Daylighting, Durability & Performance: Why the Thief River Falls Regional Airport Chose Kalwall
Northwest Minnesota is experiencing major air-cargo growth — and the new Thief River Falls Regional Airport cargo/maintenance facility was designed to keep pace.
Working with Miller Dunwiddie (Minneapolis), SEH Architects (St. Paul), and H+U Construction (Minneapolis), we installed high-performance translucent Kalwall panels as part of the building envelope, helping bring their design vision to life with long-term reliability in one of the state's toughest climates.
The project includes a 27,000 sq ft, two-bay hangar, ~2,000 sq ft of office/locker areas, and infrastructure for future expansion. With large aircraft traffic, high cargo volume, and harsh winter conditions, the airport needed solutions that improved visibility, reduced heating loads, and supported consistent year-round operations.
That’s where Kalwall delivered significant advantages.
Kalwall at Thief River Falls Regional Airport — Key Advantages & Problems Solved
The Challenges
Extreme cold, heavy snow loads, and long winter nights
Inconsistent lighting affects maintenance and cargo work
High heating costs in large-volume hangar spaces
Minnesota B3 performance requirements
Need for durable, low-maintenance materials in demanding aviation environments
Why Kalwall Was the Right Solution
Bright, glare-free daylighting - Kalwall’s evenly diffused museum-quality daylighting™ improved visibility for aircraft inspections and cargo operations — reducing dependence on artificial lighting during long winter months.
Kalwall's outstanding thermal performance (up to ~R-20) - A more stable indoor environment meant lower heating loads, better comfort, and improved energy efficiency even with frequent hangar-door cycles.
Built for harsh northern climates - Kalwall outperforms polycarbonate by resisting yellowing, brittleness, UV degradation, and impact — delivering long-term reliability in cold, high-wind, and snow-load conditions.
Durable, low-maintenance, long-lasting - Kalwall panels resist corrosion, weathering, exhaust, and operational wear. A “self-cleaning" surface helps maintain clarity and performance.
Kalwall provides more efficient, reliable operations—better light quality and temperature stability support safer, more productive maintenance and cargo workflows, reducing downtime caused by poor lighting or weather.
Supports Minnesota B3 sustainability goals - Exceptional daylighting + strong thermal performance help lower energy use and overall environmental impact.
We were also involved with the structural sheet-metal separator between the Kalwall panels at the hangar end. This clean, functional, and visually striking architectural element separates the two hangar doors and elevates the façade.
Reach out to us anytime—we’re here to help. Whether you’re early in design or evaluating options for a specific daylighting challenge, our team will work with you on your project.
No-Cost Consultations
W. L. Hall Company
The Premier Exterior and Interior Building Systems Provider in the Upper Midwest
75 Years' Experience | 15,000+ Projects
(952) 937-8400
wlhall.com
sales@wlhall.com
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