SEAN WALSH
Conway School of Landscape Design 332 S. Deerfield Road, PO Box 179, Conway, MA 01341
Autumn 2010 Walsh11@csld.edu
INDEX
Brook’s Bend Farm 1 Vision & Goals 2 Context 3 Legal 4 Soil 5 Slope & Drainage 6 Access & Circulation 7 Summary Analysis
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Alternative A Alternative B Alternative C Alternatice D Water Management Organization & Relationships Design Directives
The namesake of Brook’s Bend Farm is the change in direction that Cranberry Pond Brook carves through the land as water flows into the nearby Connecticut River. The name Brook’s Bend was chosen as a metaphor for a positive change in direction.
Suzanne Webber and Al Miller are the current owners, farmers and engaged stewards of Brook’s Bend Farm. They have teamed up with Jono Neiger, a local permaculture designer, and others to broaden the vision of the farm and create a land-based center of education, demonstration, and research. The focus of this endeavor is ecological agriculture, permaculture, nature awareness, and community collaboration. Challenges: environmental degradation uncertain food security uncertain water security economic crisis political turmoil
Goals
Brook’s Bend Farm Land Stewardship - Nature Awareness Permaculture Education - Demonstration - Research
Opportunities: enhance ecological awareness & stewardship improve resilient, local food systems manage water thoughtfully strengthen local economy engage local community
House farm workers/apprentices/interns/program guests - site long-term apartments for farm manager & family - site short-term apartments for apprentices & interns - provide overnight space for visitors - site supporting facilities: offices, library, meeting room Upgrade farm facilities - site greenhouses - create processing space - create propagation space - site woodworking shop - site storage space for equipment, hay, wool, and produce - site commercial kitchen - site farm store
The vision for Brook’s Bend Farm is a place where ideas, techniques, methods, processes, and economies are explored. A vision statement for Brook’s Bend might read as follows: Brook’s Bend is committed to fostering ecological stewardship, community involvement, personal awareness, and spiritual connection through land-based education and training. We aim to explore thoughtful and ecologically based solutions for creating a more regenerative and resilient society.
Landscape Plan for
Sean Walsh
Brook’s Bend Farm
Conway School of Landscape Design 332 S. Deerfield Road, Conway MA www.csld.edu
Research & Demonstrate - integrate ecological, sustainable design strategies, permaculture, experimental & alternative agricultural methods, and crop testing - establish regional permaculture center and demonstration site Provide additional on-farm home for Al & Suzanne - site single family house on property - ensure privacy in proximity to farm activity
Suzanne and Al are planning for a time when they will not be the primary managers of the land. They wish to ensure that the land will remain a community resource that is active, engaged, and inclusive in serving the local and regional community. They are currently discussing alternatives, such as the creation of a non-profit organization, to ensure the stewardship of this vision and this land.
Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based upon a legal survey.
Create learning spaces - enable land-based learning that is immersive and experiential - provide all-season shelter for classes and workshops - create education opportunities woven into the farm, land, and buildings
Vision & Goals
The world is rapidly changing and the challenges of the future, though unknown, are likely to include the issues of food security, peak oil, and climate instability. These global challenges call for active participation at all levels. On the local level we can strengthen and rebuild our local communities, support local farms, diversify crops, and relearn the skills necessary to create resilient communities.
Brook’s Bend has begun the process of crystallizing their vision into reality. This document is a beginning exploration of what that vision might become.
Autumn 2010
Permaculture - Land Stewardship - Nature Awareness 119 Old Sunderland Road, Montague MA
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Region N
Brook’s Bend Farm is located in the Pioneer Valley of western Massachusetts. A part of the larger Connecticut River Valley, the Pioneer Valley comprises three counties with a combined population of over 680,000. Although the town of Montague is located within Franklin County, the most rural county in the state, it occupies a transition point between urban and rural landscapes as it is close to several large population centers.
Organic agriculture, community supported agriculture, local food movements, cooperatives, and farmers markets all have strong community support. Brook’s Bend has the advantages of a local customer base, a supportive community, fertile land, and connection to ecologically intact natural areas. Site 90 Acres 65% Forested 28% Cleared 88% Pasture 8% Cultivated 4% Built
rook nd B y Po berr Cran
Conn ectic ut Ri ver
Site
The site is traversed by the meandering Cranberry Pond Brook and has numerous related wetlands.
