See Video about the Swing Pavilion Project

The William and Mary Swing Hospitality Pavilion:

This dynamic meeting space provides a place for formal or informal meetings, performing arts, dancing, educational events and much more.  The 4,000 square foot meeting hall has a 1,500 square foot main floor, a stage area, sound and projection equipment, 2 raised galleries and window seat areas for small group meetings, abundant natural light, spectacular views, and a full kitchen.  Up to 125 people may be seated at tables for conferences.

The porch and patio adjacent to the building provide inviting outdoor seating and informal meeting space.  There is plentiful parking within walking distance of the building.  All meeting facilities at The Bishop’s Ranch are wheelchair accessible.

Project Design:

The plan was to create a building that inspires and delights, in the belief that the wellbeing that results from working and playing there will inspire creativity and renewal for the groups and individuals that use the Ranch.

“Green” planning went into every aspect of the new building project.  In June 2005, the Ranch Board of Directors passed a resolution calling for the pavilion project to incorporate energy efficiency, and renewable building materials such as straw bales and photo-voltaic solar panes to generate electricity.  The goals were to construct a building that is easy on the environment. inexpensive to operate, and comfortable for the participants.  The exterior is in harmony with Ranch esthetics.

• Thick, super insulated walls of plastered straw bales.
• Earthen plaster was mixed from Bishop’s Ranch soil sifted by volunteers.
• Solar panels to generate electricity
• Super insulated roof using recycled cellulose
• Concrete foundation has fly ash (a coal plant waste product) added which reduces the amount of cement needed, saving energy.
• Low energy underfloor ventilation system.  An efficient ventilation system will take advantage of the local Mediterranean climate of warm, dry summers to provide cooling with less energy expenditure.
• Natural lighting.  A goal of the building design was to maximize the periods where natural light prevailed inside the room.  The creativity which enhances the planning activities, performing arts, worship and learning fostered at the Ranch are best served in an atmosphere of natural light.

Completed in 2008, the William and Mary Swing Hospitality Pavilion Project was the realization of much hard work and many generous souls.  It honors the gracious example of Christ-centered hospitality set by the Rt. Rev. William E. Swing and Mary Taylor Swing during 25 years of episcopal ministry in the Diocese of California.  The $4 million project included the Pavilion building, the patio linking the Pavilion and the Refectory, the relocation of the main driveway, and additional parking.  Well over 1,300 individuals, organizations and parishes gave talent, time and treasure to make this project possible. Many thanks to all of you who have made this long-time dream a reality.  The renewal experienced by individuals and communities in the shelter of this pavilion, over generations, will be an inspiring legacy. The refreshment of spirit, mind and body that occurs is the embodiment of the Ranch mission.