A building that sits lightly on the land” is how City of Henderson officials described their vision for the new senior center. This statement is the driving force behind the design of this single-story facility, which is also designed for LEED Gold certification.
The senior center houses a health and wellness center, a commercial kitchen, a multipurpose/dining area, craft rooms, a game room, conference rooms, a movie room, administrative spaces and a library. The building design carries a simple geometry, with sloping roof planes that bend down toward the earth and become wall planes for an easy transition to the landscape and beyond. Safety, security, views and ease of movement through the facility were also principal goals of the design. Walking distances inside the building were considered and activity spaces grouped together, and restrooms were strategically placed throughout.
The interior design is a mix of earthy and contemporary elements, and bold colors. The exterior rock gabion wall extends into the contemporary lobby space. Cork floors add to the natural feel while high-style lighting, contemporary cherry wood and splashes of chartreuse and tomato red play off the earthy elements. The coffee shop is filled with natural light and highlighted by a contemporary translucent/cherry wood cubby wall to display artwork created at the center. High-back booths, tables and club chairs provide multiple nodes of interaction in the coffee shop.