Walden Pond Visitor Center

Staying true to its purpose, sustainability was the primary design goal for the Walden Pond Visitor Center. More than 500,000 people visit this National Historic Landmark each year, so architects took advantage of this unique opportunity to educate the public on the benefits of wood as a building material. The result is a net-zero energy, LEED Gold-certified, all-wood building. The structural system and finish materials were chosen for many reasons, including renewability, warmth and durability. Public areas feature an exposed heavy timber framing system and structural insulated panels. Staff offices and meeting areas are light wood-frame. Both areas feature light-frame walls, and treated southern yellow pine was used on the exterior for decay resistance. By choosing a hybrid heavy timber/light-frame building system, the team was able to meet budget constraints while keeping the larger-span public areas framed in exposed wood instead of steel. All of the material was either FSC or SFI certified and nearly all finish materials were locally sourced, milled and manufactured. 6,000 sf / Type VB Construction