Guided by Simplicity and nature, the Semper Fidelis Memorial Chapel’s design forms a blend of the external and internal elements of the site. The chapel measures 2276 square feet in area and is a place of ceremony, contemplation and reflection. The hilltop site at Quantico in Virginia elevates the scenic beauty, surrounded by mountainous terrain. Serenity and minimalism are the determiners that went into the design. The chapel sits amid dense trees wherein the trails of the Semper Fidelis Park on the grounds of the National Museum of the Marine Corps meet.
The Semper Fidelis Memorial Chapel has been honoured with a BESTaward by the International Interior Design Association(IIDA), Rocky Mountain Chapter for Masterful Execution and Near Perfect Detailing.
The chapel is non-denominational for honouring the sacrifices of the martyrs and celebrating the joyful moments amongst loved ones. The chapel’s secular character is evident in how nature is brought into the design to pay reverence to the natural light and materials while offering an uninterrupted view of the sky from the earth. Thus, the style adopted has cautiously kept the religious beliefs distinct from the atmosphere specifically meant to pay homage to and acknowledge the cause of the fallen soldiers. The steeply pitched slate roof and its deep overhang are the focal elements of the exterior chapel. The interiors with floor-to-ceiling glass windows provide continuity to the outside.
The direct client, Heritage Foundation, endorsed the chapel to personify the metaphor of a field combat zone chapel as an 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. The Timothy Day Foundation, founded by Tim Day, a former Marine Captain and successful businessman, was also a donor and heavily involved in reviews of the final development of the design. These two Foundations allowed for a seamless design process to unfold and contributed to achieving the design team’s goal of capturing the essence of the Marines.
(Text Description provided by the Architects)
For inspiration, we looked to the field chapels that serve soldiers across the globe. This research helped define the structure’s steeply pitched slate roof. The roof’s deep overhang mediates the light brought in by the floor-to-ceiling windows and serves as the altar’s backdrop. The glass curtain wall affords congregants an unbroken view from the earth to the sky. The materials- heavy timber, natural fieldstone and glass further erode the boundary between the building’s interior and the Sylvan surroundings.
Planning, Design and Philosophy
The hilltop location of the chapel offers a commanding position and view of the National Museum of the Marine Corps. A network of intricately landscaped trails through Semper Fidelis Memorial Park links the chapel and the museum. The connection alludes to the Corps’ motto of Semper Fi, or “Always Faithful.”
The landscape forms an inclusive part of the chapel as it creates a sense of accessing the chapel amid the dense trees. Artificially, a small water body at the rear end of the chapel has been included as an element of interest that further elevates the connection with nature.
The floor plan is simple, comprising a sanctuary where ceremonies happen and the soldiers gather to pay tribute to the veterans. There is a mechanical control room and an accessible restroom within the chapel, on either end abutting the entry.
Materials Used and Construction Techniques Involved
The chapel features wood, stone and glass as the primary building materials. The natural fieldstone and timber framework intend to establish a relationship with the surrounding hilltop. The etched glass makes the chapel’s walls on four sides with texts which describe the Marine Corps ideals like faith, integrity, vigilance, courage and compassion. In-built seating have been provided with a raised stone blocks and wooden slabs. There is a conscious use of natural finishes and textures inside the chapel.
The rectangular rigid timber, sharply defined slate roof and the stone pews denote the soldier’s language, refer to the ammunition boxes they use and subtly evoke their humility, respectively. The open truss made of timber is decked up diagonally on the ceiling to create an illuminated interior by letting in the soft indirect light. The interior lighting along the wooden truss is supplemented with barn lights, despite being well lit naturally through the glass walls. The flooring tiles’ pattern are laid to complement the rugged stone-clad interior walls.
Addressing the Sustainability Factors
The Chapel’s design meets the LEED Silver certification standards. It has employed a geothermal HVAC system and a mechanical system. Hence, the air delivery system is hidden under the floor to distribute air efficiently for comfort. The natural materials also contribute to a lesser carbon footprint.
Thus, the overall chapel is a masterpiece for its design and approach to accommodate the Marine Corps within the field. Simple materials and design principles stand true to the essence of the chapel’s philosophy.
Citations
Ross, K. (2012) Semper Fidelis Memorial Chapel / Fentress architects, ArchDaily. Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/242174/semper-fidelis-memorial-chapel-fentress-architects (Accessed: 01 October 2023).
Semper Fidelis memorial park chapel (2023) Fentress Architects. Available at: https://fentressarchitects.com/project/semper-fidelis-memorial-park-chapel/#:~:text=Simplicity%20and%20natural%20beauty%20guided,Museum%20of%20the%20Marine%20Corps. (Accessed: 01 October 2023).
