Adaptive Reuse for a Sustainably-Focused Farm

Roy Farms Field Office

A sustainable, adaptive reuse project remodeling an existing farm building into a field office.

For more than 100 years, family-owned Roy Farms in Yakima Valley has been growing Washington staples like apples, cherries, and — most importantly — their biggest crop: hops. Yakima Valley produces nearly 75% of all hops grown in the United States, though only a small percentage is certified organic. In addition to being one of about 40 farms growing organic hops, Roy Farms is further committed to developing and implementing regenerative, sustainable farming practices including improving the sustainability of their business’s infrastructure.

We joined Roy farms for an adaptive reuse project to remodel an existing farm building into a field office, a home-base for operations activities. Right away, we saw an opportunity to utilize the valley’s abundant solar energy by installing a large photovoltaic system to generate much of the building’s electricity. Taking it a step further, mechanical systems, like HVAC, were upgraded to high-efficiency models that need less electricity to operate. Better insulation throughout the structure keeps the office comfortable year-round.

Heavy timber posts frame the front entrance, putting natural and reclaimed materials front and center in the design. New, efficient windows connect the team visually to the conditions and activities in the fields.

Inside, aesthetic nods to the agricultural setting are acknowledged with the choice of barn doors with a rustic stain, and rugged furnishings, like industrial stools and galvanized steel partitions.

Roy Farms Field Office – Board & Vellum
Community Support

A large pin board outside the field office helps the farming community network and build connections. Roy Farms Field Office | Photo by Michael Zarieki.

Community Support

A large pin board outside the field office helps the farming community network and build connections. Roy Farms Field Office | Photo by Michael Zarieki.

Roy Farms Field Office – Board & Vellum
Farm Fresh Face Lift

Light colors and mixed materials help reinvent this repurposed farm building. Roy Farms Field Office | Photo by Michael Zarieki.

Farm Fresh Face Lift

Light colors and mixed materials help reinvent this repurposed farm building. Roy Farms Field Office | Photo by Michael Zarieki.

Roy Farms Field Office – Board & Vellum
Sun and Shade

Gnarled old trees create shade in summertime, and new solar panels double as a covered pavilion employees can use year-round, rain or shine. Roy Farms Field Office | Photo by Michael Zarieki.

Sun and Shade

Gnarled old trees create shade in summertime, and new solar panels double as a covered pavilion employees can use year-round, rain or shine. Roy Farms Field Office | Photo by Michael Zarieki.

Roy Farms Field Office – Board & Vellum
Roy Farms Field Office

Roy Farms Field Office | Photo by Michael Zarieki.

Plentiful windows give every desk that coveted “corner office” vibe and invigorating natural light. On cloudy days, task lighting makes up the difference.

Roy Farms Field Office – Board & Vellum
Durability

As a working farm office, materials were selected to be able to stand up to the wear and tear of muddy boots in an agricultural setting. Roy Farms Field Office | Photo by Michael Zarieki.

Durability

As a working farm office, materials were selected to be able to stand up to the wear and tear of muddy boots in an agricultural setting. Roy Farms Field Office | Photo by Michael Zarieki.

Roy Farms Field Office – Board & Vellum
Rustic Barn Door

Serious hardware and deeply stained planks reminiscent of barn wood bring the vernacular details the region’s working buildings indoors. Roy Farms Field Office | Photo by Michael Zarieki.

Rustic Barn Door

Serious hardware and deeply stained planks reminiscent of barn wood bring the vernacular details the region’s working buildings indoors. Roy Farms Field Office | Photo by Michael Zarieki.

Roy Farms Field Office – Board & Vellum
Double-Duty Simple Passive Solar

Using solar panels as a window awning helps keep the indoors cooler inside while generating energy to keep the office coffee hot. Roy Farms Field Office | Photo by Michael Zarieki.

Double-Duty Simple Passive Solar

Using solar panels as a window awning helps keep the indoors cooler inside while generating energy to keep the office coffee hot. Roy Farms Field Office | Photo by Michael Zarieki.

Notes & Credits
This project was built by Leading Force Contracting.
Photography by Michael Zarieki.

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