Living Buildings: Controlled Environment Regenerative Agriculture
Our project envisions the world’s first controlled-environment ecological farm constructed using locally and sustainably sourced structural mass timber for Alō Farms. Alō Farms has a long-standing commitment to sustainability and wellness, and in partnership with Jefferson Architects, this project will be guided by principles of nature, sustainability, wellness, and evidence-based design to ensure its success. Alō Farms is a controlled-environment eco-farm that operates as a bio-integrated, living ecosystem. The farm combines recirculating aquaculture systems with hydroponic cultivation of lettuce, herbs, and microgreens. Within a grow space of approximately 10,000 square feet, the facility will outproduce more than 100 acres of traditional field-grown leafy greens annually, demonstrating the efficiency and scalability of controlled-environment agriculture. The Governor’s Office, the University of Georgia, and Georgia Sea Grant have identified aquaculture as a key agricultural sector for growth. With seafood demand in Georgia at an all-time high, research has demonstrated that aquaculture—when executed with excellence—is a healthy and sustainable method of fish production. This approach reduces fishing pressure on local waterways while decreasing dependence on foreign fisheries. The use of sustainably sourced, Georgia-grown mass timber will enhance the structure’s beauty and biophilic qualities while complementing the natural ecosystems cultivated within the farm. When paired with ground-source geothermal systems and other renewable energy strategies, the building will serve as a model for efficient, sustainable construction and help catalyze broader adoption of these practices across Georgia. Beyond agricultural production, the project will feature a public market where visitors can shop, tour, and engage directly with the farm and its operations, attracting thousands of visitors from across the region. An educational studio will provide STEM programming for surrounding county school systems, along with masterclasses in health and wellness, agricultural education, and sustainable and resilient design and engineering. Alō Farms brings over a decade of proven success in implementing sustainable and resilient agricultural systems. This project—through the integration of locally sourced mass timber, geothermal and solar energy, and enhanced building envelope efficiencies—represents a natural evolution of that mission. Jefferson Architects contributes 45 years of experience, with expertise in LEED-certified projects, Living Building certification, regenerative practice accreditation, and wellness-focused design. Recent projects incorporating these principles include SMC3 ($50 million), Hitachi ($35 million), and Rincon Medical. The firm also plays a key role in the sustainable building program at Trilith and is currently designing Warrior Village at Camp Southern Ground. Mass timber has been a shared focus of Jefferson Architects and Alō Farms for more than seven years. This project will expose visitors, customers, and the broader community to the benefits of mass timber construction and Georgia Grown products. As a living teaching environment, the farm will provide ongoing opportunities to educate the public about environmental stewardship, societal benefits, and the safety and performance of mass timber systems. Our goal is for the success of this project to prove mass timber in new markets, strengthening Georgia’s position as the nation’s leading forestry state and create a sustainable path for Georgia Aquaculture and local leafy green production.
“My goal is to inspire innovation and wellness through agriculture..”