N
Focus Area A focus area of approximately 7 acres centered around the buildings and the hub of activity was chosen as the most important region on the site in relation to the goals. The focus area is bisected by Old Sunderland Road which passes between a 1751 farmhouse on the west and both barns, workshop, and most of the farmland on the east.
Focus Area Farmhouse Red Barn
Brook’s Bend is currently a working farm with a focus on sheep and poultry production. The forest on the property is managed and selectively cut for timber. Brook’s Bend regularly hosts wilderness awareness programs and occasionally hosts other events and classes.
Workshop
Old
Su
nd erl an d
Ro ad
Brown Barn
Brook’s Bend Farm
Conway School of Landscape Design 332 S. Deerfield Road, Conway MA www.csld.edu
Currently, a variety of organizations operate on site, including several programs under the umbrella of the Vermont Wilderness School, Wolf Tree Programs, and therapeutic excursions for veterans and for women from the county jail. An herbalist and apothecary grows herbs on the premises.
Landscape Plan for
Sean Walsh Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based upon a legal survey.
Brook’s Bend is very accessible, located within a 15-mile radius of the major population and cultural centers of Northampton, Amherst, Greenfield, Deerfield, and 1½ miles from Montague Center. A 6-mile drive from Interstate 91, near state highways 47, 63, 5&10, and utilized as a cutthrough route between Franklin County Bikeway routes.
Autumn 2010
Context
Region
The Connecticut River Valley contains some of the most fertile farmland in the region. Brook’s Bend Farm falls within a highly productive agricultural “green belt.”
Permaculture - Land Stewardship - Nature Awareness 119 Old Sunderland Road, Montague MA
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Legal Analysis Approximately 5 acres or 6% of the property is relatively unrestricted. This is the only area where non-farm related construction is allowed without approval of the Conservation Commission, Department of Environmental Protection, or Agriculture Preservation Restriction Committee.
Agriculture Preservation Restriction Bordering Vegetated Wetlands Buffer Zone Riverfront Protection Area
Unrestricted
House Stable
Red Barn Brown Barn Workshop
R nd rla e d
d oa
n
Old
N
0
50
200
Su
400-ft
800 FEET
Landscape Plan for
Sean Walsh Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based upon a legal survey.
Brook’s Bend Farm
Conway School of Landscape Design 332 S. Deerfield Road, Conway MA www.csld.edu
d Roa oach ge C Sta Old
Cran berry Pond Broo k
Zoning Setbacks
Zoning Setbacks Montague zoning requires that all principal structures are set back 25 feet from the road right-of-way, 15 feet from the side of the property line, and 10 feet from the back of the property line. Accessory structures are not required to meet the same standards. The Red Barn is non-conforming, but grandfathered and may be maintained although not replaced on the existing footprint. Agriculture Preservation Restriction Agriculture Preservation Restriction is a permanent deed restriction which precludes any use of the property that will have a negative impact on its agricultural viability. The primary purpose of the APR program is to protect agricultural land and to maintain agricultural viability on that land. All of the property east of Old Sunderland Road, approximately 85% of the property, has an Agriculture Preservation Restriction. The APR language suggests that alternative agricultural uses, such as the ones envisioned by Brook’s Bend Farm, are allowed. A provision also allows for the building of a home for next-generation farmers. The APR agent should be consulted before undertaking activities not explicitly listed as allowed. Certificate of Approvals are required prior to most construction. Special Permits may also be sought for those activities that are keeping with the spirit of the law though not allowed explicitly. Riverfront Protection Area The Rivers Protection Act establishes a riverfront protection area, a 200-foot-wide corridor on each side of a perennial river or stream, measured from the mean annual high-water line of the river. Intermittent streams are not subject to the Rivers Protection Act. The protection area around Cranberry Pond Brook forms a 400-foot-wide ribbon that bisects the eastern portion of the farm, curves across the northern portion, and continues as a 200-foot-wide zone around the back of the property to the west. This area encompasses approximately 30 acres or 33% of the property. Work in the riverfront area is only allowed when no practicable alternatives exist and that work will have no significant adverse impacts, and is subject to approval by the local Conservation Commission or the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.
