The 4Roots Farm Campus Education Center is a pioneering example of resilient, regenerative design that tackles some of today’s most pressing challenges—food insecurity, climate change, and disconnection from nature—through architecture, education, and community empowerment. Located on an 20-acre regenerative urban farm in Orlando’s historic Packing District, this 7,700-square-foot mass timber facility is more than a building; it is a living classroom and a catalyst for change.

This carbon neutral education building, designed to support K-12 and higher education classes, was designed to achieve the Living Building Challenge Energy Petal. The mass-timber building generates 169% of its own energy use, dramatically reduces water consumption, and eliminates harmful materials, all while serving as a hands-on teaching tool. The design, driven by Little’s regenerative framework, reflects a deep commitment to both ecological restoration and human well-being. Every element of the building, from regionally sourced mass timber to smart glazing and rainwater harvesting systems, works in harmony to restore natural systems and model a resilient future.

Designed with flexibility and purpose, the Education Building hosts educational programming for students, farmers, and community members. Its architecture blurs the boundary between indoors and out, drawing inspiration from the surrounding “food forest” and supporting immersive learning experiences rooted in agriculture, health, and sustainability. Operable glazing, skylights, panoramic views, and biophilic materials invite connection to nature and inspire stewardship.

The project is also a case study in environmental resilience. Built above the 100-year floodplain and tested by multiple hurricanes, the building has withstood extreme weather events without damage, thanks to limited impermeable surfaces and adaptive landscape design. A raised building pad, protective curbing, and sustainable stormwater strategies help safeguard the structure and surrounding ecosystems.

More than a structure, the 4Roots Education Center is a symbol of what’s possible when design is driven by purpose. It demonstrates how the built environment can give more than it takes—producing clean energy, restoring watersheds, and empowering the next generation to rethink their relationship with food, the planet, and one another.

Design: Little Diversified Architectural Consulting
Contractor: H.J. High Construction
Photography: Chad Baumer