The Section 27 Master Plan is the result of working intimately with the fourth and fifth generation inhabiting this place to envision a future for their family farm in the midwest, that respects family history while setting a path forward that is ecologically beneficial, joyous, and financially sustainable. A collaboration between El Dorado and Merritt Chase from the start, this vision plan sets the stage for phased implementation. After getting to know the family, their history, and the farm, the first step was to establish an ecological framework that included stormwater management, ecosystem restoration and plans for the proliferation of habitat. It also included taking stock of service infrastructure (water supply, waste, power, communications connectivity). The client originally approached the architect to assist simply in expanding the family home and renovating the granary and outbuildings. Rather than jumping in as requested, the benefits of zooming out to look ahead became immediately apparent to all. The second step focused on architectural assets – the main house, the granary and outbuildings. A series of conceptual studies for all structures, designed in parallel with landscape studies allowed a holistic sense of the future farm to unfold. While a more complex challenge than the original request, the effort of land stewardship is now properly positioned as the guiding concept for the work.