Flexible steel tracks create arches and curves for California church

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, OK, were utilized on the project. Light gauge 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. Flex-C Trac is made of galvanized steel and is available in 16, 18 and 20 gauges in a wide variety of metal framing widths. Flex Lite, a new light duty alternative, is available in 25 gauge steel. Versatile Flex-C Angle is available in 16 and 20 gauges. 20 gauge Flex-C Arch is available in a range of widths for both wood and metal framing. Flex-C Plate is available in 20 gauge and is used for wood framing applications.