Studio 2LR | Architecture + Interiors | House of Raeford Farms

House of Raeford Farms

Wallace, North Carolina

With origins dating back to the 1920’s, today, The House of Raeford Farms employs over 5,500 people working at chicken production facilities across four Southeastern states with over 450 family farms raising chickens exclusively for them. In 2017, after sustaining significant fire damage to their existing production facility near Wallace, NC, they hired Studio 2LR and Fitts and Goodwin contractors to convert an adjacent 150,000 SF cold storage/warehouse building into a new production facility. Reutilizing the existing structure provided an expedient path to getting back up and running quickly as possible.

The design strategy to reutilize the cold storage building involved salvaging the existing steel frame, roof structure, floor slab, and utilities. The interior was gutted to make way for new programming while a large portion of the exterior metal siding was removed to allow for several building additions and exterior modifications. Insulated concrete panels were installed in place of the metal siding over the existing steel frame to provide better insulation and durability. A large entry portal structure identifies the main entrance and features a transparent glass vestibule to invite visitors. Dark gray and red composite metal panels contrast the light gray painted concrete panels for greater visibility. A smaller secondary portal structure demarcates the primary employee entrance with the same dark gray and red composite metal panels.

The floor plan is organized around a central canteen area that can be accessed directly from each of the production areas. The canteen offers a bright and open environment for workers to enjoy meals and relax during breaks. Painted concrete block walls and epoxy coated concrete floors provide surfaces that are durable and low maintenance while production areas comply with clean room requirements. Strategic use of color and warm wood tones creates a welcoming feel in the main entrance that is carried through to the office, conference, and canteen spaces.