Located on a 30-acre site, the new St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Modesto, CA merges traditional forms with a contemporary worship environment. The 26,250 sq. ft. church offers seating for 1,300 parishioners.

“The arches and repetitive curved forms in the ceiling and structure speak to the gothic symbolism we were trying to convey,” according to Shelly Hyndman of Hyndman & Hyndman Architects, Cardiff By The Sea, CA.

Both Flex-C Trac and Flex-C Arch from Flex-Ability Concepts, Oklahoma City, were utilized on the project.

“The use of the flexible track products allowed us to accomplish a building rich in form and softened by curves without the jump in price that used to be associated with curving shapes,” Hyndman said. “We were able to achieve un-segmented arches and vault shapes. Many of the curves could be laid out and constructed in part on the floor and then lifted into place.”

Light-gauge/cold-formed steel studs were used throughout the project. This allowed for taller heights and for suspension from the roof deck as well as easy connections compatible with the steel superstructure elements, according to Hyndman.

The framing contractor on the job was A&P Drywall, Valley Center, CA. The general contractor was T.B. Penick & Sons, San Diego.