SANAA's River project in the upcoming Grace Farms in New Canaan, CT will finally celebrate its grand opening next fall. The non-profit Grace Farms Foundation developed Grace Farms as an open public park for the local community, whereas the SANAA-designed building will be used for various community programs and recreation.

After an international search, the Foundation selected SANAA in 2010 to design the structure -- not long before the firm won the 2010 Pritzker Prize. SANAA then revealed their design of the River in 2012.

Reminiscent of SANAA's 2009 Serpentine Pavilion, the River building evidently gets its name from the way it meanders through the park's greenery. The 86,000 sq.ft structure is made of glass, concrete, steel, and wood, and is essentially connected by a single roof that appears to float approximately 10-14 feet above the ground. From an aerial view, the roof's water-like appearance allows the project to blend in with the surrounding landscape, which SANAA designed in collaboration with OLIN.

As the structure "flows" down a slight slope, its enclosed pond-shaped spaces include plenty of room for: a 700-seat amphitheatre; a 3,300 sq.ft  library; a 6,900 sq.ft. dining room and living room (with capacity for 300); a 950 sq.ft welcome center; and a 7,500 sq.ft. gymnasium/multi-purpose space for recreational activities and performances. These spaces are connected by more than 28,000 sq.ft of covered exterior walkways.

These walkways and most of the structure's walls are transparent so visitors inside are still surrounded by the outdoor landscape. Select non-profit groups can access these spaces to host functions, while the general public can enjoy the River's gardens, playgrounds, trails, and athletic fields.

And of course, the project includes nature-conscious extras. The trees cleared for the River's construction will be milled on-site to be repurposed into furniture for Grace Farm, while 70% of the mowed areas will be returned to natural meadows by Larry Weaner Landscape Associates.

Check out a few recent construction photos below:

More photos can be found in the gallery below.