Cass Lake Bena Elementary

Cass Lake-Bena Elementary School is the newest addition to the education-focused campus on the wooded Leech Lake Reservation, joining the middle and high schools as well as athletic facilities. Surrounded by nature, trails, and abundant outdoor learning opportunities, the site offers a rich environment for exploration and growth. The building is thoughtfully organized to prioritize student safety, foster connection to the adjacent school buildings, and support community use.

Designed in close collaboration with school and district leaders, the building reflects cultural significance through material choices that honor the natural landscape and create a nurturing environment for the district’s youngest learners. The structure is divided into two distinct wings—classroom and public—connected by a central spine. Each wing features its own entrance and a two-story common space filled with natural daylight, encouraging orientation and informal interaction.

The classroom wing, located on the north end for convenient access to other campus buildings, includes a secure entrance and dedicated bus corral. Classrooms are grouped into shared “houses” or learning commons to foster collaboration across grade levels and support learning beyond traditional boundaries. The south wing houses administration and large gathering spaces such as the cafeteria, gymnasium, and media center. A central circular gathering space in the cafeteria invites storytelling and community, while corridor flooring patterns inspired by beadwork motifs visually connect different areas of the building. Subtle shifts in flooring textures guide students through the space, and centralized circulation encourages movement and physical activity.

During school hours, the building is secured with all public access routed through administration. After hours, the classroom wing can be locked, allowing the district to share the public spaces with the community. A calming, biophilic-inspired color palette enhances focus and wellbeing, while allowing school colors and student artwork to stand out vibrantly. Nature-based play areas and indoor spaces designed for proprioceptive learning ensure that students remain active and engaged—even during Northern Minnesota’s long winters.