North Andover, MA – DSA|Dewing & Schmid Architects, Inc. is completing the firm’s first commission in the senior housing sector. DSA was selected by owner Edgewood Retirement Community, Inc.
of North Andover because of the firm’s deep experience and fluency in the luxury residential market and, somewhat surprisingly, their lack of familiarity with senior housing.
DSA brings a fresh and unbiased perspective to senior living that produced a warm and inviting atmosphere in which 24 strategically-sited and thoughtfully-scaled cottages create an intimate village.
Nestled into a hill side site and characterized by pure forms, understated detailing and a simple monochromatic palette, the cottages are inspired by Hancock Shaker Village.
The village acknowledges its site, Stevens Farm, by restoring two historic barns on the property and by clustering the houses, a move that conserves over 200 acres of the 300-acre farm in a land trust.
Located adjacent to Edgewood Retirement Community’s existing full service healthcare facility, the cottages are designed to allow residents to age-in-place, while providing them with the convenience and
peace of mind of access to the assisted living community. Ranging from 1,750 to 2,450sf, each cottage incorporates universal design features that anticipate declining mobility, dexterity, and visual acuity. Life Care Services is the operator of the community.
Wide doorways, flush thresholds, and curbless showers allow for easy walker or wheel chair access. Lever door handles and easy to grasp pocket doors are thoughtful responses to arthritic hands.
Energy Star Certified, the houses have highly efficient building envelopes that substantially reduce heating and cooling loads, allowing for smaller and more efficient HVAC systems, and they are clad in
fiber-cement board, a low maintenance alternative to traditional cedar clapboards.
The Contruction Manager was Windover Construction.
