Located a mile from the coast in Encinitas, California, Fox Point Farms is a first-of-its-kind “agrihood,” where a regenerative organic farm lies at the heart of a 21-acre mixed-use community.
Inside the agricultural community
The community features a zero-waste full-service restaurant, a farm-to-tap organic brewery and coffee roaster, a farm market and café, an apothecary, as well as wellness classes led by a team of farmers, chefs, and artisans within a circular micro-economy.
“We’re witnessing a growing demand for food systems that support a close connection between producers and consumers, repairing the relationship between farmers and diners,” says founder Brian Grover. “We’re bringing this vision to life at Fox Point Farms, both on the plate and within a broader community scale.”
The project was developed by locally based Nolen Communities, with the design led by Steinberg Hart, Schmidt Design Group, and Tecture.
Nolen Communities partnered with Shea Homes on residential construction, which includes a mix of for-sale cottages, carriage units, and townhomes, as well as apartments, including several affordable housing units. Currently, Fox Point Farms has 250 residential homes in development.
Sustainable design at Fox Point Farms
The architectural language of Fox Point Farms honors its horticultural history, creating a network of open spaces that immerse guests in various agricultural amenities.
Structures include a main barn housing Haven restaurant and Harvest Market, brewing and roasting facilities, an apothecary, and farm production houses—all featuring western red cedar exteriors, standing-seam metal roofs, and reclaimed teak interiors.
The landscape architecture features edible landscaping, a two-mile trail surrounding the farm, and a natural children’s play area incorporating a repurposed Eucalyptus tree that was slated for removal.
The design prioritizes sustainability with energy-efficient materials, water conservation, and waste reduction, with future renewable energy plans.
“Fox Point Farms is a truly extraordinary community with an impact reverberating far beyond its physical limits,” says JT Barr, president and managing partner of Schmidt Design Group. “As designers, we continually seek opportunities to shape transformative, pioneering environments. Brian and his team have created experiences that shutter the model of conventional development and that are deeply rooted in a commitment to wellness, nutrition, and stewardship.”
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