Autumn 2010
Permaculture - Land Stewardship - Nature Awareness 119 Old Sunderland Road, Montague MA
3
Legal
Bordering Vegetated Wetlands Buffer Zone Wetlands are protected by law and activities within a 100-foot buffer zone are restricted, with notable agricultural Agriculture exemptions.. Approximately 16 acres or 18% of the property isPreservation included inRestriction the wetland and related buffer zone. Further wetland delineation is recommended for greater accuracy around potential building sites. Agricultural activities are subject to Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act regulation when they occur within the wetland resource areas and buffer zone although many normal farming activities, including those related to forestry, are exempt from such regulation. Others require town Conservation Commission review.
/14
Soil Analysis CapabilityClass
Prime Soils present an opportunity for high yields. Non-prime soils are suitable for pasture, forest management, perennial agricultural systems, wildlife habitat, and ecosystem services including water filtration, flood mitigation, erosion control, and air quality improvement.
4w Prime Soil in Pasture/Cultivation
5w 6s 2w
Prime Soil under Forest Forest
Cranberry Pond Brook
Forest 4w
5e
Pas tur e
ure st Pa
2s
3e 2e
d oa
n
Old
N
Su
6s
5w
These soil boundaries are approximate and based upon a 1995 USDA Natural Resource Conservation Services survey.
50 100
200
400
800 FEET
well
Merrimac Fine Sandy Loam
well
Sudbury Sandy Loam
fair
Ninigret Fine Sandy Loam
fair
Scituate Fine Sandy Loam
fair
Merrimac Fine Sandy Loam
well
Windsor Loamy Sand
well
Merrimac Fine Sandy Loam
well
Walpole Sandy Loam
poor
Scarboro Mucky Loamy Sand
poor
Whitman Fine Sandy Loam
poor
Hinckley Sandy Loam
well
Chatfield Rock Outcrop Complex fair Hollis
Rock Outcrop Complex fair
Class 1 = slight cultivation limitations Class 2 = moderate cultivation limitations Class 3 = severe cultivation limitations Class 4 = very severe cultivation limitations Class 5 = unsuitable for cultivation, little or no erosion Class 6 = unsuitable for cultivation, severe limitations Capability subclasses are soil groups within one class that have specific challenges: e = erosion w = water s = shallow, droughty, stony
Brook’s Bend Farm
Conway School of Landscape Design 332 S. Deerfield Road, Conway MA www.csld.edu
Canton Fine Sandy Loam
Landscape Plan for
Sean Walsh Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based upon a legal survey.
well
Soil test results indicate medium levels (615 ppm) of lead in the soil surrounding the house and low levels (165 ppm) of lead in the soils around the barns. Edible plants should not be grown in the soil within 20 feet of the house without precautionary measures. Further testing is recommended.
2w 0
Agawam Loam
Drainage
Natural Resources Conservation Services Soil Capability Classes indicate progressively greater limitations that restrict their use.
1
6s
Lead
R nd rla e d
Type
3s
Lead Contamination Risk
6s
d Roa oach ge C Sta Old
Pasture/Cultivated Land
4w
1 2E 2S 2W 2W 2W 3E 3S 4E 4W 5W 5W 6S 6S 6S
Soil
Soil
Approximately 32 acres or 34% of the property has what is considered to be prime agricultural soils. These soils are located in two regions separated by Cranberry Pond Brook. The pattern of land clearing reflects the agricultural soil suitability.
Autumn 2010
Permaculture - Land Stewardship - Nature Awareness 119 Old Sunderland Road, Montague MA
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/14
Intermittent Spring
5
A
oad
Farmhouse
Su nd erl and R
A major feature of this site is the natural hollow formed by mounds of fine alluvial outwash. This hollow forms a drainage-way which empties into a retention basin. This retention pond is currently unused but has potential for water collection and irrigation.
2
Water courses downslope until it is dammed by the workshop, which shunts water towards where the compost is currently located. Sheeting water leaches nutrients from the compost.
3
Some saturated soils and minor flooding occurs in the corner where barn roof runoff and downhill flow meet, particularly in the spring.
4
Water sheets across the farm court.
5
Groundwater often surfaces from an intermittent spring on the northern slope below the house as it heads toward the old beaver marsh.
High Point
Red Barn
Old
Stable
1
Problematic
Brown Barn
Most of the focus area behind the farmhouse is sloped 10% or greater down toward the north and northwest. Slopes steeper than 10% limit driveway placement and construction.
% SLOPE
3 Drainage
>15 Retention Pond
Most of the soil in the focus area is fine sandy loam, a well drained soil with low to medium runoff potential. There is a seasonally high water table. Together these factors result in highly variable seasonal soil saturation. This presents both challenges and opportunities for growing certain crops.
