The Seneca of Rockville Location: Rockville, Md.
Provider: Watermark Retirement Communities/Silverstone Senior Living Architect: Perkins Eastman Interior Design: Thoma-Holec Design
BIOPHILIC REFERENCES: THE SLEEK LOBBY HAS VIEWS OF THE OUTDOORS ECHOED BY A “TREE” SCULPTURE ABOVE THE MODERN FIREPLACE.
B
ringing residents and family mem- bers closer to nature inspired the design for the Seneca of Rockville. Located near Washington, D.C.,
the Seneca offers 87 assisted living and 30 memory care units. The Bridge program is available for those who aren’t quite ready for memory care but need support that goes beyond traditional assisted living. To reflect the outdoors and natural beauty of the area, the community’s design incorporates biophilic elements. A “tree” sculpture in the main lobby, for example, reflects the natural surroundings and echoes the wooded landscape seen from the floor- to-ceiling windows. “The Seneca is a place of balance, harmony and peace between outdoor and indoor living,” said Luann Thoma-Holec, principal owner, Thoma- Holec Design. The interior design sets the backdrop for a calm and serene experience. Colors and materials found in nature have been careful-
ly curated to create an interior environment that brings the outdoors inside. Warm, rich woods and pops of jewel tones heighten the connection to nature while adding visu- al interest. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the common areas open the outside world to residents. The art, furniture, finishes and surround-
ing nature help to captivate the resident’s in- terest. The environment is not only welcom- ing to residents but also to visiting families. The unique L-shaped building design in-
cludes a robust garden and patio with land- scaped verandas, generous outdoor seating, and an expansive courtyard –perfect for outdoor dining and gathering. The building also offers advanced safety
features such as enhanced HVAC systems, upgraded air filtration, and touchless tech- nology. The Seneca has LEED Silver certi- fication for green building practices. The building’s layout contributes to the community’s vibrant culture. Amenity
spaces are primarily located on the first floor, designed to be a hub for residents to congregate and socialize. Designed with accessibility in mind, residents can easily move from the fitness center to the game room and then over to the lounge to meet with friends. The design also created small- er dining and gathering areas, giving resi- dents the benefit of having more privacy and intimate settings. The person-centered approach of the
operator, Watermark, drove many of the design decisions. Open staff areas on each floor as well as the smaller areas for din- ing and centralized amenities enable func- tionality and empower organic human connections. Senior Living by Design judge Tod Petty
commented, “The strategic vision and goals were successfully maintained to create a comfortable, functional space. The aesthet- ics were beautifully implemented through texture, color and natural materials.”
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