“Alternative Facility Options” Presented by: Varco Pruden Buildings

H E L P I N G L E A D E R S B E C O M E B E T T E R S T E W A R D S .

Presented by: Varco Pruden Buildings

Alternative Facility Options

CHURCH EXECUTIVE • A LT E R N AT I V E FA C I L I T Y O P T I O N S2 churchexecutive.com

A LT E R N AT I V E FA C I L I T Y O P T I O N S • CHURCH EXECUTIVE 3churchexecutive.com

Table of ContentsHAPPY CAMPERS 4For an 18,000-square-foot worship center for the new Oklahoma Assembly of God State Youth Camp in Sparks, OK, a metal building system made the most sense. Here’s why.

By Eric C. Townsend

BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE 5“More space, cost-effectively.” It’s by far the most common request of growing churches.

Alice Bell Baptist Church in Knoxville, TN, is no exception. What is different is their unconventional choice of a metal building system for their 11,000-square-foot Family Life Center.

By Jim Peckham

HOW A NON-TRADITIONAL BUILDING APPROACH CAN AVOID TRADITIONAL CONSTRUCTION CHALLENGES 6Here are a few suggestions that can help guide the decision process, from the traditional approach to a “non-traditional” approach for your church building — and along the way, create a more efficient process and deliver better results.

By Jim Peckham

STEWARDSHIP INCLUDES PLANNING AND BUILDING FOR THE LONG-TERM 7Whenever building a new facility, church leaders and church building committee members share a common concern regarding stewardship: balancing building needs with adequate funding.

The solution to this dilemma usually comes down to a short-term decision based on the “lowest bid.” This option offers a strong argument when justifying most building decisions — but, as many worship facilities have found out, it might not be the smartest long-term answer.

By Jim Peckham

OPTIONS ARE KEY TO MAKING BUILDING DECISIONS 8Decisions concerning building new facilities — or expanding existing ones — are among the most important issue any church leader will have to consider. As experienced decision-makers at any church have learned, it is concern beyond funding.

Weighing the options and making informed choices is the key to building a facility that meets the needs of the church, both initially and for years to come.

By Jim Peckham

PLANNING IS KEY TO BUILDING SUCCESS 9Building committee members and church leaders often face a dilemma when developing building plans for church facilities.

Planning should begin by addressing two fundamental questions: What’s the mission for the church? And What type of facility is needed to support the mission?

However, the answers to these two questions often lead to several practical concerns — funding, priorities, and how plans will accommodate future growth and expansion.

By Jim Peckham


By Erin C. Townsend

For an 18,000-square-foot worship center for the new Oklahoma Assembly of God State Youth Camp in Sparks, OK, a metal building system made the most sense. HERE’S WHY.

Located in the heart of Oklahoma — halfway between Tulsa and Oklahoma City, where many of the state’s Assembly of God churches are situated — this new camp replaced the denomination’s popular Turner Falls camp, which hosted thousands of young people more than 50 years.

At the center of the new camp was a brand-new worship center for more than 1,000 people.

A facility this large — which, given its unique environmental and site challenges, didn’t lend itself to traditional construction — was no easy feat. After all factors were accounted for, a pre-engineered metal building from Memphis-based Varco Pruden fit the bill.

For one thing, the new worship center needed to be a free-span structure — an open space with no columns. This was possible with a metal building because of the engineering and strength of the steel framing. Better yet, the space could be free-spanned without incurring the cost of conventional structural steel construction (namely, extensive drawing and engineering). Instead, metal building systems consist of framing, roof and wall systems as part of an integrated package — a single-source solution.

Second, the weather and site itself were forces to be reckoned with. The wetness of the winter and spring months, combined with the soft Oklahoma clay, proved challenging.

All things considered, a metal building made the most sense in the end. It features a rigid framing system, as well as an architectural roof system — for aesthetic appeal — and metal exterior wall system.

RPR™ Panel, Varco Pruden’s reverse-rolled, Galvalume® wall panel system, was also employed; so was the Cool Leaf Green SLR II™ roofing with KXL™ finish and Classic Beige Panel Rib™ walls. Earth tones were selected to complement the surrounding landscape.

