"LUX GLORIA" - Cathedral of the Holy Family, Saskatoon, Canada

in collaboration with Sarah Hall

Client: Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon
Architect: Friggstad Downing Henry Architects
Photo credits: Sarah Hall

Technique: Tower: Airbrushed glass combined with photovoltaic glass into an insulated glass units.
Windows: Mouthblown genuine Antique glass with etching and painting, leaded with different kinds of lead.

DESCRIPTION: Beauty, technology, and faith are combined in a unique solarglass installation in the spire of a new cathedral. "Lux Gloria" (Light of Glory) is a Iandmark installation of three monumental, southfacing windows that grace the upper facade. The stained glass in the spire shades the interior of the worship space (and organ loft) from strong south light - an essential element of the building's design. ln contrast to traditional stained glass, the solar windows are highly visible to the exterior and form a seamless integration with the white cladding.

This project is a world first- a cathedral whose stained glass windows generate energy from sunlight, and provide a visible demonstration of stewardship. The design for "Lux Gloria" was inspired by the transcendent glory of God as seen in the beauty of creation and the vast prairie skies. Within the silver-hued array are 12 dichroic crosses, signifying the apostles.

There is also a circle, representing a prayer for unity. The largest window is 37 feet high by 12 feet wide and sits 107 feet above the ground. Each window is divided into 18 panels - 54 panels in total - with each panel being a unique size, shape and design. With more than 1,000 hand-soldered, silver-coloured solar cells embedded in the windows. This installation is expected to produce about 2,500 kilowatt hours annually. The solar array is grid-connected and the installation is Saskatchewan‘s first building-integrated photovoltaic system (BIPV- solar panels embedded into windows or walls). The cathedral will receive a rebate on its energy costs from the utility grid.

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