Situated within a 55-acre nature preserve on the northwestern edge of the University of Minnesota Duluth campus, the Bagley Nature Center serves as a LEED® Platinum Certified, Passivhaus Certified, and net-zero classroom. This structure provides students with a dedicated space for conducting research within the surrounding natural environment.

This energy-efficient building, encompassing 1,500 sq.ft., was constructed with a focus on creating an airtight building envelope optimized for Minnesota's harsh winter climate. The building envelope incorporates a continuous thermal break spanning the entire structure. This includes 12” of insulation, extending beyond 14” Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPS) or Innotech triple glazed windows, and continuing beneath 16” EPS insulation, a robust membrane, and a green roof. A 10 mil vapor barrier, sealed around the windows utilizing liquid-applied waterproofing, and a gasket sealing the joint between the above-grade structure and the foundation further enhance airtightness. This meticulous construction resulted in an air tightness rating of 0.47 ACH, as determined by a Blower Door Test, for the Bagley Nature Center.

In 2012, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and its Committee on the Environment (COTE) recognized the cold-climate classroom as one of the top ten projects, awarding it the Top Ten Green Projects Program.

Media Coverage

Passivehaus-Datendank: Bagley Nature Classroom

Inhabitat: LEED Platinum Bagley Classroom Aims for Passive House and Net Zero Energy

AIA Top Ten 2012 Winner: Bagley Nature Center

Hallberg Engineering: Bagley Nature Center – University of MN – Duluth

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