Architecture
Interior Design
- Type
Atria McCandless
McCandless, PA
Located 20 miles north of Pittsburg, this new four-story, 174,000 square foot community offers a comprehensive continuum of care with a mix of 80 independent, 60 assisted living and 32 memory care units. Set back from the main thoroughfare on a plateau adjacent to a wooded hillside, the architectural styling honors the area’s industrial past with exposed structural steel accents, cement board paneling and siding, brick masonry, and cedar wood details. A series of architectural three-story colored frames disperse the overall massing into discrete facade elements that include oversized resident windows and dedicated inset balconies.
The design is anchored around two large interior courtyards. Common areas for both independent/assisted living and memory care residents are centered on these large outdoor amenity spaces, which loosely take the form of a looping figure eight. Upon entry, the light-filled lounge and grab-and-go café imbue a boutique-like environment. A contemporary open concept layout activates the amenity spaces with double height vistas to the interior courtyard. The great room’s oversized storefront glass wall provides residents and family members with a remarkable light-filled space to socialize and connect – supporting a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Resident mobility is encouraged through the use of a unified aesthetic with customized millwork and a rich palette of blue and copper hues throughout. Innovative programmatic design solutions allow for shared independent and assisted living amenity spaces, including a fitness center and pool, theater, salon, library, game room, and wellness center. Several dining venues offer both formal and bistro-style options with various seating areas. Outdoor spaces are complete with terraces for bocce, putting, barbeque, sunning, and private at-grade patios.
The memory care wing is designed to minimize overstimulation with a calming blue and orange palette, natural light, and views of the secure outdoor walking trail. There are four memory care neighborhoods with a looping circulation around a central courtyard, which include the resident lounge, dining room, and sunroom. The layout is carefully arranged to provide natural wayfinding to mitigate unnecessary stress and create a positive, fulfilled experience for residents.
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