Grace Farms

Client Grace Farms Foundation
Location New Canaan, CT
Project Type Public & Cultural
Status Completed in 2015

Grace Farms was designed to make the architecture become part of the landscape.

Grace Farms is a cultural and community center in New Canaan, Connecticut designed in collaboration with SANAA.

Known as the River because of the way it meanders through the landscape, the building begins on a knoll and follows a gentle slope in a series of bends, forming five pond-like volumes. The building is in essence under a single long roof, which floats above the ground. The transparent walls of the River are created from curved glass panels to curate perspectives of the expansive natural surroundings. The River’s program includes an indoor amphitheater, library, community dining space, and multi-purpose recreational space. The original barn on site was renovated for new classrooms, an art studio, a rehearsal space, and a lecture hall. The River and barn were built on approximately three acres of the 80-acre site, while approximately 77 acres are preserved landscape.

Scope

Architect of Record

Design Partner(s)

Design Architect- SANAA

Photography

Iwan Baan