Barn Series: A Container Barn’s Debut
Next year, we’ll mark 10 years since we first broke ground on Burkett Farm. And as we think about what the future holds, one of our biggest undertakings to date is coming to fruition: we’ve built a barn.
The term “barn” hangs as loosely as an ill-fitting coat in regards to this structure; in some ways, it’s more like a sustainable spaceship. Made of 13 shipping containers, a massive 144-panel solar roof, and three large rainwater cisterns, its utility systems were designed to operate completely off the grid. The level of detail and intentionality that went into the building’s construction is next-level, with materials and design - down to the seals and the paint - that showcase emerging sustainability techniques. If you fancy yourself a rabbit hole to dive into, you can check out more of the details here; or you can inquire about coming to tour the space (and volunteer on the farm while you’re at it)!
The project isn’t quite finished yet - but we’ve moved into our new offices and kitchen, and are now storing our produce and flowers in our brand new Cool-bot powered walk-in. We’ve hosted a volunteer group’s potluck in our common area. And we’ve been building out a pantry of preserved items, holding over some of those precious hyper seasonal crops for future use.
So what now? How do farmers adapt to living in space?
Well, the addition of the container barn is helping us dream bigger. We’ll always be dedicated to distributing healthy, sustainably farmed produce to those in need - that is at the core of our identity. But we’re building on that foundation with a vision that incorporates more experiments and learning opportunities regarding how we need to eat - and farm - for our future. Here’s our new manifesto as we move into the next phase of Burkett Farm.
Burkett Farm exists to try, incubate, and share ideas about sustainable agriculture and equitable food distribution.
What we try
Sustainable farming and zero waste cooking techniques
Utilizing cutting edge green technology
Measuring and using resources thoughtfully, and being critical consumers
How we incubate
Attempting new and new-to-us approaches in sustainable agriculture and design
Helping others in the community learn and develop sustainable agriculture practices
What we share
Our produce and flowers through non-profit distribution partners, to are food-insecure
Our experiences and findings, by documenting and publishing them, and by demonstrating them to visitors
Our space, for the benefit of like-minded efforts
Our research and findings, always offered as open source for others to use and learn from
So watch this space, as we try out and learn what this means in practice. Join us for events that marry the best of sustainable technology with the most ancient, historic ways of living in regenerative harmony with our land. Volunteer with us in the fields, and then learn about harvesting the sun and the rain in our spaceship..ahem…barn.