Marine Corps Chapel Honored with Prestigious International Interior Design Award

Quantico, Virginia (June 6, 2012) – For “masterful execution,” “near perfect detailing,” and “a wonderful integration between the interior and exterior architecture,” the Semper Fidelis Memorial Chapel in Quantico, Virginia has been honored with a BESTaward by the International Interior Design Association (IIDA), Rocky Mountain Chapter. Designed by Fentress Architects, the non-denominational Chapel is a space defined by simplicity, serenity, and purity of form and materials. The project expresses the concept of a canopied field chapel, providing a seamless transition of natural materials from exterior to interior.

Design for People

Completed in 2009, the 2,276 square-foot Semper Fidelis Memorial Chapel enables friends and families to honor the sacrifices of fallen heroes and loved ones, or host events and ceremonies that look to the future. Expansive glass walls, etched with text expressing time-tested Marine Corps ideals, are framed by natural fieldstone and timber columns to establish a seamless relationship with nature. The chapel’s location offers a commanding hilltop view of the National Museum of the Marine Corps, while chapel and museum are physically linked by a network of i landscaped trails through Semper Fidelis Memorial Park. The connection alludes to the Corps’ motto of Semper Fi, or “Always Faithful.”

Aspects of the Chapel are intended to speak a soldier’s language, with rectangular wood and stone pews that reference ammo boxes, and a sharply defined slate roof that evokes a humble tarp. The ceiling’s open-truss natural timber structure features exposed diagonal wood decking illuminated by soft indirect lighting that becomes a singular design element.

Sustainability

The Chapel was designed to meet standards for LEED Silver certification. The design includes a geothermal HVAC system and a mechanical system that service a large, glass-walled space. This was achieved with a hidden under-floor air distribution delivery system for energy efficiency and comfort.

Outside Influencers

Two outside influences were vital to the successful development of the Chapel’s design. The Heritage Foundation, which was the direct client, endorsed the metaphor of a field combat zone chapel as an important aspect of not only the development of the architectural expression, but also as an opportunity for the building to tell the story of the Marine Corps. Secondly, the Timothy Day Foundation, founded by Tim Day, a former Marine Captain and successful businessman, was a major donor and heavily involved in reviews of the final development of design. These two Foundations not only allowed for a seamless design process, but also contributed to achieving the design team’s goal of capturing the essence of the Marines.

Project Fast Facts

Project Completion: September 2009

Primary Materials: Timber, glass, stone

Size of Building: 2,276 square feet

Project Team

Architect: Fentress Architects

General Contractor: Forrester Construction

Electrical Engineer: Hankins & Anderson

Structural Engineer: Ammann + Whitney

Civil Engineer: Patton Harris Rust & Associates

For more information on the 2012 IIDA Rocky Mountain Chapter Awards, please visit http://iidabestawards.com/

IIDA, with respect for past accomplishments of Interior Design leaders, strives to create a strong niche for the most talented and visionary Interior Design professionals, to elevate the profession to the level it warrants, and to lead the way for the next generation of Interior Design innovators. The Association provides a forum to demonstrate design professionals’ impact on the health, safety, well being and virtual soul of the public, balancing passion for good design and strategy for best business practices. IIDA stands at the intersection of passion and strategy where designers create extraordinary interiors and experiences.

Fentress Architects is a global design firm that passionately pursues the creation of sustainable and iconic architecture. Together with their clients, Fentress creates inspired design to improve the human environment. Founded by Curtis Fentress in 1980, the firm has designed US$26 billion of architectural projects worldwide, visited by over 300 million people each year. Fentress is a dynamic learning organization, driven to grow its ability to design, innovate and exceed client expectations. The firm has been honored with more than 385 distinctions for design excellence and innovation, and in 2010, Curtis Fentress was recognized by the American Institute of Architects with the most prestigious award for public architecture, the Thomas Jefferson Award. Fentress has studios in Denver, Colorado; Los Angeles, California; San Jose, California; Washington, D.C.; and London, U.K. www.fentressarchitects.com

Please contact Angela Potrykus at 303.282.6192 or potrykus@fentressarchitects.com for more information or images.