Forty Carrots Family Center
Size: +/-6,000 sf
Location: Sarasota, FL
Type: New Construction
AIA Florida Design & Honor Award-Winning Project
This project creates a second facility for a local non-profit organization, providing parenting education and mental health counseling for children and families in need. The owner’s belief that “a good beginning lasts a lifetime” enhanced the sustainable design approach focused on the health and wellness of its users.
Through spatial zoning/sequencing and careful selection of materials, colors, and furniture, a potentially high-stress environment is transformed into welcoming, functional and inclusive spaces.
The long, rectangular form is oriented east-west to capture maximum solar energy. The solar power system, an original commitment by the owner, allows for a net-zero energy building and provides financial relief for this non-profit organization.
The adoption of an integrated design process created a holistic understanding of the building project for the whole team from the early ideas to post occupation. Future growth is planned into the design allowing newly discovered needs and requirements to be incorporated into the building’s functionality.
In this way, the client gains ownership of the design while understanding how to utilize their structure. The resultant building provides users with a sense of discovery, comfort and continued enjoyment every time they walk inside.
"Thank you, Barron! We loved seeing your concepts. It is evident that your team understands what we need, and that makes this process a joy!"
–Michelle Kapreilian | CEO | Forty Carrots