MUCH MORE THAN “A BIG BOX”

Lest you think a metal building automatically means a “warehouse look” — with little opportunity for customization —

take a look at the finished worship center project at the camp. It features an inviting wrap-around porch with rough-sawn cedar

veneers and stone arch entries to match the dining hall. A three-tiered gable entry roof and a 30-foot cross tower welcome worshippers. The “country-style church” fits in well with the scenery, thanks to its green metal roof and beige metal wall panels.

It looks good. But more important, the worship center does what it was intended to do: comfortably accommodate 1,000 campers, staff and adult volunteers.

This level of customization continues throughout the site. Built on a 410-acre parcel of land a few miles south of Chandler, OK, the camp’s rolling acreage has woods, meadows and several ponds — including manmade 5- and 20-acre lakes. Campers and guests enjoy fishing, swimming, paddle boats and a “blob” water feature — a large, air-filled inflatable rubber tube floating on the water. Campers can jump on to the attraction from a 20-foot tower.

To “feed” these amenities, water was brought to the site from Chandler, channeled with a huge underground concrete water reservoir. A water treatment facility was constructed and installed, as were large septic ponds to treat waste water.

Campers enjoy six RV camp sites and primitive camping; five outdoor basketball courts; five sand volleyball courts; five “high-five football” courts; a 5,000-square-foot log cabin for executive sleepovers; and 16 modern cabins. Each cabin spans 6,000 square feet and features four large bunk rooms to accommodate 64 campers and staff — including private restrooms / showers — surrounding a central commons area.

To feed up to 1,000 campers, a 23,000-square-foot dining hall was built, complete with four commercial buffet-style serving lines and a full commercial kitchen, including 600-square-foot walk-in coolers and freezers.

And that’s not all on the food front: The camp also boasts a 5,000-square-foot concession stand with an octagonal design. This eight-sided footprint allows for serving counters to be positioned around the core and for open seating to be situated around the perimeter.

It’s worth noting that the concession stand wasn’t originally intended to be a metal building. However, Oklahoma is prone to tornadoes, and the structure’s original plan, which called for a wood, octagon-shaped roof — supported by wood columns and beams — would be prone to damage in inclement weather. To ensure safety and stability, contractors changed the structure to a steel building during the construction process.

For continuity and safety, the roof contours and elevations were carried through the other buildings on the site.

For ultimate comfort, all the new buildings on the camp site are air-conditioned. This is an especially welcome upgrade in the summer, when temperatures regularly exceed 100 degrees.

THE HEART OF THE MATTERThe Oklahoma Assembly of God State Youth Camp is a sprawling,

impressive setup. By any camp’s standards, it’s top-of-the-line.What makes it a destination for the denomination, however, is the

worship center. It’s the heart of the project. By thinking outside the box — and considering a non-traditional building option — this critical space is everything the owners wanted, and more.

Erin C. Townsend is public relations coordinator for Memphis-based Varco Pruden Buildings [ www.vp.com ], a division of BlueScope Buildings North America, Inc. Varco Pruden markets its products through a network of more than 1,000 authorized builders within the United States and Canada.

ABOUT THE PROJECTOwner: Oklahoma District Council of the Assemblies of God (Oklahoma City, OK)Builder: Daniels and Daniels Construction Inc. (Broken Arrow, OK)Architect: Crafton, Tull and Associates Inc. (Tulsa, OK)Pre-engineered metal building: Varco Pruden Buildings (Memphis, TN)

www.vp.com


By Jim Peckham

Knoxville-based Falconnier Design Company and George W. Reagan made up Alice Bell’s design-build team. George W. Reagan needed to build the Family Life Center without incurring the cost of traditional construction. A metal building system emerged as an excellent alternative.

George W. Reagan is an authorized Varco Pruden builder and chose to construct the new structure with various Varco Pruden systems. This included Rigid Frame and SSR™ standing seam roof systems, which were able to be adapted and blended, aesthetically, with the existing structures on the church campus.

