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Project Data:
- Resident Wing Addition
- 92 Beds
- 29,000 SF
- Therapy Addition
- Kitchen Renovation
- Laundry Renovation
Project Description:
A 92 Bed Addition to an existing 120 Bed Skilled Nursing Facility in the City of Sonora, CA. The project successfully addressed a challenging site and created a seamless transition between the existing and new. In addition to the 92-bed addition, the kitchen and laundry are also remodeled and a therapy addition added to accommodate and support the new beds. With an owner, architect, contractor team that understands the amazing things one can accomplish with open communication and sincere teamwork, construction was completed from start to finish in less than one year! Stay tune for new photos of the completed facility.
I’m just curious. After having my grandmother and then my mom spend their last years in a nursing home facility I have some questions about current designs. My grandmother was in an old facility that had large windows that opened onto a canyon and a view of the valley and freeway below. The windows were large and designed to open and let in fresh air. It was a frugally decorated place but spotlessly clean and charming with pleasant staff. When the weather permitted the residents sat outside on a large patio overlooking a canyon with a view of all the activity below; freeway, school playground, park and neighborhoods. I heard often about the activity and what went on from accidents on the freeway to a fire in the canyon and so on when I called to talk to my grandmother. She was engaged in life if not the people that were beyond communication who shared her room. 50 years later I had to put my mother in a nursing home. It was beautifully decorated. All rooms opened to a hallway and had a patio door that led to a patio in the center of the building. If you could manage to get outside the facility you faced a concrete block wall that hid the shopping center beyond, they planted a rose bush arbor in front of wall. It was such a struggle to keep my mom engaged with life and this facility did not help. For a woman who had always loved walking in the park and being out amongst life and nature this was a horrid place. I don’t care if they enclose these nursing homes for safety sake someone needs to realize that safety also means mental health and facilities need to be designed and situated so seniors can see as much life, nature, and activity going on around them.
The design of healthcare buildings is definitely an important factor when it comes to the comfort of the residents. In our designs we incorporate as much nature and open air as we can in order to create an environment that is comfortable and natural. One of the ways we do this is designing with large windows, open air atria, room for plant life and foliage, and to take advantage of any natural views and scenery possible. Check out our Design Philosophy page for more details of what we like to incorporate into our buildings and designs and our Skilled Nursing Completed Projects to see what we have been able to accomplish!