While the design of the recently completed Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Carmel, IN, reflects the Byzantine-Orthodox style, key differences have prompted architect Christ Kamages of San Francisco’s CJK Design Group to seek a patent for its design.

CJK Design Group has designed more than 120 Byzantine-Orthodox churches but none with this one’s triangulated footprint. Kamages has said in articles that deviating from the norm in terms of both layout and seating orientation will improve sightlines, eliminate blind spots and allow parishioners to feel more engaged in church services.

What also sets the new church apart, and has generated a good deal of attention locally, is the 12,000 sq. ft. church’s monumental golden dome. Measuring 52’ in diameter and weighing more than 50 tons, it is said to be one of the largest in the entire Western Hemisphere. Responsible for fabricating and installing its gold-finish .040”-thick aluminum standing seam roof covering was M.G. McGrath of Maplewood, MN.

McGrath installed the Kynar 500-finished, custom-gold-colored roof panels, as completed the sheet metal work on the dormers of the 20 windows that surround the base of the dome, before it was hoisted to the rooftop and set into place during a December 2007 ceremony. The specialty contractor, recognized nationwide for its fabrication and installation capabilities, also shop-formed the small domes for the towers flanking the front entrance.

The $9 million project—which also included the construction of a 13,000 sq. ft. administration wing, was scheduled for occupancy in October 2008. The project’s general contractor was Shiel Sexton of Indianapolis, IN.