The entry selected was by architect Reima Pietilä, whose architectural partner (and, from 1963, wife) Raili Paatelainen later became involved in the project.

The site chosen for the church was a small hill at the head of the convergence of two of Tampere's major streets: Teiskontie and Sammonkatu.

[5] It is made from 17 narrow 35 m (115 ft)-high hollow concrete u-shapes, with full height windows between them.

In addition to the main hall, the church features a chapel, sacristy and auxiliary facilities.

Kaleva Church is featured on the Docomomo Finland list of modern Finnish architectural masterpieces.