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
Related Stories
MFPRO+ News | Apr 12, 2024
Greystar becomes top apartment owner, manager, and developer in 2024
One firm set records for this year’s National Multifamily Housing Council Top 50 roundup of multifamily firms. Greystar now sits at number one in the NMHC’s lists for top apartment owner, manager, and developer in 2024.
Student Housing | Apr 12, 2024
Construction begins on Auburn University’s new first-year residence hall
The new first-year residence hall along Auburn University's Haley Concourse.
MFPRO+ News | Apr 10, 2024
5 key design trends shaping tomorrow’s rental apartments
The multifamily landscape is ever-evolving as changing demographics, health concerns, and work patterns shape what tenants are looking for in their next home.
Architects | Apr 2, 2024
AE Works announces strategic acquisition of WTW Architects
AE Works, an award-winning building design and consulting firm is excited to announce that WTW Architects, a national leader in higher education design, has joined the firm.
Standards | Apr 1, 2024
New technical bulletin covers window opening control devices
A new technical bulletin clarifies the definition of a window opening control device (WOCD) to promote greater understanding of the role of WOCDs and provide an understanding of a WOCD’s function.
Student Housing | Mar 27, 2024
March student housing preleasing in line with last year
Preleasing is still increasing at a historically fast pace, surpassing 61% in February 2024 and marking a 4.5% increase year-over-year.
MFPRO+ Research | Feb 28, 2024
New download: BD+C's 2023 Multifamily Amenities report
New research from Building Design+Construction and Multifamily Pro+ highlights the 127 top amenities that developers, property owners, architects, contractors, and builders are providing in today’s apartment, condominium, student housing, and senior living communities.
Student Housing | Feb 28, 2024
Mary Cook Associates completes interiors for luxury student housing community
Chicago-based interior design firm Mary Cook Associates announced it has completed the interiors of Lapis, a new 1,086-bed off-campus luxury student housing community near Florida International University.
Student Housing | Feb 21, 2024
Student housing preleasing continues to grow at record pace
Student housing preleasing continues to be robust even as rent growth has decelerated, according to the latest Yardi Matrix National Student Housing Report.
