The Bay Area Fellowship Church in Corpus Christi, TX, is considered one of the fastest growing churches in the United States. To continue its growth, the progressive, media-driven church has undertaken a two-phased construction project on a 90-acre site. The recently completed Phase 1 provides 92,000 sq. ft. of worship and educational space within a building that's contemporary in design. Featured on its exterior is nearly 37,000 sq. ft. of Metl-Span CF Architectural Wall Panels.

Architectural design was done by BBA Architects, Brenham, TX. “The design for the church reflects its need for a building that represents its non-traditional approach to ministry,” according to Ben Boettcher, AIA, principal and project architect. “The church leaders were familiar with a prominent local project that used Metl-Span—the Corpus Christi Bayfront Arena—and liked the look.”

Budget considerations also drove the design. According to Darren Heine, AIA, lead project design architect, “We had large expanses of wall with no need for lots of interior finishing. The Metl-Span panels allowed us to keep the back side exposed with minimal studding. It was a very economical and attractive solution.”

The Metl-Span panels were installed by Engineered Metals Company, Kerrville, TX. General contractor on the project was Don Krueger Construction Company, Victoria, TX.