10-15
FFarm a Court
4
5-10
1
High Point
2-5
Workshop
Drainage Flow Hollo
2
<2
Problematic Drainage
Major drainage way
w
High Point
The clients mentioned that 2010 was the driest summer they have seen in the seven years they have lived on the farm. As the summer progressed without rain, grazing the sheep flock became a concern. With an uncertain climate forecast for the future, intelligently managing water is of paramount importance. A successful design will address the current drainage problems, anticipate future issues, and find uses for this resource.
A'
Property Focus Area High Point
A N
Farmhouse
Major challenges: • runoff causing minor flooding around buildings • farmland droughty during dry months A'
Slope & Drainage
Slope & Drainage to wetlands Analysis Spring
Major opportunities: • redirect problem water for storage and irrigation
Brown Barn Workshop Old Sunderland Road
0
20
Retention Pond
Hollow
40 FEET
Landscape Plan for
Sean Walsh Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based upon a legal survey.
Brook’s Bend Farm
Conway School of Landscape Design 332 S. Deerfield Road, Conway MA www.csld.edu
Autumn 2010
Permaculture - Land Stewardship - Nature Awareness 119 Old Sunderland Road, Montague MA
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/14
To: Montague Center Greenfield
Vehicular route
To: road to woods and back pasture
7 6
Pedestrian route by intensity
6
Building access
1
House is central to daily circulation.
2
Chicken coop within the stable is accessed daily.
3
Old Sunderland Road has a speed limit of 25 mph, but passing vehicles often exceed 40 mph. Sight lines are clear.
4
Conflict exists where undefined pedestrian routes cross road.
Farmhouse
1
Conflict
Potential conflict exists between pedestrian paths, parking spaces, and farm work space. Red Barn
Parking
4
5
Brown Barn
Stable
2
5
Retention Pond
6 7
Routes to access the dirt road to woods and back pasture.
8
Cultivated beds, compost, and southern field are accessed primarily during growing season.
Old
Su nd erl a
nd
Ro ad
3
7
Barns, workshop, and farm court forms the central hub of farm activity. Trucks and farm equipment movement around this area, and to a lesser degree the entire site, is undefined. Sheep are rotationally grazed across pastures, and are moved on a daily or weekly basis.
Workshop
6
The fields and farm buildings are readily accessible to the farmhouse. The site is easily accessible by vehicles.
To: Amherst Northampton
Parking is generally undefined and confusing for visitors. A pair of vehicles can park on the paved farmhouse driveway. Up to five vehicles can park on the gravel farm driveway. A patch of lawn between the brown barn and the road is frequently used as parking for two vehicles.
8
Property
N
The conflict between pedestrians, road circulation, and vehicle parking needs to be addressed to ensure visitor safety.
Focus Area
0
0
20
Access & Circulation
Access & Circulation Analysis
10 20
40
40 FEET
Landscape Plan for
Sean Walsh Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based upon a legal survey.
Brookâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bend Farm
Conway School of Landscape Design 332 S. Deerfield Road, Conway MA www.csld.edu
Autumn 2010
Permaculture - Land Stewardship - Nature Awareness 119 Old Sunderland Road, Montague MA
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/14
Summary Analysis
Vehicular route
Wetlands Septic Leach Field
Winter Wind
N
Building access Brook’s Bend
W
Conflict
W Su inter Sunn mmer Su
Septic Box
Fenced Pasture
E
Parking Utility Pole
Slopes 10% or greater
Fenced Pasture
Zoning setback
House Fire Pit
Summer Wind
Wellhead ead aadd
High Point
Major drainage way
Turkey Shed Stable & Coop
Agriculture Preservation Restriction
Brown Barn Retention Pondd Utility Ut t Pole
oa d
Bee Hives
erl
an
dR
Neighbor’s Home
Relative proximity to Old Sunderland Road, state highways, interstate 91, and the Franklin County bikeway result in great visibility and accessibility to the site. Clear patterns of access, parking, and circulation need to be defined to reduce conflict between pedestrians and vehicles and to ensure a comfortable and safe visitor experience.
