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Development of a Model for Senior Living that is Accessible, Affordable, and Dignified

Stillbrook Accessible Living Retirement Residences / Prototype: Passive House Design Concept

  • Sector

    Housing

  • Location

    Oxford, Ontario

  • Client

    Stillbrook Accessible Living Retirement Residences

  • Size

    108,000 sf / 11,200 sm

  • Completion

    2019

In 2019, ACi was engaged by Stillbrook, a not-for-profit, charitable organization, to create a concept design that would serve as a prototype for senior residences across Ontario.

This project provided the opportunity for our team to create a new paradigm for seniors housing – one that is accessible, affordable, and welcoming – supporting graceful aging in a community environment.

Prefabricated concrete panels, which are modelled after local masonry buildings, served as the design springboard. Conceptually, this creates a unique building façade, which uses warm materials to communicate a home-like feel. Wooden soffits under sheltering awnings and walkable, well-planted grounds continue this theme.

Our concept emphasizes collective social spaces, such as large, light-filled dining halls and comfortable lounge areas, while keeping private room areas modest and cozy. This emphasis on social spaces supports the creation of engaged communities and aging in place.

The prototype was informed by Passive House standards – a standard of energy efficiency that reduces a building’s ecological footprint.