At-a-glance: the cost savings achieved The use of this steel building system drove several cost savings:

The building was erected quicker, allowing for quicker occupancy. With the architect and contractor working as a design / build team, overall construction schedules were reduced by about 20 percent. Time savings included a shorter pre-construction schedule and fewer change orders during construction.

The cost of drawings and engineering was significantly less than is typical for traditional construction. With the systems approach, the costs for drawings can be reduced by half when compared to a conventional steel design and detailing drawings.

Construction was completed quicker, because the building system is engineered for fast, onsite assembly. Estimates show the building can be constructed 25 percent faster.

The VP SSR roof — backed by an industry-leading warranty to ensure weather tightness and finish, as well as low maintenance during the life of the building — translates to long-term cost savings. These savings are achievable thanks to reduced maintenance needs during the life of building.

Compared with traditional construction, the framing on this structure was less expensive. A typical comparison shows about a 20-percent savings compared with a conventional project.

Steel construction makes future facility expansion simple. Cost savings include lower cost for design and detailing, and reduced cost for field cutting and welding. With a building system, there is optimal use of steel and less waste of material.

Even with all these cost savings, the Alice Bell Family Life Center beautifully accommodates the church’s main objectives: • A larger meeting space• Additional educational space• A fellowship hall• Rough-in accommodations

for a kitchen in the future • A basketball / sport court.

Indoor / outdoor appealBy using brick and painted split-faced concrete masonry units, the exterior

of the Family Life Center blends with the existing campus buildings. Inside, the chosen finishes are functional and attractive, yet cost-

efficient and durable. They include a wood-look vinyl plank, vinyl tile, carpet, and painted gypsum board.

Altogether, The Alice Bell Family Life Center project is award-worthy — literally. Last year, it was a winner in Varco Pruden’s Hall of Fame contest in the Church category. Buildings selected for this distinction represent the best projects among all of VP Buildings’ endeavors — true examples of the best in design and construction within the building systems industry.

Jim Peckham is Manager of Marketing for Memphis-based Varco Pruden Buildings www.vp.com, a division of BlueScope Buildings North America, Inc. Varco Pruden markets its products through a network of more than 1,000 authorized builders within the United States and Canada.

ABOUT THE PROJECTOwner: Alice Bell Baptist Church (Knoxville, TN)Builder: George W. Reagan (Knoxville, TN)Architect: Falconnier Design Company (Knoxville, TN)Pre-engineered metal building: Varco Pruden Buildings (Memphis, TN)

Building for the futureHow the construction of a Family Life Center drove cost savings — without sacrificing aesthetics

“More space, cost-effectively.” It’s by far the most common request of growing churches.

Alice Bell Baptist Church in Knoxville, TN, is no exception. What is different is their unconventional choice of a metal building system for their 11,000-square-foot Family Life Center.

http://www.vp.com


Decisions about immediate & future needsOften, when a church plans a new structure, there is a challenge of

balancing current needs versus future needs. Budgets usually control how the building will be designed and the amount of space that can be built.

Traditionally, the approach was to build “all the building that the church can afford.” Hopefully, as the congregation grew, the facility could be adapted. This approach has drawbacks, both on the front end in obtaining financing and, as the church evolves, having appropriate space available for the various needs of the congregation.

Taking a non-traditional approach can give building planners some flexibility with both the initial building planning and implementing a phased growth strategy as the need evolves. Combining a design-build approach with the use of building systems provides options to plan for the long-term needs while building only the space that is currently required. This approach helps stewardship of funding and allows expansion to be planned to occur when the space is needed.

Jim Peckham is Manager of Marketing for Memphis-based Varco Pruden Buildings [ www.vp.com ], a division of BlueScope Buildings North America, Inc. Varco Pruden markets its products through a network of more than 1,000 authorized builders within the United States and Canada.

By Jim Peckham

Historically, church building decisions have followed a traditional process when developing building plans and selecting materials. The sense that it’s safer to choose a traditional process has often controlled the thinking of the decision-makers.

While often achieving successful results through the traditional approach, today’s technology, material choices and contractor capabilities give options that might reduce building cost and construction time, and provide a more efficient structure for the life of the building.

