Vesterheim Commons

The Vesterheim Museum set a carbon neutrality target date of 2030 and Atelier Ten provided a phasing plan for the museum to reach its goal with it’s new high-performance building and the renovation of the existing buildings.

The Vesterheim Commons project creates a new gateway to the Vesterheim campus, thoughtfully connecting historic structures, outdoor learning spaces, and revitalized commercial buildings. Inspired by Norwegian-American heritage, Atelier Ten coordinated with the design team to weave sustainability through thoughtful design, local materials and integrated site strategies. The museum grounds use native and naturalized plants, and incorporates a sophisticated stormwater management system.

The new entrance is warm and welcoming, prioritizing views in and out to draw attention to the exhibits. Atelier Ten studied the daylight to inform the interior layout to protect sensitive exhibits and improve visual and thermal comfort for visitors. The mezzanine level limits daylight so sensitive objects can be displayed anywhere. An oculus connects the mezzanine to the lobby and brings light to the middle of the ground floor, improving the light at the entrance.

Atelier Ten completed a cradle-to-grave, whole building life cycle assessment (WBLCA) to determine the most appropriate embodied carbon reduction strategies. Through the integration of wood mullions instead of an aluminum curtainwall system, and hybrid mass timber structure, the project reduces embodied carbon emissions by 10%.

The museum grounds use native and naturalized plants, and incorporates a sophisticated stormwater management system.