Tokyo-based SANAA has unveiled its next U.S. project, a meandering structure called The River for the Grace Farms Foundation a non-profit in New Canaan, CT. Situated on an acre of the 75-acre Grace Farms, the building is defined by its flowing roof that hovers ten feet above the landscape on slender metal posts. Interior spaces are formed by increasing the building’s width and enclosing spaces in floor-to-ceiling glass, creating a seamless transition between interior spaces and a landscape designed by Philadelphia-based OLIN.

 

The River descends from a sanctuary space for the Community Church atop a hill and includes a library, meeting space, dining room, gymnasium, and children’s spaces along its route.

“Our goal with the River is to make the architecture become part of the landscape without drawing attention to itself, or even feeling like a building,” said Kazuyo Sejima, principal at SANAA, in a statement. “We 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.”

 

The landscape of meadows, wetlands, lakes, and woods at Grace Farms was preserved from development in 2008 when a 10-house subdivision was once proposed.

Via Lauren Moss