Here are a few suggestions that can help guide the decision process, from the traditional approach to a “non-traditional” approach for your church building — and along the way, create a more efficient process and deliver better results.

Consider the design-build approachTraditionally, church facilities have been built with a design-bid-

build approach. This method starts with the selection of an architect who develops plans that are put out for bids. General contractors submit estimated bids, and the job is awarded to the best-qualified bidder.

Unfortunately, the qualification process begins and ends with whoever has the lowest price. Too often, the lowest cost has risk because, to provide the low bid, compromises are made on material and labor. To avoid problems, the architect and the building committee must monitor the construction process.

Today, many churches are opting to use a design-build approach wherein a building committee interviews viable contractors to identify contractors who best fit their building project. Evaluation criteria include experience on similar jobs, proposed budget, and reputation with past customers. While lowest cost is still important to the selection, the design-build process includes more criteria and allows the church to select the contractor which best fits the church’s building plans. Other advantages of the design-build approach include the connection between all members of the building team, including building committee members, the architect, subcontractor and the general contractor.

Decisions about materials & designTraditionally, churches have been built on long-term material, typically

brick or stone. While these durable building materials have advantages, there are also some drawbacks. Beginning with material cost and building cost, these traditional materials can cause costs to exceed budget. Further, if building requirements change in the future, these materials can be difficult to modify or replace.

Today, there are some non-traditional options that give the attractive architectural appearance that most congregations expect, but without the cost and limitations of traditional materials. Some of these non-traditional options include metal wall systems, insulated “sandwich” panels and exterior insulation and finishing systems (EIFS). Advantages of these alternative materials include lower material cost and installation cost. Further, as buildings are expanded or repurposed, the non-traditional materials can be matched or replaced for less cost.

How a non-traditional building approach can avoid traditional construction challenges

Most church leaders will tell you that making a decision to build a new facility — or to expand their current campus — is among the most difficult challenges they face. Concerns about managing the process, stewardship of funding, and keeping church members happy with the results all contribute to the worry.

Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church (Wichita Falls, TX)

Completed last April, Our Lady Queen of Peace added a 20,000-square-foot parish hall using a non-traditional building approach from Varco Pruden. Leaders prioritized aesthetic consistency with the existing facility.

http://www.vp.com


The overall building. When considering the best approach for the new building, one of the first decisions should be what material will be used for the main structure. Typically, the choice will be either wood, masonry or steel. Each material has advantages and drawbacks. While wood and masonry have been traditional choices, steel has become a preferred option because it offers a combination of advantages, including adaptability, durability and economy. Given the fact that steel structures can include virtually any exterior treatment — including block, brick, stucco, wood, glass or metal — architectural appearance is not an issue.

Further, steel roofing with today’s “cool coatings” can reduce energy use and (with the long-term finish warranties) also reduce maintenance. Studies have shown that steel roofing will last two to four times longer than alternatives such as built-up roof or asphalt shingles.

Steel structures can reduce heating and cooling costs when high-performing insulation is included on the project. Most communities have adopted more stringent building codes that require high “R factor” performance. Products such as our company’s proprietary ThermaLift Insulation System can deliver thermal performance up to R 34, which meets or exceeds energy codes for the United States and Canada.

Internal systems. Once plans are made for the overall structure, focus can be directed on interior systems, including electrical, mechanical and plumbing.

Structural choices can affect the long-term performance and life-cycle cost of the building. For example, daylighting with products such as our high-performance PrisMAX skylights in the roof design might cost a little more initially; however, the energy and cost savings delivered by reduced lighting demand over the life of the building are significant. Couple the daylighting with control monitors to minimize electric demand — and using high-efficiency lighting, such as LED fixtures — increased life-cycle savings are generated.

Choosing to use higher levels of insulation will pay bigger dividends if high-efficiency units are chosen for furnaces and air-conditioning. Include monitors and programmable thermostats, and the payback will be even greater.

Indeed, stewardship goes beyond finding the lowest cost: it begins with getting the commitment to thinking long-term. With careful planning, the approach will benefit the church family — and the overall environment — for years to come.


