Opened in 2015, the River building was designed by the Japanese architectural firm
SANAA, led by
Kazuyo Sejima and
Ryue Nishizawa. The porous design of Grace Farms and the River building was meant to inspire and break down barriers between people and nature. The building has a long, gentle slope with an overall grade change of 43 ft - 9 in. The undulating pathways under a curvilinear roof follow the flow and elevation of the land, where a series of bends creates pond-like spaces. Natural light flows through more than 200 floor-to-ceiling glass panels in the River building, generating 360-degree views of the landscape. Structurally, a system of wood, concrete, steel, and glass forms a continuous roof that appears to float above the site as it moves through the landscape. Under the building's continuous roof are five transparent glass-enclosed volumes that can host a variety of activities and events. Grace Farms consists of the 48-acre former Windsome Farm, an
equestrian facility, and an adjacent 27-acre parcel, which were bought between 2008 and 2009 by the Grace Farms Foundation. An additional five acres were later purchased. open
arts studios, and a wide range of daily programming led by its visitor engagement team. Permanent contemporary art installations by
Thomas Demand,
Olafur Eliasson,
Teresita Fernández,
Beatriz Milhazes, and
Susan Philipsz are located around Grace Farms.
Structure Rainscreen Roof (Manufactured by Zahner) The rainscreen roof is formed through standard-sized sheets of exterior anodized aluminum on a dual curvature panel system. This form is achieved by using a lightweight assembly of custom aluminum extrusions to create a channel between the aluminum outer layers. In this system, a floating aluminum plate acts as a visual transition between the panels.
Glue-Laminated Beams & Trusses (Manufactured by Structurlam) Over 200 steel columns and sloping glu-laminated timber beams and trusses make up the hybrid structure that supports the curving roof. Cedar is used at the fascia, while the underside is finished with 3-inch-wide Douglas fir boards. Planks joints are aligned to match the turns and angle of the roof.
Concrete, Foundations & Slabs (Manufactured by Villa Construction) Under the flowing roof, concrete slabs and foundations are integrated with the thin structural members to create open spaces for activity inside.
Steel Superstructure (Manufactured by QSR Steel) The hybrid system pairs timber beams with steel columns and a steel superstructure that spans approximately 1,400 feet. The steel structure is arranged around glazed spaces and extends above a stepped outdoor path that runs along the landscape and mirrors the shape of the roof.
Glass Curtain Wall (Manufactured by Roschmann Steel & Glass) Double paned window walls were used to maintain visual connection with the surrounding landscape. The low iron class combines silicon joints, curved panes, and stainless steel sash. The seven to eight feet wide trapezoidal panes create a continuous building facade system.
Landscape and Sustainability Around 77 out of the 80 acres are open meadows, wetlands, forests, and ponds. Landscape design by OLIN expands existing habitats for native plants and animals with the addition of a community garden, athletic field, and trails and playgrounds designed by SANAA. Trees that were removed during the construction phase are processed on-site and used to construct furniture for Grace Farms, including 18-foot-long community tables. 55 geothermal wells, each 500 feet deep, were installed for heating and cooling purposes. 70% of mowed land will be restored to natural meadows under the landscape planning of Larry Weaner Landscape Associates. == Awards ==