Roy Farms Field Office

For more than 100 years, family-owned Roy Farms in Yakima Valley has been growing Washington staples like apples, cherries, and — most importantly — their biggest crop: hops. Yakima Valley produces nearly 75% of all hops grown in the United States, though only a small percentage is certified organic. In addition to being one of about 40 farms growing organic hops, Roy Farms is further committed to developing and implementing regenerative, sustainable farming practices including improving the sustainability of their business’s infrastructure.

We joined Roy farms for an adaptive reuse project to remodel an existing farm building into a field office, a home-base for operations activities. Right away, we saw an opportunity to utilize the valley’s abundant solar energy by installing a large photovoltaic system to generate much of the building’s electricity. Taking it a step further, mechanical systems, like HVAC, were upgraded to high-efficiency models that need less electricity to operate. Better insulation throughout the structure keeps the office comfortable year-round.

Heavy timber posts frame the front entrance, putting natural and reclaimed materials front and center in the design. New, efficient windows connect the team visually to the conditions and activities in the fields.

Inside, aesthetic nods to the agricultural setting are acknowledged with the choice of barn doors with a rustic stain, and rugged furnishings, like industrial stools and galvanized steel partitions.