By Jim Peckham

With a growing emphasis on creating energy-efficient structures, stewardship has expanded to include more than initial building cost. Today, a new facility’s long-term cost of operation and environmental impact should be considered as part of the overall building plan.

While adding this level of planning might create concerns surrounding initial building costs, the ultimate result is a facility that costs less to operate — and maintain — while using less energy and creating a cleaner environmental footprint.

What makes a building “green”?Experts refer to energy-efficient structures as “green” or “sustainable”

buildings. Organizations such the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) have set up programs, such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), which provide benchmarks and certifications for energy-efficient structures. While earning LEED certification might be of value in specific situations, what might be of more value to a new church facility it to use LEED requirements as a planning tool.

To reach this end goal, it is critical to start with the commitment to make a project energy-efficient. Building committees should discuss sustainable objectives with the design / build team even before project design begins. Key decisions — architectural design, material choices and mechanical systems, such as plumbing and heating — will have an impact on the sustainable results.

Some recommendations for building efficiencyTo better plan for sustainability, it is helpful to break the project into two

main elements: (1) the overall building, which impacts structural design, floor plan, roof and wall material; and (2) internal systems, including HVAC, lighting and plumbing.

Stewardship includes planning and building for the long-term

Whenever building a new facility, church leaders and church building committee members share a common concern regarding stewardship: balancing building needs with adequate funding.

The solution to this dilemma usually comes down to a short-term decision based on the “lowest bid.” This option offers a strong argument when justifying most building decisions — but, as many worship facilities have found out, it might not be the smartest long-term answer.

Steel framing, combined with block walls, create this multi-functional family living center for First Baptist Church in Powell, TN.

Life Church in Laurel, MS, used clear-span frames without interior columns to open views and seating in this sanctuary.

http://www.vp.com


As a starting point, this is one of the key decisions to be made. Generally speaking, traditional structures will typically include brick and stone wail facades, high roof slopes, and elements such as bell towers and steeples. Contemporary churches might use some traditional elements, but more frequently include wall options with glass and metal. Roof slopes are usually lower, but with more elevations.

Traditional interior design will include more columns with more formal space layout, while contemporary churches will have more open floor plans, movable walls and auditorium-style seating. These differences can have a major impact on structural cost as well as heating and air-conditioning design.

Looking long-termAlong with the important decisions about size, shape and appearance

for a new building, decision-makers must consider long-term issues of ownership. These long-term issues include maintenance, cost of repair and remodel, and the ongoing cost for utilities.

In today’s construction market, there are several approaches to addressing the long-term issues. Starting at “the top,” roofing is historically the most expensive maintenance feature on any building. Today, steel roof panels offer a combination of benefits, including excellent weather protection, long-term finish, low maintenance and a wide selection of architectural colors and shapes. Further, these roofs can be insulated to provide excellent thermal performance.

Building solutions from a single sourceWhen sizing up the project to making decisions about the look,

churches throughout the United States and Canada are finding many of the answers for their building concerns with providers that specialize in providing building solutions using optimized engineering and custom-manufactured steel framing. This enables that provider to meet the design requirements for any church building, whether traditional or contemporary. To that end, our company has vast experience in constructing energy-efficient worship facilities, family life centers or schools of varying sizes and scopes.


By Jim Peckham

Sizing up the decisionMany factors can influence what size building will be needed. The

usual starting points are proposed use of the new space, number of active members, and outlook for growth. Also, keep in mind that building codes can impact the amount of space needed to handle occupancy.

Along with the space requirements, building codes will identify other essential issues that must be considered as building plans are being developed. Issues including lavatories required, emergency exits, or fire suppression systems needed are all important elements to include in the early stages of building planning and budgeting. Architects, interior designers and contractors can be helpful in making an analysis to determine needs more accurately.

Choosing the right lookChurches are considered to be important assets in any community.

Often, churches serve as landmarks for cities and neighborhoods. To church members, it’s even more personal. Churches are places

where lifetime events take place — from baptisms, to weddings, to final memorials. Important holidays, such as Easter and Christmas, are celebrated and shared with family and friends, often for generations. The importance cannot be overlooked.

