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Minnesota Port of EntryOne may not think <a href="http://inhabitat.com/category/sustainable-building" target="_blank">'sustainability'</a> when imagining a <a href="http://inhabitat.com/net-zero-renovation-for-san-ysidro-border-crossing/" target="_blank">border crossing</a>, but as the first point of entry into the US from Canada through Minnesota, we think there's a poetic quality to the notion. The Warroad Land Port of Entry by Minneapolis-based Julie Snow Architects is completely clad in <a href="http://inhabitat.com/expertly-crafted-ipad-cases-made-from-sustainably-harvested-wood/" target="_blank">sustainably harvested wood</a>, features daylighting, geothermal heating and cooling, rainwater collection and more. Currently awaiting LEED Silver certification, the Port of Entry stands as an impressive welcome point from the north into the US.1
Minnesota Port of EntryThe border between Canada and the US in Minnesota is an expansive, open wetland bog and the Port of Entry is conceived as a specific response to all that vastness.2
Minnesota Port of EntryThe long low volume reiterates the dominant horizon of the landscape as well as the east and west border between US and Canada.3
Minnesota Port of EntryVehicular traffic and flow and the building's layout were all carefully designed for intuitive traffic movement as well as safety and security for the border crossing officers.4
Minnesota Port of EntryPermeable pavers help infiltrate storm water in a parking area.5
Minnesota Port of EntrySustainably harvested cedar wood is used to clad the entire building and stained to a warm red-brown or black.6
Minnesota Port of EntryEnergy efficiency was at the heart of the building's design and integrates the latest technologies to achieve a low energy demand while maximizing security.7
Minnesota Port of EntryA geothermal heating and cooling system along with daylighting reduces energy use, while rainwater is collected from the roof for use in the building.8
Minnesota Port of EntryThe interior offices and processing area are bathed in natural daylight.9
Minnesota Port of EntryThe port design manages a complex set of operational issues including site circulation of commercial, POV, and recreational traffic, state of the art vehicle inspection areas, holding areas, and officer training and work areas.10
Minnesota Port of EntryThe site plan.11
Minnesota Port of EntrySite plan in relationship with the international border.12
Minnesota Port of EntryBuilding volumes and vehicular spaces.13
