Transforming the Crystal Cathedral

Architect Magazine details the transformation of the 78,000 sf steel-and-glass Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, California–designed in 1980 by Philip Johnson–into a Catholic church.

The project’s biggest challenge is that the existing all-glass Cathedral building was naturally ventilated with very limited, partial air conditioning.

Providing full air conditioning is challenging due to limited space available for mechanical equipment, and the need to incorporate the most cost effective, energy efficient HVAC system with hidden ductwork and air devices so as to not impinge on the architectural integrity of the stunning glass cathedral.

Click here to learn more about an innovative shading and daylight harvesting system integrated with efficient electric lighting control and HVAC systems to help provide a more comfortable and healthy indoor experience for users of the updated Christ Cathedral.

Syska provided MEP engineering, security, fire alarm design and analytics, and energy modeling.