Our architecture firm was selected to design a new 4,000-square-foot chef-driven market located in the heart of North Asheville. This unique project blends community-focused food retail with sustainable building practices, high-performance design, and a deep respect for the site’s architectural history.
The market was conceived as a culinary destination—part local food hub, part education space—featuring a retail area, production kitchen, and a fully equipped cooking classroom. The classroom serves as the heart of the market and was designed as an homage to the original brick structure that once occupied the site. Architectural detailing, material selections, and layout elements draw inspiration from the demolished building, maintaining a strong connection to the neighborhood’s past while offering a modern, forward-thinking space.
A core focus of the design was energy efficiency and sustainability. The building utilizes a high-efficiency thermal envelope, designed to minimize heat loss and reduce energy consumption year-round. The envelope is supported by a ventilated rainscreen cladding system, which provides both moisture control and long-term durability—ideal for Asheville’s varying climate.
The building orientation and fenestration were carefully planned to take advantage of passive solar heating and natural daylighting, reducing reliance on mechanical systems and creating a more comfortable indoor environment. South-facing glazing allows winter sun to warm interior spaces, while properly sized overhangs mitigate summer heat gain.
Interior spaces were designed for flexibility, transparency, and connection—qualities that reflect the chef-owner’s mission to bring people together around food. Durable finishes, open ceilings, and natural materials create a warm, inviting environment for both everyday customers and classroom participants.
This project highlights our firm’s capabilities in sustainable commercial architecture, culinary-focused design, and context-sensitive new construction. By combining cutting-edge building technologies with thoughtful design, we created a space that serves both the environment and the community.
