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Collection by Diana Budds

SANAA's Design for Grace Farms Blends Architecture with Nature

On Grace Farms's pastoral plot of land in New Canaan, Connecticut, the River by Pritzker Prize–winning architects Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa of SANAA takes shape.

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Grace Farms is located in New Canaan, Connecticut, about 4.5 miles north of the Glass House. The 75-acre site was formerly used for agriculture and now it will function as greenspace that's open to the public. The organization sought to create a structure that would help people "experience nature, foster community, explore faith, and pursue [social] justice." To that end, SANAA devised an elegant glass structure that hugs the site's natural topography and wends its way through the meadows like a natural river. The goal was to make the building become a part of the landscape. "It can be at once majestic with gardens and long views, while at the same time very personal with shelter and places for meditation," SANAA wrote in its statement of intent. Olin Studio and Larry Weaner Landscape Associates are working on a plan to enhance the site's natural characteristics.
Grace Farms is located in New Canaan, Connecticut, about 4.5 miles north of the Glass House. The 75-acre site was formerly used for agriculture and now it will function as greenspace that's open to the public. The organization sought to create a structure that would help people "experience nature, foster community, explore faith, and pursue [social] justice." To that end, SANAA devised an elegant glass structure that hugs the site's natural topography and wends its way through the meadows like a natural river. The goal was to make the building become a part of the landscape. "It can be at once majestic with gardens and long views, while at the same time very personal with shelter and places for meditation," SANAA wrote in its statement of intent. Olin Studio and Larry Weaner Landscape Associates are working on a plan to enhance the site's natural characteristics.
Architects Kazuyo Sejima (left) and Ryue Nishizawa (right) on the Grace Farms site.
Architects Kazuyo Sejima (left) and Ryue Nishizawa (right) on the Grace Farms site.
The 86,000-square-foot structure will hold a 700-person ampitheater, a library, a dining area, communial "living" room, and gym/recreation center. Environmental sensitivity was paramount to Grace Farms and a number of grean features will be incorporated: high-efficiency mechanical, electrical, and lighting systems; energy-efficient glazing; a reflective aluminum roof to reduce heat absorbtion; and water-conservation measures. The building is housed under a continual roof and slopes down a 38-foot grade.
The 86,000-square-foot structure will hold a 700-person ampitheater, a library, a dining area, communial "living" room, and gym/recreation center. Environmental sensitivity was paramount to Grace Farms and a number of grean features will be incorporated: high-efficiency mechanical, electrical, and lighting systems; energy-efficient glazing; a reflective aluminum roof to reduce heat absorbtion; and water-conservation measures. The building is housed under a continual roof and slopes down a 38-foot grade.
An existing barn on the site will be converted into classrooms.
An existing barn on the site will be converted into classrooms.
The restrained material palette is composed of concrete, glass, red oak and maple wood, and brick. The furniture will be made from wood harvested on-site. This is the sanctuary/auditorium, which will be made available for public programs and events.
The restrained material palette is composed of concrete, glass, red oak and maple wood, and brick. The furniture will be made from wood harvested on-site. This is the sanctuary/auditorium, which will be made available for public programs and events.
The "dining and living" room will have a 300-person capacity and features a coffee bar. Views of the surroundings abound through the floor-to-ceiling double-pane glass walls. The panels will be joined by a special spacer that masks the seams.
The "dining and living" room will have a 300-person capacity and features a coffee bar. Views of the surroundings abound through the floor-to-ceiling double-pane glass walls. The panels will be joined by a special spacer that masks the seams.
This is what the site looks like today. We eagerly anticipate the opening.
This is what the site looks like today. We eagerly anticipate the opening.
For more informartion on the project, visit gracefarms.org.
For more informartion on the project, visit gracefarms.org.