Background

• The Grace Farms Foundation envisioned a non-institutional gathering place, embracing collaboration, spirituality, and environmental sustainability.

• Rather than a traditional building complex, SANAA proposed an architectural intervention that blends into the landscape, encouraging serene engagement with nature. Designed The River as a continuous, flowing form, gently following the site's topography.

• A 1,400-foot-long undulating structure that flows organically across 80 acres of meadows, woods, and wetlands.

• The River is divided into five main programmatic spaces, each serving different community functions:

  • Sanctuary: A 700-seat auditorium used for concerts, lectures, worship services, and community gatherings.

  • Library: A space for study, research, and intimate discussions, with panoramic views of the landscape.

  • Commons: A casual dining and gathering space, fostering social interaction.

  • Pavilion: A welcome and information center that also functions as a small café.

  • Court: A multi-purpose gymnasium and event space, adaptable for community sports, performances, and public activities.

• Materiality & Sustainability

  • The structure consists of glass-enclosed volumes connected by a meandering roof, forming open and light-filled spaces that merge interior and exterior experiences.

  • The ultra-thin, curved, anodized aluminum roof reflects the changing light and seasons.

  • Glass walls erase boundaries between inside and outside, emphasizing openness and transparency.

  • The building lightly touches the ground, with minimal site disturbance, reinforcing sustainability and environmental sensitivity.

  • The design encourages natural ventilation, daylighting, and passive energy strategies, minimizing the need for artificial lighting and heating.

• Grace Farms is a model for architecture as a social catalyst, bringing together artists, activists, faith leaders, and the local community.

• A space that dissolves the boundaries between built and natural environments, fostering community, contemplation, and cultural exchange.