Founded in 1893, the Limoneira Company is a pioneer in the California agricultural industry, with trademarks that include Sunkist Growers, Fruit Growers Supply and Diamond Walnut. Interactive Resources, Inc. provided architectural and structural engineering services for the Limoneira LEED Gold Visitor Center and Solar Farm situated on a 5-1/2 acre lemon orchard in Ventura County, California. The visitor center and solar array is a showcase of Limoneira’s award-winning commitment to sustainability.

In keeping with the company’s commitment to the environment, Interactive Resources, Inc. incorporated numerous sustainable design elements including: a green roof (both a “cool” roof and a “green” planted roof), drought-tolerant landscaping, onsite disposal of both storm water and sanitary sewage, pervious concrete paving, daylighting, operable windows, low water use plumbing fixtures, energy-efficient lighting and recycled materials. The solar array was the first such project to use California native plants as a vegetative understory, keeping the site cooler than the typical gravel substrate used for many arrays, and is grazed and maintained by miniature sheep. The building that shelters the inverters and other electrical equipment includes an office for viewing monitors, a restroom and a viewing deck.