New Canaan,
Connecticut, USA
October 19, 2015
Nestled into
the rolling landscape of Grace Farms, The River building begins on a knoll and
then flows down the long, gentle slope in a series of bends, forming pond like
spaces on its journey.
Named The
River in reference to its ribbon-like roof, the building frames both public
facilities and meandering walkways for Grace Farms, an 80-acre reserve of
meadows, woods, wetlands and ponds.
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 glass wrapped volumes that
form beneath the roof, are remarkably transparent and invite people to engage
with the expansive natural surroundings.
Located
partially below-grade, the Court is a gymnasium/multi-purpose space with
adjoining media lab and game room, for recreation, youth activities, receptions
and arts performances.
The basic
framing is composed of repeating units of Glu-Lam timber beams supported by
columns, with each beam tilted to follow the slope of the site and the distance
between units changing slightly. The top layer of the roof is a rain screen of
anodized aluminum panels, the exterior walls are double-glazed panels.
Approximately
77 of the 80 acres of Grace Farms are being retained in perpetuity as open
meadows, woods, wetlands and ponds.
The landscape architects, OLIN, have
designed an environment that preserves and enhances the existing habitat for
native flora and fauna while integrating the community garden, athletic fields
and a playground designed by SANAA.
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.
Enclosed
space of The River is over 56,000 square feet, and the covered exterior pathway
is nearly 25,500 square feet. The River is approximately 150 feet wide at
maximum, 25 feet wide at minimum and varies in height from 10 feet to 14 feet.
The building is approximately 1,400 feet long, but because of its switchbacks
it sits on an expanse of land that is approximately 700 ft long.
