FOUNTAIN HOUSE FARM

from Architecture Portfolio 2023

PRESIDENT STREET TOWNHOUSE

Coughlin Architecture

Status: Schematic/Fundraising

Montague, New Jersey Spring 2017

My role in the following project covers schematic design decisions for both site and buildings, client interfacing, and the entirety of the graphic work. Fountain house farm was a three phase project: site planning, cabin and lodge. Paul Coughlin and I, after in-depth site analysis regarding walking distances, flood zones, and user experience, settled on a layout for the farm. We then zoomed in, focusing on the design of the farm’s community lodge and cabins within the existing farm context. We jointly made schematic decisions for a final iteration of the lodge, as well as two options for the cabins. I produced all drawings and graphics.

Fountain House Farm at High Point is a wellness initiative and rehabilitation center in Montague, New Jersey. The goal is to integrate a village of cabins and a lodge building into a working farm and retreat for members. The study looked at the existing buildings on the farm, how they are currently used, how they might be adapted to operate along side new buildings. The plan’s attitude was to be respectful of the existing agricultural architecture and the Chalet, both in terms of proximity and aesthetic.

The Village is a collection of micro cabins. The cabins are meant to provide simple shelter and to allow members to connect with nature. The cabins are conceived to operate on three scales. First, The Singular: Each cabin is a personal incubator towards wellness. This is accomplished by providing a warm, quiet and nurturing space that centers the users both with themselves and with nature.

Second, the collection: The collection of cabins are designed around views, privacy and accessibility, and accounting for both community and separation. Third, the community: The furthest cabin is a 7 minute walk to the existing Farm operations, a chalet and a lodge building. This allows a visitor the choice of separation, but always being a part of the wellness initiative.

The Lodge is the focus of the wellness initiative at High Point Farm. The design established a contemporary dialogue between nature and the existing vernacular agricultural buildings on the farm.The sequence of spaces takes members from the land, through an entry threshold finally into a voluminous gathering hall with views back out to the land and up to the sky. The building is composed of 3 program zones, a small community center, building support space and a large gathering hall.

The Lodge will be the heart of the farm for ease of resident and visitor access. Cabins are placed within the woods to enable views of the pond and immersion in nature.

Consideration for distance from the main farm was taken when deciding where to place the program. Users feel independent, but it must be feasible for the less able-bodied.