For decades, the central Kenai Peninsula community has worked toward building a year-round indoor recreation facility to serve residents of all ages. With extreme weather conditions and limited winter recreation options, the need for a flexible, indoor sports and event venue was clear. The result is the Soldotna Field House, a 54,000 square foot athletic and community event facility featuring a multi-purpose sport court, removable turf field, and an ADA-accessible elevated walking and jogging track. Designed through input from numerous community stakeholders, the facility was built to support everything from local youth programs to statewide tournaments. The project team needed an envelope solution that could not only perform in Alaska’s harsh climate but also help streamline construction within the region’s short building season. To address the demands of both climate and function, the project team selected insulated metal panels (IMPs) from All Weather Insulated Panels. The facility was outfitted with DM40 and SR2 panels, two high-performance solutions known for their thermal efficiency, weather resistance, and clean modern look.
• DM40, with its deep planked profile, offered a sleek architectural finish while delivering the high R-values necessary for Alaska’s cold temperatures.
• SR2, an insulated standing seam panel, complemented the design with added visual texture and enhanced structural performance.
AWIP’s IMPs provided a continuous insulation barrier that minimized thermal bridging critical for maintaining interior comfort and reducing energy costs in frigid conditions. The Soldotna Field House officially opened as a transformative space for the community. The facility now hosts indoor soccer, basketball, track, and more offering a much-needed recreational outlet for residents of all ages, regardless of the season. The use of AWIP’s DM40 and SR2 panels helped expedite installation, reduce long-term maintenance costs, and enhance the building’s energy efficiency. The city now boasts a facility that not only performs in Alaska’s challenging environment but also serves as a model for future community-centered, sustainable construction projects in northern climates.
Why AWIP? AWIP’s insulated metal panels provided:
• Fast and simple installation during a short Alaskan construction window
•Thermal insulation and energy efficiency
• Long-term durability and weather-tight protection
• Modern, clean aesthetics that elevate public facility design
