Middlebury Natural Foods Co-op

Summary

Founded in 1976, the Middlebury Natural Foods Co-op had been operating out of a small, crowded storefront in downtown Middlebury since 1985. To accommodate its growing needs, the Co-op selected Bread Loaf to design and construct a significantly larger facility on a nearby but spatially limited site.

Bread Loaf’s design thoughtfully doubles the Co-op’s size while introducing a welcoming new plaza that serves as both a public courtyard and an inviting entryway. This outdoor space encourages dining, fosters community gathering, and hosts Co-op-sponsored events.

Inside, the new store features a spacious, open-plan layout that enhances functionality without sacrificing the intimate, small-scale feel that longtime customers cherish. The building’s design also respects and complements the historic scale and character of Middlebury’s downtown district.

Green Building/Sustainable Design

Redevelopment of downtown site
Removal of hazardous materials and reclamation of site
Deconstruction of existing buildings – major building components such as windows, doors and other salvaged materials were recycled for reuse
Demolition waste management plan - demolition waste was diverted from landfill
Tight, well-insulated building envelope
Daylighting provided by skylights
Energy efficient lighting
Use of low-emitting interior finishes
Overall building energy efficiency
Water conserving plumbing fixtures

Awards

Better Buildings By Design

Excellence in Comprehensive Building Design
Honorable Mention
Efficiency Vermont

Vermont Public Spaces Merit Award

American Society of Landscape Architects,
Vermont Planners Association,
American Institute of Architects and
American Society of Civil Engineers