River Volumes

SANAA’s goal was to make the architecture of the River become part of the landscape without drawing attention to itself, or even feeling like a building, with the hope that those who are on the property will have a greater enjoyment of the beautiful environment and changing seasons through the spaces and experience created by the River. Under the continuous roof are five transparent glass-enclosed volumes that can host a variety of activities and events, while maintaining a constant sense of the surrounding natural environment. In sequence, they are:

Sanctuary: a 700-person sanctuary/indoor amphitheater (20,900 sf)

Library: a staffed library with resources to research nature, the arts, justice, and faith. It includes a glass-enclosed conference room and fireplace for discussion and hospitality, as well as Grace Farms Foundation offices. (4,550 sf)

Commons: a community space, with capacity for 300, with communal tables built from trees harvested on-site, sofas, a fireplace, and expansive views. Snacks, beverages, and light fare are available for purchase, and a lower level accommodates a lecture hall and ancillary spaces. (14,400 sf)

Pavilion: a staffed welcome reception where visitors can be oriented to Grace Farms, enjoy a cup of tea or listen to intimate musical performances (950 sf)

Court: a partially below-grade gymnasium/multi-purpose space with adjoining media lab and game room, for recreation, youth activities, receptions, and arts performances (16,900 sf)

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Barn: The original barn was renovated to serve as a welcome center with a greeting space in each of its two wings. The barn will also house many of the day-to-day programs, with classrooms, an art studio, a rehearsal space with sprung floor, offices, a lounge, a nursery, and a drop-off food pantry to support the justice program.

Structure

Nestled into the rolling landscape of Grace Farms, the River begins on a knoll and then flows down the long, gentle slope (a change in grade of 43 ft) in a series of bends, forming pondlike spaces on its journey. Structurally, the building of glass, concrete, steel, and wood is in essence a single long roof, which seems to float above the surface of the ground as it twists and turns across the landscape. The walkways, courtyards, and glasswrapped volumes that form beneath the roof are remarkably transparent and invite people to engage with the expansive natural surroundings.

See videos below for more on beams, glass, concrete, geothermal wells, and milling.