Marian’s House, created by Jewish Senior Life in Rochester, N.Y., is part of a continuum of community-based services focused on providing seniors with memory impairment a break from their day-to-day while also offering an environment that encourages personal comfort and routine. The design team of Perkins Eastman, led by Principal David Hoglund, designed the house with an open layout that includes a large kitchen and dining area, family room, natural light exposure from all sides, a separate enclosed sunroom, and a fenced-in yard. The goal is to provide visitors with the warmth and familiarity of home while engaging them in either one-on-one or group activities. Marian’s House can accommodate 12 guests at a time with early to mid-stage Alzheimer’s and currently maintains a list of 30 regular participants.
Guests at Marian’s House drop by for meals, recreation, and various social activities. Family caregivers receive support and training, along with the option of respite stays for the participant. An on-site guest house and caregiver’s apartment is unique to this model, allowing family members to remain close by while spending time with loved ones. These supplements, combined with the home’s layout, are all in place to emphasize quality of life and a continuum of care for those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia-related illness.
Marian’s House looks similar to neighboring homes in the area and offers a contemporary setting for guests. This updated version of the single family, ranch-style house was designed to fulfill what people want in a retreat: attractive amenities combined with the comforts of home. The interior’s openness allows for easy observation by staff and volunteers; screened entrances and exits and other design features allow guests to master the environment. This layout also allows for flexibility—activity and dining areas can be adjusted to accommodate groups of varying sizes that use the home for caregiver training and support group meetings.
The structure’s exterior envelope is insulated above code-required levels thanks to the use of low-e glazed insulated windows; energy-efficient lighting; and the use of a high-efficiency furnace, air conditioner, and water heater to reduce energy use. Large windows with high visible light transmission allow significant daylight penetration, reducing the need for artificial lighting during primary usage times of the house. Low-emitting paints and finish materials were used throughout the space to provide a healthy indoor environment. Deep overhangs reduce unwanted solar gain in the summer months, and rain gardens were installed to reduce stormwater run-off.