Old
Su
nd
3-Bay 3 B W Workshop kh High Point
Utility Pole Compost Pasture
Cultivated Beds Blueberries & Currants r
Property
N
Focus Area
0
20
High Point
An agriculture Preservation Restriction limits possible building sites. Agriculturally relevant buildings and farmhouses for farm workers are allowed, but require permitting. Further discussion with APR representatives is required to clarify permitted structures and uses. Steep slopes, wetlands, and riverfront protection cover most of the portion of the property that is not included in the APR agreement. This limits possible unrestricted construction sites within the focus area to a zone of less than 5000 square feet. The only other feasible unrestricted construction site on the property is where the farmhouse leach field is located.
Summary Analysis
S
Unused Coop
Saturated soils and minor flooding problems caused by seasonally high groundwater and surface flow across the site have the potential to provide irrigation solutions. The soils for the focus area are mainly fine sandy loam. This fertile, well drained soil has great agricultural potential but can easily suffer drought in dry spells.
40 FEET
Landscape Plan for
Sean Walsh Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based upon a legal survey.
Brook’s Bend Farm
Conway School of Landscape Design 332 S. Deerfield Road, Conway MA www.csld.edu
Autumn 2010
Permaculture - Land Stewardship - Nature Awareness 119 Old Sunderland Road, Montague MA
7
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Relational Concept Diagram
Old
e Hom
dR rlan e d Sun
1
The old farmhouse is renovated and converted to a multipurpose headquarters, including apartments, offices, library, and kitchen. Old Sunderland Road separates public from private spaces. A privacy hedge and driveway that is offset from that of the farm establish for the visitor the separation of private from public space.
2
The farm store extends from the barn towards the road, attracting the attention of potential customers and visitors. The gravel parking lot accommodates 5 vehicles with a reinforced turf overflow for an additional 4 vehicles. Visitors are drawn into a clearly marked greeting space, from which trails lead the visitors on an interpretive educational experience.
3
Applications of various agricultural methods from familiar ordered annual beds through integrated polyculture agroforestry systems are demonstrated. Guests are introduced to rare and heritage crop varieties. The greenhouse serves alternatively as a solar kiln for drying lumber.
4
An outdoor gathering space at the top of the hill has extended views over much of the farm and its different elements. A low-impact interpretive yurt serves as a classroom.
oad
re Sto Fenced Pasture
Fenced Pasture
1
Education
Apa Offi rtme nts Kit ce che n
Fire Pit
Farm
Pollard Grove
Priva cy
Barn
Stable & Coop
Far m
Sto
re
Farm Yard
ges
ed Fodder H
8
6 5
Woodland Shade Gardens
s, & as Gr rb, Fo
Interpretive Yurt
ry ta ec Ins ow ad Me
Rare & Endangered Crops
5
The edible forest valley is an integrated polyculture forest which accentuates the natural hollow shape and further enhances microclimates through the architecture of plant communities. Managed agroforestry system transitions into shade gardens built into natural woodland providing a diversity of agriculture techniques while utilizing and exploring native plant communities.
6
The cluster of yurts creates a gathering space and they are available for overnight stay.
7
A coppiced hedgerow of shrubs grows near the pasture for supplemental fodder. A pollard grove within the pasture provides animal fodder during the winter.
4 Gathering Place
Berries
y
Property Focus Area
0
Low Impact Educational Structures & Guest Quarters
ion
al A nnu Ord als erly Nur ser yS toc Var k iet a l Te Pol sti ycu ng ltu Be re C ds ont rol Be ds
N
Learning Trails
le Swa tion a r t Infil
agat Prop
Old Su Flo nd we erl rG an ard dR en oa d
g (4) Greeting w Parkin Overflo Space d o Wo hop s Work Display se & nhou Polycultures Gree Kiln r Sola
Inte grat ed P olyc ultu re A grof ores tr
Vantage Point
Retention Pond &
Rain Garden
For m
7
ion ey rat Vall nst est mo For ate De ble Edi roclim Mic
2
Directional Swale
Hedg e
Livestock Barn
20
8
Schematic Alternative A
Schematic Alternative A
The retention pond is utilized for aquaculture and water storage.
40 FEET
Landscape Plan for
Sean Walsh Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based upon a legal survey.
Brookâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bend Farm
Conway School of Landscape Design 332 S. Deerfield Road, Conway MA www.csld.edu
Autumn 2010
Permaculture - Land Stewardship - Nature Awareness 119 Old Sunderland Road, Montague MA
8
/14
Relational Concept Diagram
Trails to Beaver Marsh
Home tion ca Edu
oad
S Old re Sto
Farm
dR lan r e und
Access Road to Sugarbush & Understory Wet Woodland Garden
Gathering Space
4
St ore
Su nd erl an dR
-Use Flexi hop s Work
ay illw
Old
n
6
Sp
rig
Ir
Aligned driveways help notify visitors that both sides of the road are open to public access. Crosswalks help guide visitors safely across the road to the farm, and alert drivers to their presence.
