Bensonwood delivers high-performance education center for Beaver Brook Association

The new facility marks a major milestone for Beaver Brook Association and a strategic investment in its dual mission of conservation and education

Courtesy photo

Bensonwood, a leader in high-performance off-site construction, has completed the design, fabrication and installation of the program building at Beaver Brook Association, a conservation and environmental education center in Hollis, NH.

Bensonwood recently completed the Monadnock Conservancy, raising the full building structure on-site in just three days, as well as the Grey Rocks Conservation Center, home to the Newfound Lake Region Association headquarters in Hebron, NH. In 2011, Bensonwood completed the Bosarge Family Education Center, Coastal Maine Botanical Garden’s first LEED Platinum and Net Zero public building.

Beaver Brook chose Bensonwood for the team’s commitment to sustainability, approach to a tailored design and the limited environmental impact on the physical site. The cost efficiency and speed of construction also supported the project’s campaign goals.

Bensonwood manufactured the highly efficient, wood-framed panels off-site at its Keene facility. The panels arrived fully insulated with dense-pack cellulose and pre-installed windows, reducing material waste, improving quality control, and ensuring precise installation of air and weather barriers.

The new facility marks a major milestone for Beaver Brook Association and a strategic investment in its dual mission of conservation and education. Executive Director Lindsay Jones announced that the organization has raised more than $3.5 million of the $4.1 million goal for Phase I of this project, the largest fundraising effort in its history.

The new building represents the first phase of a larger facilities plan and will provide modern classroom space to support Beaver Brook’s expanding environmental education programs across its 2,200-acre outdoor classroom in Hollis. Leaders emphasized that the sustainable structure will not only house programming but also serve as a living example of the conservation principles the organization has taught for more than 60 years.

“This project ensures that future generations can learn, explore and find inspiration in nature. By creating a space that welcomes people onto the land and supports high-quality environmental education, we’re strengthening Beaver Brook’s ability to serve this community for decades to come,” said Beaver Brook Executive Director Lindsay Jones. “Beaver Brook has been connecting people to the natural world for more than 60 years. This new education center reflects the community’s commitment to that mission and ensures that the next generation will have a place to learn, explore and develop a lifelong relationship with nature.

“Working with Bensonwood has been an incredible partnership. They helped us bring a long-held vision to life while respecting the landscape and the daily rhythm of our programs, all while incorporating forward-thinking sustainable technology that aligns perfectly with Beaver Brook’s values.”