How does one address an iconic building’s systemic water infiltration issues while preserving its unique character?
The multi-denominational United States Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel, designed by Walter Netsch of Skidmore Owings and Merrill and completed in 1963, exemplifies modernist architecture with its minimalist style and use of contemporary materials. The Chapel received the AIA’s National Twenty-five Year Award in the 1990s for its architectural significance, is a National Historic Landmark as part of the Academy’s Cadet Area, and holds the distinction of being the most visited man-made structure in Colorado.
The design of the Chapel, both inside and out, draws inspiration from European cathedrals, the surrounding mountainous landscape, and the industrial exterior of modern aircraft used by the Air Force. With its lack of right angles and orthogonal planes, the building enclosure tested the limits of contemporary material understanding during its era. Despite its brilliance, Netsch’s creation has experienced persistent water leakage to the interior since its construction.
The exterior features a patchwork of aluminum extrusions and glass that serves as the single barrier against water intrusion. After decades of leaks, dating to before the Chapel’s official opening, and numerous repair attempts addressing only the symptoms, the Air Force embarked on the monumental task of tackling the root causes of the water leakage and applying our current understanding of building enclosure detailing to the historic building.
Currently under construction, the design process took nearly three years to finalize. The case study presented will explore the design challenges of integrating a modern rainscreen system behind a replication of the existing aluminum cladding. Presenters will discuss the decision-making process leading to unique solutions for this distinctive building, including how these solutions were validated and refined through full-scale mock-ups.

1. Identify the causes of water leakage issues in a significant, historic modernist structure.
2. Analyze the building enclosure design and water management system of the existing building compared to the repair design.
3. Discuss determination and implementation of the design-phase laboratory performance mock-up process for the repair design.
4. Evaluate the results and lessons learned from the mock-up construction and testing to inform the final repair design.