3
The barns remain actively used for farm purposes. The 3-bay workshop is a flexible-use workshop space. A farm store supports the organization financially by selling the produce and products created on the farm.
4
Visitors gather near the retention pond where there is a view of the front door of the house through the alley created by two barns. The retention pond is used to selectively irrigate agricultural plots downslope.
5
The retention pond is fed by a series of directional swales angled slightly off contour to channel runoff water across slope, thereby increasing the size of the watershed for the pond. These planted swales infiltrate some of their catchment into the soil and overflow is directed as high in the landscape as feasible, retaining water as long as possible in the system. The natural depression that feeds into the retention pond is wet most parts of the year. Areas of the hillside which have had water directed away become drier. Different saturation levels create opportunities for testing, research, and experimentation with different agricultural methods and crops.
ctio n
al S
wale s
6
Excess water is detained in a series of infiltration basins, rain gardens, and cascading filters before continuing on towards the marsh.
7
Visitors gather at a vantage point atop the hill and take peaceful breaks in the mandala garden.
5
Arbor Pergola Mandala Garden
s, & as Gr rb, Fo
Polyculture Gardens
io at
2
Dire Be ds
Far m
Retention Pond R
Farm Yard
3
Dire ctio nal S wale s
Parking (5)
oa d
ter Wa g din sca a C
er filt o i B
He rb
2
Stable & Greenhouse Coop
Solar Trap
s wale al S n o i ct Dire
Barn
Barn
The educational center, offices, kitchen, and dormitory accommodations are located within the renovated farmhouse. Trails from the educational center lead past a stormwater management demonstration site to the old beaver marsh, and back through the sugarbush access road. The stable and chicken coop have an attached greenhouse.
wales
Parking (4)
lS tiona Direc
1
Cro ssw alk s
Stormwater Management Demonstration
Ed Offi ucati Kit ces onal C ent Do chen er rm ito ry
Pasture
1
ry ta ec Ins
7
Tended Woodland Garden
ow ad Me
N
Vantage Point
Property
Schematic Alternative B
Schematic Alternative B
Focus Area 0
20
40 FEET
Landscape Plan for
Sean Walsh Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based upon a legal survey.
Brookâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bend Farm
Conway School of Landscape Design 332 S. Deerfield Road, Conway MA www.csld.edu
Autumn 2010
Permaculture - Land Stewardship - Nature Awareness 119 Old Sunderland Road, Montague MA
9
/14
Schematic Alternative C: Infrastructure
oa d
2
Ed uc at ion
Fa rm
Old
St ore
Su
nd
erl an dR
Pri Home 1 vat e Home 2
1
An addition built onto the north of the farmhouse provides space for additional living quarters, offices, and library. A new home constructed near the old house is oriented for solar gain with an attached private greenhouse that provides a sense of separation from the driveway and helps create some intimate space to the south and west of the new house. The driveway (5 spaces) is between the buildings and aligns with the farm driveway for safety. The existing stable/coop remains. This arrangement provides a dense cluster with the opportunity to demonstrate solutions to urban-specific challenges, but provides minimal privacy.
Farmhouse
8
1
Storage
2
This slope is regraded to make a level surface on which to build the addition to the farmhouse.
3
Old Sunderland Road provides separation between private and public areas.
4
Visitors lot (10 spaces, +7 overflow) is arranged parallel to the existing 3-bay workshop. A bend in public drive provides separation between parking and working farm yard.
5
A shade structure is an inviting gathering space and transition between parking lot and gardens that serves as learning space, processing space, and hub for gardening activities.
6
Workshop shares space with propagation and garden related storage with an addition of a greenhouse/solar lumber kiln. A bread oven helps define a gathering space between the workshop and shade structure.
7
The farm store extends from the brown barn towards the road, thereby gaining visibility. Between the farm store and indoor meeting area is a back-room space that serves as prep kitchen, freezer, storage, and bathroom facilities. The indoor meeting area occupies the southeast portion of the existing pole barn footprint. The center has views of the pond, hills, and gardens. This will require APR approval, but being within the footprint of an existing building and given the motive to develop agricultural training and education, it is likely to be approved. Farm equipment, hay, and produce storage is accommodated with a pole barn added to the north east of the brown barn.
