Nested in a 20 acre site, Peace4Kids is a grassroots non-profit organization that aims to provide a nature retreat serving youth in foster care. The site is comprised of over 20 acres of rolling hills and will accomodate a wide variety of programs.
The newly constructed buildings designed by LOHA will provide 11,000 SF of temporary stay accommodations for children and adult volunteers as well as a permanent residence for a full-time caretaker.
Community spaces will include a large shared kitchen, common dining and living areas, flexible meeting spaces and a gym with an indoor basketball court. Outdoor programs will include a swimming pool and outdoor kitchen. The site will be connected with hiking trails that feature a garden, an orchard and a small animal habitat.
Peace4Kids proposes sustainable features like a bioretention pond, native drought-tolerant landscape and passive design strategies that utilize shade with large covered areas and cross-ventilation in occupied areas.