Tashjian Bee Discovery Center

THE PROJECT

Project Highlights

7,500 SF wood-framed structure
80% daylight and highly energy efficient
Multi-functional classrooms, learning lab, apiary, and honey house

Tashjian Bee and Pollinator Discovery Center, located on the 1,100-acre grounds of the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, is an award-winning wood-framed structure that highlights both the functional and cosmetic beauty of wood as a building material. An extension of the University of Minnesota’s Bee and Pollinator Research Lab, the multi-use public education facility is a 7,500-square-foot structure that includes exhibit space, a learning laboratory, an apiary, classrooms, and a honey house. The new center invites the community to learn about the importance of bees in agriculture, health, and food security and engages the exploration into the world of pollinators.

OUR IMPACT

GLULAM TRUSS

exposed framing

80% DAYLIT

and highly energy efficient

COMMUNITY

outreach and education hub

Service Provided

Structural engineering

OUR SOLUTIONS

The long, narrow, and south-facing building is 80% daylit making it a highly energy efficient. Exposed glulam wood trusses with steel tension rods support the exhibit space roof and structural insulated panels (SIPs) increase the building’s thermal rating. The primary challenge of the project was melding the SIP panels with conventional framing together with glulam framing while maintaining the architectural intent of the structure. MBJ performed geometric studies and provided framing to ensure that the architectural vision was achieved and that the product limitations were met. Our team detailed the structure to accommodate the full height exterior windows and open ceilings. With the addition of solar panels, the building would achieve a net-zero energy rating.