Case Study | Koolfog Outdoor Misting System for Riverside Landmark

Summary:
The Farm House Collective, launched in early 2025, is a restored landmark motel campus that has repurposed the former property structures as contemporary dining and shopping retail venues. The property has been, further, designed as a community destination catering to local gatherings, social events, musical entertainment and more. The landscape of the area features raised decks for outdoor dining, shade trellises, water features, a canopy of garden lights, picnic tables and a plein air stage. Amenities include an outdoor gaming area, multiple televisions for sports viewing, a beer garden, and seasonal décor. Koolfog artfully crafted a site-wide misting system for outdoor cooling, joining project owners Stronghold Engineering as well as SMS Architects and landscape architects Wilson Davis Associates to bring their vision to life.

Preserving California History With Revitalization Efforts
Celebrating the golden age of West Coast road-trip culture, California’s mid-century motels offered care-free, roadside lodging across the state with pop-culture design and a sense of Americana. In recent years, California has witnessed a remarkable resurgence in the repurposing of mid-century motel spots and preserving their landmark status as witness to the growth of the state’s rich agricultural legacy. From retro motor lodges transformed into farm-to-table restaurants to vintage motels converted into boutique hotels surrounded by working farms, these reimagined spaces offer visitors immersive experiences. Through innovative design, culinary experiences, and community engagement, these revitalized mid-century motels celebrate the intersection of past and present, weaving together stories of nostalgia, sustainability, and the enduring spirit of the Golden State. Farm House Collective showcases the best of California’s mid-century motel history by modernizing this multi-use space while preserving its roots. Having achieved historical designation, the journey to ready what is Farm House Collective for guests involved maintaining the integrity of the original buildings while tackling necessary structural updates, including upgrading the foundation, shear walls, new shear panels, columns, beams, and a new roof.

“This system has been a lifesaver in the heat. We have felt an immediate relief. We really like the evenly distributed high pressure that is provided to all four branches of the system. In cooler weather, the misters completely block all visibility down the center of the Farm House. Very Kool!” – Tony Gomez, Superintendent, Farm House Collective

Koolfog Contribution:  Outdoor Misting, Evaporative Cooling
Selected for its durability and aesthetics, Koolfog was chartered to design and manufacture a site-wide misting system to provide outdoor cooling to offset the City of Riverside’s hot, dry climate. Covering multiple areas, the mist system lines the properties’ promenade area (a type of courtyard walkway between two buildings) as well as the amphitheater hub. Collaborating with key project team members, the misting system was designed remotely with its components shipped to the client site for local installation.

Because the Koolfog team would not be on site during installation, it was essential that all project details be clearly conveyed in advance. The comprehensive documentation provided—standard with Koolfog systems delivered worldwide—equipped the installation contractor and client with everything needed for a seamless and successful implementation. Clear communication and timely support addressed any questions regarding installation specifics, concealing supply lines, and integrating the temperature sensor. This thorough, proactive approach ensured the system was installed efficiently and accurately, maintaining both the intended aesthetic and performance.

Koolfog Technical Details
The Atacama Standard Series pump was selected for this project for its ability to handle the higher flow rate demanded by the site while delivering the rock-solid reliability that Koolfog systems are known for. Built for performance and endurance, the Atacama’s precision engineering ensures smooth, consistent pressure even across large or complex installations. Its proven dependability and low-maintenance design made it the perfect choice to keep the system running flawlessly—day after day—while preserving the seamless, high-quality experience expected from a Koolfog installation.

To enhance efficiency and user comfort, a temperature and humidity sensor was added to the system. This allowed the client to automatically trigger misting based on real-time environmental conditions—activating only when the heat rose to a set level during operational hours. The result was a responsive, energy-conscious solution that kept guests comfortable without unnecessary run time.

Challenge
Following installation, the client’s in-house maintenance team took ownership of ongoing adjustments and standard service routines, including oil and filter changes for the pump system. During their post-installation review, the team identified a few locations where mist nozzles were aimed toward nearby architectural elements—areas where mist could collide and condense. To optimize system performance and aesthetics, they simply installed nozzle plugs in those positions, effectively eliminating minor drip points and maintaining a clean, consistent mist effect across the site.

Because the region’s water supply is moderately hard, the maintenance staff also monitors nozzle performance as part of their regular service schedule. Over time, mineral buildup can affect misting efficiency, so nozzles are inspected and replaced as needed to preserve system performance and ensure the long-term reliability expected from a Koolfog installation.