Uncommon Care, based in Austin, Texas, created a residential-style atmosphere in its standalone memory care residence Bader House in San Antonio, a community designed to care for 24 residents.
Together, Uncommon Care and interior design firm StudioSix5 selected a bolder color palette than what is typically used in Uncommon Care’s communities, but still created a calming, relaxing feeling for residents with the warmth of home.
Space functionality for the residents and staff was also a high priority, and both users were considered as the team created distinctive features for the community. For example, the kitchen features a custom-built window area with furniture strategically arranged so that residents can gather to watch the dining team prepare meals. For safety, it was designed so that residents cannot access the kitchen but are able to sit and talk with the staff as they watch their meals being prepared. Research has shown that seeing familiar cooking tasks, along with the smells and engagement in activity like this provides, positively impacts those with memory impairment. Food-themed décor and display shelving was also used to add other homelike touches to the kitchen.
The wall and floor coverings were also carefully considered, as they play an important part in visual cues for those with memory impairment, who often see dark areas on flooring as holes. StudioSix5 was able to limit that perception by creating a custom flooring design plan that defined areas within the community without creating any visual disruptions. Staff doors to secure areas were also concealed by painting the doors the same color as the adjacent walls.
Local art was sourced to provide recognizable imagery and landmarks for residents to identify with as they move around the community.
Completion date: August 2015
Owner/operator: Uncommon Care
Architect: Will Davies
Interior design: StudioSix5
Photography: Will van Overbeek
Total building area: 11,100 square feet
Total construction cost: $2.4 million
