Community Development International (CDI) set out to develop several components of New Earth Farm, a 22-acre self-sustaining farm in the rural Pungo area of Virginia Beach. What began as crayon scribbles on paper evolved into the farm’s first structure: the Teaching Pavilion + Greenhouse. Designed to serve three primary functions, the structure includes (1) a sheltered classroom with flexible space for easy reconfiguration, (2) a greenhouse for seed-starting, and (3) a storage shed for tools.
Additional features include a partially vegetated roof, accessible for teaching purposes, a collection tank to capture rainwater, and an integrated pergola for vine plants. The farm’s produce is used at Commune, a small farm-to-table restaurant located in Virginia Beach’s ViBe Creative District. Also designed by WPA, the formerly vacant space was transformed into a lively venue, featuring reclaimed materials and eclectic tables where diners enjoy sustainably grown, locally sourced ingredients.
