The green roof atop the structure only adds more green space to the 55 acres of woodland surrounding it.

An old, unused volleyball court was the perfect place for a new LEED Platinum building at the University of Minnesota Duluth. Though the Bagley Nature Area, designed by architect David Salmela, offered students and the public 55 acres of forests and ponds for running, hiking, exploring, and research, there never was a building in which people could gather. The Bagley Outdoor Classroom answers that need, offering, among other things, geographical studies, teacher education, and children’s activities. The facility boasts a 100-percent low-VOC indoor environment, composting toilets, and reused, regional, or renewable materials, as well as a green roof. Plus, 90 percent of its energy is generated on-site via solar panels. We can’t imagine the university will miss its old volleyball court anytime soon.

Interior of the Bagley Outdoor Classroom