GRACE FARMS

LOCATION NEW CANAAN, CT
ARCHITECT SANAA / HANDEL
PROJECT TYPE INSTITUTIONAL
AREA 80,000 SF
A ELGHATIT PROJECT DESIGNER
EXPERIENCE DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
CONSTRUCTION DOCS
CONSTRUCTION ADMIN

Fully integrated into its natural setting, the 83,000-square-foot community center, The River, meanders through the rolling terrain. Beginning on a knoll, it follows a gentle slope through a series of switchbacks and creates pond-like spaces along its travels. The building has a single long roof, which hovers between 10 and 14 feet above, allowing the courtyards, walkaways, and glass-enclosed volumes beneath to remain almost completely transparent.

With an indoor amphitheater, library with conference room, community space featuring fresh food, a pavilion that offers tea service, and a sunken recreational space, The River’s slate of programming is remarkably broad. A barn original to the site that was reclaimed to host most of the foundation’s community-driven programming is outfitted with an art studio, rehearsal space, and lecture hall.

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