The Farm is a forward-thinking agricultural education center that utilizes sustainable architectural design with hands-on learning experiences. Designed to inspire and educate, The Farm will provide schools across Alameda County and beyond with a unique field trip destination where students can engage, learn, and be motivated by the agricultural world.
Phase 1 focuses on the renovation of an existing racehorse barn into the “Safeway Barn”, a 10,000-square-foot facility that serves as the heart of The Farm. The barn is equipped with bleacher seating, petting corrals, and paddocks, allowing for direct interaction with livestock.
A key architectural feature is the 4,700-square-foot solar canopy, which uses bifacial solar panels to capture sunlight from both sides. This design provides energy and includes a water-shedding system for rainwater conservation, showcasing how sustainability can be seamlessly integrated into building design.
Phase 2 introduces additional architectural elements, including a pavilion with an outdoor kitchen and canopy, planting beds, and spaces designed to enhance biodiversity. The pavilion creates a dynamic hub for outdoor learning, while orchards, vegetable gardens, and pollinator-friendly landscaping extend the educational environment beyond the classroom, connecting architecture with nature.
Phases 3 and 4 solidify The Farm’s emphasis on agricultural technology with classrooms, a lab space, areas for agricultural machinery and technology, and cold rooms for food storage.
By blending sustainable architecture and agricultural innovation, The Farm offers an immersive environment where students can explore the future of farming while learning about the critical role of agriculture in their lives.
