorium. These arches form segments of a spherical structure that supports a shell above the acoustically optimized auditorium.
This design achieves two main objectives: creating an iconic ‘virtual dome’ and delivering a worship space with outstanding acoustic quality. The auditorium is the heart of the complex, surrounded by entrances, lobbies, chapels, upper-level teaching rooms, performance areas, and technical service facilities.
The visual impact of the virtual dome structure is a defining urban landmark. Located away from the nearby highway, the design positions the church entrance to clearly welcome pedestrian visitors, distinct from the street frontage.
Strong architectural features contrast sharply with a series of simple shell-like forms, which seamlessly connect with the outdoor spaces, either through transparency or physical transition. The understated building facade offers a fine-grained texture that complements the boldness of the arching roof structure.
Unlike many churches located in affluent neighborhoods, Durban Christian Centre serves a community with limited resources. Strict budget and financial constraints have impacted the project timeline, even causing construction to halt for several months. These challenges inspired numerous innovative solutions.
The combination of strong leadership, a vibrant community, and deeply personal faith supported the project and its architects. As a result, the design embraced the use of basic materials, finishes, and construction methods — often stripped down to their bare essentials — to create a genuinely honest and authentic environment.
Elements preserved from the original church, despite the fire, strongly reflect this design philosophy.
From a technological perspective, the building showcases remarkable innovation. The auditorium, constrained by a limited footprint, was designed entirely around acoustic performance, achieved through collaboration between architects and engineers and the use of complex diffusion and custom absorption panels.
However, the true breakthrough lies in the auditorium’s roof structure. The highly cooperative design process unveiled the intricate engineering geometries and unconventional construction techniques behind the scenes.
The elegant steel arches emerge from massive concrete anchors, intuitively recalling the memory of the original Jesus Dome, transforming the previous landmark into a fresh urban icon. This innovative steel application has been recognized by the steel industry for its originality and creativity.
Project Drawings
△ General Layout Plan
△ First Floor Plan
△ Second Floor Plan
△ Elevation Drawing
Project Information
Architectural Design: Elphick Proome Architects
Area: 63,006.3 square meters
Project Year: 2021
Photographer: Karl Beath
Manufacturers: Alsysco, Brits Nonwoven, Caesarstone, DORMAKABA SUISSE, Dulux, Duratile, Duravit, Facade Solutions, Grohe, Hulabond, Impact Engineering, Mellawood, Polyglass, Rodlin Design, Swanlight
Architectural Team: George Elphick, Jane Long, Ruan Steenkamp
Interior Design: Novospace, Mike Long
Electrical Engineer: Oyana
Cost Engineer: RLB Pentad
Structural Civil Engineer: NJV Consulting Engineers
HVAC Engineer: Spoormaker & Partners
Project Management: M3 Africa Consulting
General Contractor: Stefanutti Stocks
Client: Durban Christian Centre
Location: Durban, South Africa
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