The new Chapel Complex & Religious Education Facility at Fort Hood, Texas provides non-denominational space for religious and community activities. The 42,000 sq. ft. facility has received LEED Gold certification.

The $27 million campus is a two-phase design/build project that will, upon completion of the second phase, be the largest of its kind in the U.S. Army. The goal is to enhance the spiritual fitness of soldiers and families.

Solis Constructors, Inc., Austin, TX functioned as the design/builder for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Approximately 45,000 sq. ft. of Petersen’s Snap Clad panels was used on this project. The 24 gauge, 16” striated panels were finished in PAC-CLAD Cityscape Cool Color. One challenge posed was long panel runs in the building design. Nearly 20,000 sq. ft. of panels reaching up to 80’ in length were roll formed on site, and were installed by A.D. Willis Company Roofing & Sheet Metal, Austin, TX.

According to Solis Constructors project manager Stephen Cervantes, “The Corps of Engineers has rigid, standardized requirements for roofing systems which included seaming, flashing details, salt spray testing, wind lift, etc. Petersen and the installer met those requirements with no difficulty and provided an excellent installation.”

Lightning protection was another issue. “The Corps is also very specific about that,” Cervantes said, “but Petersen had standard details in place that meet the lightning protection requirements. That really helped us.”