8
Red barn functions as a livestock barn, with access to pasture. Additional storage is added to the north end of the red barn.
Livestock Barn Parking (5) Home
3 Barn
Greenhouse Farm Storee
Stable & Coop
7
Kitchen
Storage Education & Meeting Space Farm Yard
4 Visitor Parking (10)
5 Shade Structure
Workshop Propagation Greenhouse enhouse
6 Bread Oven
Cultivated Beds
N
0
20
Alternative C: Infrastructure
Relational Concept Diagram
40 FEET
Landscape Plan for
Sean Walsh Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based upon a legal survey.
Brookâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bend Farm
Conway School of Landscape Design 332 S. Deerfield Road, Conway MA www.csld.edu
Autumn 2010
Permaculture - Land Stewardship - Nature Awareness 119 Old Sunderland Road, Montague MA
10
/14
Schematic Alternative D
1
The existing farmhouse is renovated and re-purposed as apartments, offices, and library with an addition to where the garage and kitchen are currently located. A greenhouse is located near the porch. The driveway entrance is moved several feet away from farmhouse and parking (5 spaces) faces away from old house. The spaces between the houses are gardened for home use, although care is taken to avoid possible lead contamination by using raised beds near the old farmhouse.
2
New passive solar house with attached greenhouse is located close to old house. New home location has both privacy and proximity to active farm and facilities. A pond captures and purifies runoff water.
Fa rm
oa d erl an dR Ed uc at ion
St ore
Old
Su
nd
Home 1
Pri va
te
Home 2
1
FFarmhouse
3
Old Sunderland Road provides separation between private and public zones.
4
A double loaded parking area (12 spaces) aligns with the road and provides separation between parking and working farm yard.
5
A new building contains meeting space and a farm store. A porch on the north side welcomes visitors and customers from the road and parking lot into the storefront. Facing south towards the garden is a large meeting space. The building also has an office, kitchen, and bathroom. A greenhouse provides heat during the winter. Building a new multifunctional structure in the APR zone depends upon special permitting. A pergola connects the workshop to a new multifunctional structure.
6
Workshop shares space with propagation and garden related storage and the addition of a greenhouse/solar lumber kiln. The bread oven helps define an outdoor gathering space between the workshop and new building.
7
The existing barns and their related farmyard remain at the center of the working farm. The red barn functions as livestock barn, with access to pasture.
Barn Parking (5) Storage
7
3
Home
Barn
Porch Por Greenhouse
2
Farm Yard
4
Pond
Parking (12)
Porch Farm Store re
5
Workshop Pergola
Meeting Space Greenhouse
Propagation Greenhouse Gree
6 Bread Oven
Cultivated Beds
N
0
20
Alternative D: Infrastructure
Relational Concept Diagram
40 FEET
Landscape Plan for
Sean Walsh Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based upon a legal survey.
Brookâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bend Farm
Conway School of Landscape Design 332 S. Deerfield Road, Conway MA www.csld.edu
Autumn 2010
Permaculture - Land Stewardship - Nature Awareness 119 Old Sunderland Road, Montague MA
11
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Swales
Pond
Pond
Pond
Swales
Irrigation
Irrigation Pond
Alternative B
Alternative A Swale Irrigation Line Water Retention Pond
N
Culvert 0
20
Water is channeled by swale from the northern portion of the pasture towards the existing retention pond. A swale lower on the slope directs any additional flow away from the barns. Swales on the southern portion of the pasture channel water into a new retention pond located upslope from the cultivated beds for gravity-fed irrigation. A swale lower on the slope directs any additional flow away from the workshop and farm yard. A pond on the west side of the road captures and filters runoff.
Swales channel water into the natural hollow which in turn feeds in the existing retention pond. Water is stored in the soil as it moves into the retention pond. Irrigation from the pond to the cultivated beds requires pumping to raise the water high enough above grade before gravity can draw it downhill.
40 FEET
top of berm & intersection of cut are level directional swale should be a minimum of 2% off contour
Autumn 2010
plant & mulch swale and berm
(adapted from Jacke, Edible Forest Gardens 2005)
Brookâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bend Farm
Conway School of Landscape Design 332 S. Deerfield Road, Conway MA www.csld.edu
width and depth depend upon soil type
Landscape Plan for
Sean Walsh Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based upon a legal survey.
