The Cathedral of Christ the Light

Western Wood Structures (WWS) is honored and proud to be a part of the team that included Skidmore Owings & Merrill (SOM) Architecture and Engineering firm and Webcor as the general contractor.  The team worked diligently together to construct this breath taking landmark in the City of Oakland, California.  WWS provided a complete heavy timber package including design assist, supply and off-site fabrication of glued-laminated timber (Glulams), specialized hardware and connections, along with logistics, bracing plan, and installation.  Many design challenges were overcome as a team with innovative solutions from all parties.  For instance WWS worked with SOM to develop a creative and well thought out rod tightening sequence to eliminate force interference between components. Without this sequence, tightening one rod would affect the forces already applied to all the other rods, tightening some and loosening others.  

Video of Cathedral

10 3/4"x 15" Radiused glued-laminated timber beams were prefabricated by WWS  which worked in tandem with the steel-rod skeleton and was veiled with a glass exterior skin. Light was a central theme of the structure and the modern use of age old materials like wood and steel came harmoniously together.  Dichroic glass and ceramic fritted glass create prismatic effects and add illuminating color and lightness. The Glulams are also used as louvers which further the dynamic lighting by filtering the effects of the glass like an enormous set of wooden blinds.

The Cathedral of Christ the Light is a beacon of hope and grace,  a place of worship that instills a sense of focus and renewal from the outside world. This 1,350-seat sanctuary with side chapels and a baptistery  honors its religious and civic obligations to both the Catholic Diocese and the city of Oakland.  The next time you are in the bay area, don't miss out on visiting this iconic place of worship.