When planning the look of a new facility, several aspects must be considered. For example: Is the look of the new facility going to be traditional or contemporary?

Options are key to making building decisions

Decisions concerning building new facilities — or expanding existing ones — are among the most important issue any church leader will have to consider. As experienced decision-makers at any church have learned, it is concern beyond funding; building decisions must consider questions such as: • Is the space large enough to handle some reasonable growth?• Is the long-term cost of ownership manageable? • Does the appearance of the building fit with the image that the

church wants to project?

Weighing the options and making informed choices is the key to building a facility that meets the needs of the church, both initially and for years to come.

http://www.vp.com


Planning is key to building successBy Jim Peckham

Building committee members and church leaders often face a dilemma when developing building plans for church facilities.

Planning should begin by addressing two fundamental questions: What’s the mission for the church? And What type of facility is needed to support the mission?

However, the answers to these two questions often lead to several practical concerns — funding, priorities, and how plans will accommodate future growth and expansion.

Often, the long-range vision must be put into phases based on budget and priorities. Ultimately, these decisions will have an impact on the long-term success of the church. With that in mind, church leaders must use judgement and planning in developing the best direction for their membership.

If you are involved in the building decisions for your church, here are some recommendations to include in your facility planning.

LocationFinding the right place to build is critical. Often, the options might

be limited because the congregation cannot afford property, or the ideal location is not currently available. If this is the case, a congregation might choose to lease space.

While considered a temporary solution, leasing allows time to raise funds and to find the right property. Keep in mind, leasing might have risks. Issues including cost of rent, renewal options and maintenance are important to understand prior to signing any lease. To ensure that the terms of the lease are acceptable, the church should have its own attorney review the lease before signing.

Once property has been acquired by the church, serious planning can begin. Issues about drainage, access to utility services, and traffic flow need to be considered before any final decisions regarding building can be

made. Landscape architects should be included on the planning team to provide insight to options.

Before starting any building plans, planners must address issues for easements and boundary requirements. Failure to understand these issues from the beginning could complicate building options in the future.

Building for current and future needsRarely does a church have all the resources to build a facility that will

meet the long-term needs of the congregation. Plans — based on priorities and realistic budgets — are required for most successful building projects. A good way to begin is to start “with the end in mind.”

Planning needs to be based on the long-range vision, starting with the current space needed for church services and church activities, but then asking, What’s next? Will there be a school? Community outreach resources? Can the sanctuary be expanded? What about playgrounds and parking?

Each of these questions (and dozens of others) will need to be asked and answered as completely as possible early in the process. Once the answers are available, priorities can set the course for building.

Fortunately, there are options to consider for managing growth:

Multi-purpose space. This approach has become quite popular, especially for new congregations. It includes open floor plans with temporary seating. These multi-purpose facilities can use moveable “air walls” to reconfigure interior space.

When this approach is chosen, thought must be given to what building material makes sense when future additions are made. Also, locating the building to minimize the impact on parking areas, playgrounds and mechanical systems is a good way to reduce costs when future construction occurs.

Building with a planned expansion. In many cases, the architectural plans can be created to include future phases. While this might increase initial costs, it’s the best way to keep a consistent vision for the long-term concept.

Further, with future phases planned at the outset, decisions about materials, plumbing service, and other building issues can be made to reduce both initial and future construction cost.

One final tip when planning any construction project is to have a qualified building team. Today, more churches are using a design / build agreement for their project. This approach minimizes confusion, reduces cost, and speeds up the process by working with a general contractor as a single point of contact. The contractor assembles the team members, including architects, suppliers and subcontractors. The GC is responsible to meet the contract terms, including price, schedule and craftsmanship.


Blessed John XXIII Catholic Church (Miramar, Fla.) Photo courtesy of Lemartec Engineering & Construction Corporation

Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church Worship Center (Wichita Falls, Texas) Photo courtesy of M&F Litteken Company

http://www.vp.com

“Alternative Facility Options” Presented by: Varco Pruden Buildings

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Transcript of “Alternative Facility Options” Presented by: Varco Pruden Buildings