Cornerstone at Milford is a 65,000-square-foot, two-story assisted living and residential Alzheimer’s unit in Milford, Mass. Sited on a former apple farm and stand, the project was developed by Steve Paquette, SPL Development Group (Amherst, N.H.). An apple weathervane sits atop the cupola of the main dining room reminding residents and the Milford community of the site’s history.
The residence is designed, furnished, and decorated to emphasize family and comfort. Architecture firm Udelsman Associates (Hollis, N.H.) collaborated with the interior design team at Currier and Associates (Newburyport, Mass.) to achieve those goals. The Craftsman-style structure includes the generous use of natural wood, exposed rafters, stone, and attention to architectural detail. The interior’s transitional design style, a first for Cornerstone, aims to balance simplicity and sophistication. The furniture blends curves and lines to complement architectural features and accents of bright color bring together the contemporary look.
Housing 65 apartments, the assisted living residence wings enclose the southerly exterior spaces against a tree line, offering residents a protected and peaceful outdoor environment. Another 20 apartments in the Alzheimer’s wing are organized around a central outdoor courtyard that allows natural light into the corridors and common spaces, and offers open access to residents, as well. Flexible and varied spaces within the Alzheimer’s neighborhood enable an array of daily activities. The building’s exterior details include a deep wrap-around front porch, screened-in exterior decks, shaded sitting areas, and a central gazebo.
Visitors at the front entrance and reception desk are greeted by a fireplace and sitting area. Residents have access to a library, café, piano lounge, exercise room, arts studio, and main dining room. Staff efficiencies were carefully managed by centering the kitchen and service spaces directly between two dining areas. Resident rooms are designed with a focus on continued accessibility while maintaining their homelike character. Generous bathrooms allow for plenty of storage of personal items and are wheelchair-friendly. Cabinetry below sinks and cooktops in the kitchenettes can be quickly converted for wheelchair access, as well. Upper cabinets are kept low to be within reach ranges.
Energy conservation efforts were key in the early design process. Code requirements for the envelope were exceeded through the use of closed cell spray foam insulation and low-e glazing. A variable refrigerant flow system was selected for heating and cooling because of the exceptionally quiet operation of the equipment and the significant energy savings that would be realized over other options. Further contributions to the building’s energy savings include energy-efficient lighting, occupancy sensors, and natural light.
