A new, two-building, 27-story senior living community in Tysons, Va., emphasizes wellness and biophilic design elements. The Mather, a luxury community for adults aged 62 and older, is situated on a small site surrounded by high-rises.
Architecture firm SCB, headquartered in Chicago, led the project team for developer Mather: Bowman Consulting Group, Affiliated Engineers, and the Whiting-Turner Contracting Co.
Due to the tight site, wellness amenity spaces, including a hydroponic garden, salt therapy room, and infrared saunas, took precedence over typical senior living amenity spaces.
The buildings were designed to create light-filled interiors. The axes of the buildings were turned 45 degrees to the street grid and 90 degrees to each other, enhancing privacy and views.
COLOR PALETTE INTEGRATES BIOPHILIC DESIGN
The interiors are a juxtaposition of curves and straight lines, reflective glass and light-absorbing stone, soothing blue greens and energetic citrine and fuchsia, warm champagne and cool chrome metals. These juxtapositions bring energy and vitality, with the color palette integrating biophilic design through representation of elements of nature.
Spaces maximize natural light and invite interaction with the outdoors, whether practicing yoga on the terrace, enjoying al fresco dining, or relaxing in the saltwater pool. Living units feature open floor plans with large windows that maximize natural light, and natural stone and wood interior materials.
'NATURE IMMERSION' IN OUTDOOR PARK
A three-acre park offers connection to the outdoors, enhanced by nature immersion programs, such as Shinrin yoku (or nature bathing) and Qigong (movement providing a calming effect and a boost to one’s immune system) that is optimized when performed in nature.
The property also hosts an on-site beekeeping program and a curated collection of art, sculptures, and accessories intended to welcome people of all nationalities and cultures.
BUILDING TEAM: THE MATHER
Owner/developer: Mather
Design Architect, AOR: SCB
MEP Engineer: Affiliated Engineers Inc. (AEI)
Structural Engineer: Bowman Consulting Group, Ltd.
General contractor/Construction manager: The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company
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