When it comes to designing senior living facilities, it’s personal for American Structurepoint Architect Tim Wise. He set out to design an award-winning facility with one thought in mind: dad. After recently placing his father in a nursing facility, he toured enough facilities to know what he liked and most importantly, what he didn’t like. For him, it was all about creating a culture that empowered residents to get out of their rooms and into living.

“My goal was to create an environment that promoted social interaction and healing. I would ask myself, is this somewhere that I would send my own father?” said Wise.

Wise and his team at American Structurepoint worked with the owner and developer, Indiana-based Mainstreet Property Group, to develop their vision of Wellbrooke of Westfield. Mainstreet was looking for an innovative approach to a health and wellness center. The result was a hospitality-inspired design with an urban lodge atmosphere and a sophisticated flare. American Structurepoint worked closely with Direct Supply® Aptura®, the owner’s interior design consultant, on innovative design and furnishing concepts.

The project caught the eye of Senior Housing News, who selected Wellbrooke of Westfield as the winner of the Design and Architecture Award for the country’s best “New Skilled Nursing” center. The facility competed against more than 70 communities across the nation. This was Senior Housing News’ first-ever competition recognizing innovation and cutting edge design in senior living construction and renovation.

“We are thrilled that this project was recognized by Senior Housing News,” said Rob Bray, project manager at American Structurepoint. “The design of Wellbrooke of Westfield represents a point in time where the focus of the health care industry has merged with service and hospitality. Our goal as a collective team of industry leaders was to create evolutionary facilities to seamlessly provide health and wellness services while not sacrificing a high-level of care and design aesthetic, which both the owner and operator strive to create and foster.”

The design helps to create spaces that engage all the senses. This includes the large amount of natural light streaming into the facility, the variety of textures on the interior and exterior surfaces, and contrasting colors of surfaces meant to help guide people who are visually impaired between spaces. The team created a hotel experience, bringing interactive spaces into central locations, such as the café, pub and dining facilities that rival restaurant service and decor. They selected stained wood for the interiors. This is not a dry or dull medical space; rather, it’s a resort experience.

“The hotel-like amenities create a sense of place for residents as well as nurture opportunities for social interaction and healing. We are excited to see this facility meet or exceed the design intent for years to come,” said Wise.

For additional information, contact Rob Bray at 317.547.5580.