Design Challenge:

‍To design a pavilion and catering facility capable of hosting approximately 120 people indoors for both public and private events, while honoring the property’s legacy as a beloved community gathering space. 

Physical Context:

‍Located at Richard’s Grove and Saralee’s Vineyard in Sonoma County, the site is defined by its beautiful oak and redwood groves, long cherished for community events. Existing structures include a full-size train car repurposed as a public restroom and a food shack affectionately named “Chew Chew.” When the property changed ownership, the new owner remained committed to preserving its use for the broader community.

Solution:

‍Embracing the site’s rich character, the design introduces a fully glazed pavilion perched at the pinnacle of the grove. While the owner was initially hesitant about modern architectural styles, the structure’s transparency allows it to blend harmoniously with the natural surroundings. To address the site’s frequent flooding, the pavilion was elevated above natural grade, with a sculpted berm gently meeting the cantilevered deck to maintain a seamless connection to the grove. A full-size Santa Fe caboose was carefully placed behind the pavilion to serve as a catering kitchen, furthering the site’s playful identity and cementing the name “Chew Chew” for this cherished gathering space.

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