Swale Section
Water Management Strategies
Water Management Strategies
Permaculture - Land Stewardship - Nature Awareness 119 Old Sunderland Road, Montague MA
12
/14
The future of Brook’s Bend as an organization depends upon the relationships formed and maintained with other organizations, groups, people, and communities.
Current Affiliations
One of the next steps in the organizational structuring process is to solicit input and feedback, possibly through a charette process, of what various stakeholders might want, need, and expect from the Brook’s Bend organization. Questions to be explored include: What does each party have to offer? What does each party need?
Vermont Wilderness School Integrated Businesses and Organization Affiliates Integrated businesses demonstrate the potential for local economic resilience. People learn to design and manage land-based livelihoods that regenerate our landscapes and communities. The businesses are integrated with demonstration and education of regionally-focused permaculture practices: plant propagation and sales, consulting & design, farm stand & smoothie shop, compost & soil food web, heritage breed animals. Additional orgnization affiliates could be PINE, APIOS, NESFI, CISA, or others.
How will these relationships function to mutually support each party? How might these relationships change and grow with time?
From initial organization planning document, May 2010
Potential Affiliations
Independent Affiliates
Western Massachusetts Permaculture Guild
d te cia so As
Brook’s Bend Farm Projects Coll abo rato rs
Landscape Plan for
Sean Walsh Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based upon a legal survey.
Brook’s Bend Farm
Conway School of Landscape Design 332 S. Deerfield Road, Conway MA www.csld.edu
Autumn 2010
Permaculture - Land Stewardship - Nature Awareness 119 Old Sunderland Road, Montague MA
13
Organization & Relationships
Organization & Relationships
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Organization & Relationships One of the core purposes of Brook’s Bend Farm is to teach and demonstrate sustainable land management, progressive agricultural practices, permaculture, and ecological design. Explicitly stating design directives, ethics, and guiding principles will help guide future thought and decision processes.
THE SUSTAINABLE SITES INITIATIVE GUIDELINES
The Permaculture Ethics and Design Principles (below) and the Sustainable Sites Initiative Guidelines (to right) offer holistic design philosophies as references and guidance in the creation of Brook’s Bend Farm.
PERMACULTURE ETHICS AND DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Do no harm Make no changes to the site that will degrade the surrounding environment. Promote projects on sites where previous disturbance or development presents an opportunity to regenerate ecosystem services through sustainable design. Precautionary principle Be cautious in making decisions that could create risk to human and environmental health. Some actions can cause irreversible damage. Examine a full range of alternatives—including no action—and be open to contributions from all affected parties.
Design Directives
Design with nature and culture Create and implement designs that are responsive to economic, environmental, and cultural conditions with respect to the local, regional, and global context. Use a decision-making hierarchy of preservation, conservation, and regeneration Maximize and mimic the benefits of ecosystem services by preserving existing environmental features, conserving resources in a sustainable manner, and regenerating lost or damaged ecosystem services. Provide regenerative systems as intergenerational equity Provide future generations with a sustainable environment supported by regenerative systems and endowed with regenerative resources. Support a living process Continuously re-evaluate assumptions and values and adapt to demographic and environmental change. Use a systems thinking approach Understand and value the relationships in an ecosystem and use an approach that reflects and sustains ecosystem services; re-establish the integral and essential relationship between natural processes and human activity. Use a collaborative and ethical approach Encourage direct and open communication among colleagues, clients, manufacturers, and users to link long-term sustainability with ethical responsibility. Maintain integrity in leadership and research Implement transparent and participatory leadership, develop research with technical rigor, and communicate new findings in a clear, consistent, and timely manner. Foster environmental stewardship In all aspects of land development and management, foster an ethic of environmental stewardship—an understanding that responsible management of healthy ecosystems improves the quality of life for present and future generations. Reproduced from Sustainable Sites Initiative; Guidelines & Performance Benchmarks, 2009. ASLA, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center & US Botanical Garden. Page 7
Landscape Plan for
Sean Walsh Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based upon a legal survey.
Brook’s Bend Farm
Conway School of Landscape Design 332 S. Deerfield Road, Conway MA www.csld.edu
Autumn 2010
Permaculture - Land Stewardship - Nature Awareness 119 Old Sunderland Road, Montague MA
14
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