An architectural axonometric of a gardening, composting kitchen with labeled components including water basins, compost bins, planting beds, a window wall, and recycling drawers.
Floor plan of a kitchen and dining area with labels for appliances and furniture, including refrigerator, cooking area, prep counter, sink, composting, farm wall, kids counter, desk, fireplace, front porch, and sitting room/foyer.

Life Cycle Farm Kitchen

USE: Food Production, Cooking, Composting

LOCATION: Stow, MA

DATE CONSTRUCTED: 2014 (Proposal)

AREA: 400sf

This project makes accessibility a priority. Kneespace at the sink, stove, oven, and integrated desk space provide easy wheelchair access at key locations. From grandparents using walkers to young children feeling out the first blushes of independence, accessibility defines the locations of cabinetry and appliances.

The intergenerational life cycle is mirrored through the flow of food, water, and waste into a single, recirculating loop. Wastewater, composting, and planting beds are linked together along a thickened perimeter. With the ability to access the garden directly from the kitchen interior, the traditional backyard garden is moved into the home itself, increasing ease of access and a deep connection to the foods that sustain the family. 

With great variations in uses, ages, and activities of the occupants, the kitchen must do more than accommodate; it should be a space worthy of the encounters that bring joy to our daily lives.

Modern kitchen with dark wood cabinets, white appliances, and large windows overlooking greenery, with children playing on the dark wood floor.
View through a window of a modern kitchen with dark cabinets, built-in oven and stove, and a person standing at the sink. The room has large windows and a dining area with yellow chairs.
Modern kitchen with large windows overlooking a garden, two children playing inside, one with a stroller, dark wood cabinetry, white countertops.
Interior of a modern building with large windows showing green trees outside, a person standing near the window, and yellow chairs around a white table.

Community

Architecture

Interiors

Ecology