Environments for Aging - Spring 2022 - 55

DESIGN SHOWCASE
AMENITY SPACE
Matthews Glen Matthews, N.C.
Submitted by: THW Design Atlanta
Matthews Glen has a longstanding history of
serving its community well. The internal layout
of its existing clubhouse reflected the time it
was built, including a series of separated spaces
connected by a circulation path. The design
was not conducive to creating a social and active
environment for its residents and staff, and
needed transforming.
The project's scope was to modify and expand
the existing lobby, atrium, dining, library, sundry,
mailroom, and meeting/activity functions, and
add a new chapel that would directly connect
to and expand into the existing multi-purpose
space to make this building the community's
true hub for social interaction.
BEFORE
PROJECT CATEGORY:
New construction and remodel/
renovation
CHIEF ADMINISTRATOR:
Patrick Picciocchi, executive
director
FIRM:
THW Design, thw.com
DESIGN TEAM:
Jim Hudgins, Jr., president
and principal-in-charge; José
Montalvo, senior associate
and senior project manager;
Andrew Beasley, project level
professional; Beth Green,
senior interior designer
PHOTOGRAPHY:
Richard Boyd, Boyd Pearman
Photography
NUMBER/TYPE OF HOUSING UNITS:
640 independent living; 60
assisted living, 90 skilled nursing
TOTAL BUILDING AREA (SQ. FT.):
1,769 (new);
16,339 (renovation)
CONSTRUCTION COST/SQ. FT.:
Not available
TOTAL CONSTRUCTION COST
(EXCLUDING LAND):
Not available
COMPLETED:
April 2020
The biggest challenge was to update the
clubhouse's aging interiors to create a cohesive,
flowing space incorporating the lobby, lounge,
sundry, mailroom, bistro, and library into a dynamic
gathering spot, and transform the existing
auditorium/chapel into a multipurpose space,
complete with an expansion and doubling the
size and function of the space.
THW's team saw this as an opportunity to
transform compartmentalized spaces into an
open and organically flowing environment by
opening the constricted passage between the
lobby and the skylit Atrium space, maximizing
natural light, and creating physical and visual
connections from the moment of entry. All spaces
were developed to open to each other and be
easily accessible, creating synergy and social
confluence. The traffic patterns were modified to
support ease of transition and access between
functions. All design decisions were made to
create opportunities for the residents and staff
to socially connect and strengthen the sense
of community, all the while dealing with the
challenges presented by the existing building
systems and the owner's budget.
One of the principal components of this transformation
was converting the existing cafeteria
into a state-of-the-art bistro. This new venue
includes a free-flowing design, ample circulation,
multiple action stations, and a central service
island. Residents are able to freely circulate
from station to station to view the daily offerings
and request custom selections from an
expanded menu.
supplement to environments for aging | 55
http://www.thw.com
Environments for Aging - Spring 2022

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