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Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library

Medora, ND, USA
Architect
Snøhetta
Executive Architect
JlG Architects

Designed by Snøhetta and JLG, the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, North Dakota, pays tribute to the 26th President, Theodore Roosevelt, and his dedication to conservation. Seamlessly integrated into the Badlands landscape, the library embodies a sustainable philosophy, aligning with Roosevelt’s environmental values. With a gentle undulating form inspired by the rolling prairie hills, the design minimizes its impact on the land. Envisioned as a cutting-edge facility, the library focuses on public learning, engagement, and scholarship, exploring Roosevelt’s life, presidency, and lasting impact on environmental stewardship, with exhibits, interactive displays, and educational resources.

The building’s envelope features wood cladding, wood wind and solar screens, and locally sourced stone, punctuated by bands of high performance triple glazing. Awning windows, controlled by the Building Management System, allow for optimized natural ventilation. The intensive green roof incorporates custom metal clad skylight enclosure and solar tubes. The project is pursuing Living Building Challenge certification, and as such, all of the envelope materials were extensively vetted for their impact on the project’s sustainability metrics.

Front collaborated with the design team from the project’s schematic design phase through construction administration, contributing to the design of the entire building enclosure.

Courtesy of Snøhetta
Courtesy of Snøhetta
Courtesy of Snøhetta
Courtesy of Snøhetta
Courtesy of Snøhetta
Courtesy of Snøhetta
Courtesy of Snøhetta
Courtesy of Snøhetta
Courtesy of Snøhetta
Jeffrey Kock
Jeffrey Kock

Designed by Snøhetta and JLG, the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, North Dakota, pays tribute to the 26th President, Theodore Roosevelt, and his dedication to conservation. Seamlessly integrated into the Badlands landscape, the library embodies a sustainable philosophy, aligning with Roosevelt’s environmental values. With a gentle undulating form inspired by the rolling prairie hills, the design minimizes its impact on the land. Envisioned as a cutting-edge facility, the library focuses on public learning, engagement, and scholarship, exploring Roosevelt’s life, presidency, and lasting impact on environmental stewardship, with exhibits, interactive displays, and educational resources.

The building’s envelope features wood cladding, wood wind and solar screens, and locally sourced stone, punctuated by bands of high performance triple glazing. Awning windows, controlled by the Building Management System, allow for optimized natural ventilation. The intensive green roof incorporates custom metal clad skylight enclosure and solar tubes. The project is pursuing Living Building Challenge certification, and as such, all of the envelope materials were extensively vetted for their impact on the project’s sustainability metrics.

Front collaborated with the design team from the project’s schematic design phase through construction administration, contributing to the design of the entire building enclosure.

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