BSA Leadership Center, Minnesota - Cupaclad

The headquarters of the Northern Star Council for the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is located within the historic district of Fort Snelling, Minnesota and our Cupaclad® natural slate rainscreen system was chosen for the project. The natural slate presented itself as an excellent option to answer to the efficiency and endurance requirements of the project, as well as from a historical point of view.

Fort Snelling is a National Historic Landmark and was named a “Nature Treasure” by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Therefore, the materials used in the new building needed to be chosen carefully to be consistent with the surrounding area. Slate has been used during centuries for building homes, castles and cathedrals was a perfectly suitable choice for withstanding the extreme climate of Minnesota. Cupaclad® natural slate service life goes beyond 100 years and requires practically no maintenance.

The slate contributed to the overall aesthetic with its modern metallic luster and yet modest-compliment to the historic 1913 Calvary building that sits adjacent to the BSA Leadership Center. The wall system concept and slate exterior detailing provided the performance that we required.

- Chad J Clow, AIA NCARB | Principal at Cuningham Group Architecture

The longevity, beauty and natural properties of natural slate helped reflect the values of the Boy Scouts of America. The project was undertaken by Cuningham Group Architecture Inc., Mortenson Construction and the Vermont Slate Co.

Compared to other rainscreen systems, all of these features together with its competitive price made the Cupaclad® 101 Logic rainscreen cladding system the most exciting option for this project. There are no chemical products involved in the slate's production process, making it one of the most sustainable building materials.

In conclusion, Cupaclad® was a genuinely suitable solution for the new headquarters of the Northern Star Council for the BSA in Fort Snelling. Since stewards of the Northern Star Council were determined from the beginning in finding a cost-effective product which helped to maintain the design integrity. The Cupaclad® rainscreen cladding concept helps reduce energy losses by creating an air cavity between the load bearing wall and the natural slate rainscreen. All while providing a smart and beautiful design.