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Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral

The Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral is timeless and traditional. The design of the structure was based on the cruciform layout established by Francesco di Giorgio Martini dating back to the 1400’s. This layout provides a seating capacity for up to two thousand and allows for growth in one of the fastest growing dioceses in the country while still giving a sense of intimacy and closeness to the altar. The design includes elements that are meaningful to the faithful including a center dome towering a lofty 140ft/ 42.6m above the sanctuary floor. The design is also environmentally conscious; it includes an abundance of natural light, uses locally sourced materials, reuses stained glass windows from Ascension Church in Philadelphia (and other design elements from churches no longer in use). The Cathedral design also incorporates energy efficient lighting, heating, cooling and electrical systems. 

Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral

The Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral replaced the Sacred Heart Cathedral, the 2nd smallest cathedral in the United States. An original 329 seats grew to over 2,000 seats.

The utilization of modern construction materials and building practices allowed the cathedral to be completed in two and a half years and stay within budget while providing a high level of performance and comfort and majestic aesthetic for the parishioners.

Dome Construction

The dome was constructed on the ground to ease the difficulty of bending the drywall. It was then raised 140’ in place by crane.

The dome, apse, and tabernacle required involved twisting and molding two layers of CertainTeed Gypsum Wallboard to achieve the desired architectural design.

Construction

Barrel vaulted ceilings and eyebrows: These were hung at heights of 52’ to 78’ while bending 5/8” CertainTeed Gypsum Wallboard.

Splayed window returns: Similar to the dome hanging, using multiple layers of thin CertainTeed Gypsum Wallboard to achieve the desired profiles.

The arches were precut at the ribs and dome soffit. The arches were cut on the ground and installed at heights of 52’ to 82’. 

Construction

The Romanesque design, built with modern construction materials, includes vaulted ceilings reaching heights of 78’ leading to a dome with a height of 140’. 

The apse has curved arches within a radius wall, leading up to a half dome, detailed with tapering ribs. The side aisles contain intersecting arches that create an intricate hallway. 

The columns beneath the dome lead up to pendentives. The dome rises from the pendentives with arched windows that are recessed into the radius wall.

Key Challenges

  • The project faced a demanding schedule and needed to be complete by July 2017 in time for the first mass. Sears Contract, Inc. stayed well under budget and met strict deadlines.
  • The large quantity of arches varying in style and radii required manipulating the drywall to match the architectural design. While working at great heights, this created a truly unique challenge.

Key Achievements

  • Sears Contract, Inc.’s safety program on this project exceeded OSHA requirements.
  • LEED basis was also met due to the CertainTeed Type X Gypsum board used throughout the cathedral interior, and the CertainTeed M2Tech Gypsum board used in the bathrooms. 
  • The design used several CertainTeed GREENGUARD and GREENGUARD Gold-certified products.

Key Stakeholders

Building Owner: Catholic Diocese of Raleigh
Architect: O'Brien & Keane
Contractor: Sears Contract, Inc. 

About Sears Contract

Sears Contract is based in Raleigh, NC and has been delivering quality commercial drywall and construction applications since 1995. They take a personal approach to construction management and work closely with architects to turn their creative plans into reality.

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CertainTeed Products in Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral

M2Tech® Drywall

CertainTeed M2Tech® Moisture and Mold resistant drywall features a unique technology that combines moisture and mold resistance and is specially engineered to provide enhanced protection against mold growth. 

M2Tech®

Diamondback® Tilebacker

Diamondback® Tile backer has a unique textured coating and pattern on the front of the board that creates a strong bond to prevent slipping, while its superior water resistant surface inhibits water vapor permeance protecting your rooms from mold and moisture. 

Diamondback® Tilebacker

GlasRoc® Sheathing

GlasRoc® Sheathing Type X is a high-performance, weather-resistant gypsum sheathing board with a specially formulated core for use in fire resistance rated designs. 

GlasRoc® Sheathing
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Type X Drywall

CertainTeed Type X fire resistant drywall is an interior gypsum board consisting of a solid set, fire resistive, Type X gypsum core that provides fire resistance ratings when used in tested assemblies.

Type X Drywall
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