Beyond Organic: A Futuristic Farm for Crestavilla

Construction has begun on Crestavilla, a 201-unit senior living complex in Laguna Niguel. Designed with the notion of “Cruise Ship Living,” the luxurious project will provide numerous amenities and activities for active seniors. One of the highlights of the amenities will be the rooftop produce garden.

Erik Cuttner, Managing Director of Alegria Farms, is the consultant for the gardening program and will continue as the manager and instructor. We visited his experimental farm at Irvine’s Great Park (adjacent to the Farmers’ Market) for an eye opening experience on the future of farming. On his half-acre demonstration farm, we saw numerous methods for growing the most nutritious food with minimal water, utilizing supersoil that Erik makes from compost and coconut fiber. The farm demonstrates abundant growth and production of the most flavorful salad greens and vegetables from tiny amounts of soil. Erik’s background in biochemistry and oncology and his passionate interest in haute cuisine have led him to develop hydroponic vertical farming and supersoil techniques. As we followed him through the farm, he pulled leaves off of different plants and described, like a wine connoisseur, various flavor notes and undertone taste with an infectious enthusiasm. He tried to get a “Certified Organic” label for his produce, but it doesn’t meet the outdated requirements since his work is truly cutting edge. Erik calls his farming methods “Beyond Organic” as a more appropriate moniker. The Tender Greens restaurant at Irvine Spectrum serves his produce from the Alegria Farms and displays photos of Erik and the farm.

In managing senior housing facilities, one of the most important challenges is to devise ways to energize the residents; keeping the body and mind active and encouraging personal interactions. It can be difficult to get the residents outdoors for exercise and sun exposure. The Crestavilla garden will work towards these goals while also providing fresh herbs and produce for use in the rooftop kitchen and the main kitchen. The garden is designed to be within easy reach of the residents, even from a wheelchair. Additional rooftop amenities include: a greenhouse with a separate climate-controlled orchid room, an art studio for painting and pottery, an indoor lounge and outdoor ocean view terrace. Alegria Farms will provide oversight to nurture both the farm and the residents to create the most healthful of environments.

Special thanks to Colleen Bathgate.