Glulam in Church Construction | APA – The Engineered Wood …

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Churches and other religious buildings demand large, open spaces that must be as inspiring as they are structurally sound. In many cases, glulam can be the answer to the architects prayers. These large public buildings, where aesthetics are key, can be designed with curved beams, trusses, traditional Tudor arches or complex beam, column and arch framing systems that feature the natural beauty of wood in an exposed glulam structure.

The framing of Cathedral of Christ the Light, in Oakland, California is unlike any other structure. Two large glulam and steel space frames form the outer walls. The frame consists of two intersecting circles, creating a football-like shape. The inner chords are made with (26) 10-3/4-inch curved glulam ribs, roughly 100 feet in length, and varying in depth from 30 inches at the base to 19-1/2 inches at the top. The outer chords are made of straight glulam mullions, which are roughly 103 feet long.

Because the framing is so unique and doesnt follow any of the structural types listed in the 2001 California Building Code, the City of Oakland Building Department required the engineer of record to establish a peer review committee to help develop the requirements of this framing system. This peer review committee consisted of three university professors and an industry expert. The committee developed the criteria for the structures ductility and toughness to resist seismic activity. The building is designed to withstand a 1000-year seismic event. In addition to its magnificent outer beauty, the sanctuary also features two organ lofts built with curved glulam members.

APA EWS member Western Wood Structures, Inc. of Tualatin, Oregon was the supplier and erector of all the glulam and steel components. The glulam ribs and the frames for the organ loft were manufactured by APA EWS member Alamco Wood Products, Inc. of Albert Lea, Minnesota. All other glulam members were manufactured by APA EWS member American Laminators of Drain, Oregon.

The Fall 2008 issue of Wood Design and Building featured acover article on the Cathedral of Christ the Light, written by APAs Karyn Beebe and Paul Gilham of Western Wood Structures. Photos courtesy of The Cathedral of Christ the Light.

The strength and versatility of glulam make it an ideal choice for large, open building designs where long spans are required, like St. Joseph Catholic Church in Amery, Wisconsin. Designers can employ glulam to create open, airy designs and high ceilings that are popular in todays churches. Glulam is engineered to meet specific performance criteria to provide consistent performance for decades. At St. Joseph Catholic Church, glulam was used to create Tudor arches, parallel chord trusses, rafters, and other architectural framing members.

Glulam building systems are cost-effective alternatives to steel and concrete, filling the need for beautifully renovated worship and community spaces at competitive costs. Glulam beams are easy to install for timely and affordable construction. Pound for pound, glulam is stronger than steel, so glulam beams can span long distances with minimal need for intermediate supports. These facts, combined with woods warm, welcoming atmosphere, makes glulam the perfect choice for renovations and additions. Glulam timber trusses were used to create this 16,000-square-foot addition to St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Stony Plain, Alberta.

Our Lady of Loreto in Foxfield, Colorado, provides an example of how glulam can be used effectively in large churches. Using beams manufactured by APA EWS member Calvert Company, Our Lady of Loretos design emphasizes three transepts connected by a central dome over the main sanctuary. Church design is shifting to broad, fan-shaped or other geometric shaped structures featuring long clear spans and large open spaces. In large churches like Our Lady of Loreto, glulam works well because it can span long distances with a minimal number of intermediate supports. Through this design, no one will be more than 70 feet from the altar of sacrifice when seated anywhere in the church.

This synagogue in New York City is a striking example of the breathtaking beauty achievable with architectural heavy timber beams. The roof structure was created by the G.R. Plume Company, an APA EWS member located in Ferndale, Washington. The project was in planning for five years, but construction took just six months. Rather than glued laminated beams the job called for 54 Douglas-fir beams covered with a veneer of white oak and shaped into ribs that tapered from eight to two inches. The custom-manufactured ribs were crafted in Ferndale and shipped to New York for installation. We planned for 10 weeks of installation, but only took three because the beams fit perfectly, said Plume. The owner wanted a unique worship space, and the result was inspiring.

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Glulam in Church Construction | APA - The Engineered Wood ...