American Structurepoint received a third-place award in the competition’s Renovation/Reposition (Building) Category, recognizing the team for innovation and cutting-edge design in senior living. The firm’s architects, interior designers, and structural engineers collaborated with Westminster Village to renovate a wing of an existing independent living facility. The renovation included upgrades to the social center, front lobby, seating/bistro area, pub, dining room, and a community room. In addition, a new memory care unit featuring 14 living suites was added, and 17 independent living apartments were converted into 21 assisted living apartments.
For the assisted living area, the design team created a centralized common space that includes a living room with soft seating, a residential-style kitchen with counter seating, and a dining room that also serves as an activity space.
The lighting systems in every memory care resident space are controlled by automated lighting systems that change color and temperature, following the sun’s natural progression during the day. These systems assist in combatting sundowning in residents dealing with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related conditions. Sundowning is the name for a group of behaviors, feelings and thoughts people can experience as the sun sets. Sundowning behaviors can include confusion, anxiety, and aggression. The memory care unit also includes a sensory room containing familiar, everyday objects offering multiple forms of stimulation to help residents stay calm in a stress-free environment.
“American Structurepoint is honored to be recognized for delivering innovative senior-living design solutions for Westminster Village,” said Brandon Hoopingarner, American Structurepoint design director and principal. “Our architecture team strives to design spaces that help seniors to live active lives with dignity.”.
