May 4, 2026

WASHINGTON: Light-Gauge Steel Framing over $1 million

Photo by Gudmundur Ibsen [enlarge]

The dome structure was erected through a carefully sequenced installation process requiring continuous layout adjustments as framing progressed upward.

Vietnamese Martyrs Parish

Location: 6841 S.180th St., Tukwila

Contractor: Mehrer Drywall

Architect: Broderick Architects

Labor partners: International Union of Painters and Allied Trades; Western States Carpenters

Vietnamese Martyrs Parish serves more than 2,000 Vietnamese Catholic families in the Seattle region. The Tukwila project involved demolition of a substantial portion of the original structure and construction of a two-story addition housing classrooms, administrative offices and a dramatically reimagined sanctuary.

Inspired by the Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, the design incorporates Gothic architectural elements including twin bell towers, a grand central dome, arched openings, and a soaring nave. Broderick Architects and Mehrer Drywall collaborated to translate this highly expressive design into a complex yet buildable light-gauge steel framing system.

The level of custom geometry makes this project stand out and the craftsmanship of the system makes it a winner. One of the most significant elements of the building is the 44,000-pound central dome. Engineered and fabricated as a highly detailed, custom assembly, the dome structure was erected through a carefully sequenced installation process requiring continuous layout adjustments as framing progressed upward.

Beneath the dome, the cylindrical drum base and nave framing features layered arches, Gothic angles, and compound radii that demanded high degree of precision and intricate field coordination.

Construction challenges were substantial. Persistent heavy rain complicated exterior framing operations. At the steeple bell towers, precise laser alignment was required while working from a 135-foot boom lift. Key architectural elements, including proscenium arches and ceiling details, lacked complete documentation, requiring the framing team to develop field-driven solutions in real time.

Additionally, the original steel design for the dome base was octagonal and incompatible with the required framing geometry. Mehrer Drywall coordinated with the steel fabricator to radius the steel components, eliminating the need for redundant framing and preserving the architectural intent.

Extensive preplanning, mock-ups, and close collaboration with the general contractor, steel fabricators, and specialty suppliers were essential to the project’s success. Much of the framing — including major dome and tower components — was prefabricated offsite and craned into place. Despite the scale, complexity, and level of custom work involved, the project was completed within budget and stands as a showcase of technical skill, coordination and craftsmanship in light-gauge steel framing.

Other Stories:

• WASHINGTON: Interior over $1 million
  
• WASHINGTON: Stucco/EIFS
  
• WASHINGTON: Renovation
  
• WASHINGTON: Suspended Ceiling
  
• WASHINGTON: Exterior Commercial
  
• WASHINGTON: Exterior Residential
  
• OREGON: Restoration
  
• OREGON: Renovation
  
• OREGON: Light-Gauge Steel Framing under $1 million
  
• OREGON: Light-Gauge Steel Framing over $1 million
  
• OREGON: Suspended Ceiling
  
• OREGON: Exterior, Commercial
  
• OREGON: Interior under $1 million
  
• OREGON: Interior over $1 million
  
• OREGON: Stucco / EIFS