A special Certificate of Need application focusing on household design as well as a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation allowed Porter Hills to envision a new Skilled Care building that would provide a small-home setting that furthered their culture change ideology. Since the Porter Hills homes are the first stand-alone GREEN HOUSES® not located on the campus of an existing nursing home, the design and operations needed to satisfy the required regulations of a stand-alone nursing home.
Following the GREEN HOUSE® model developed by Dr. William Thomas, the two Porter Hills Homes reflect all of the characteristics and attributes of a home – versus simply being home-like. Residents, staff, and designers worked together to identify the required institutional elements and find more authentic solutions. Each home is a self-contained residence that includes private resident rooms with private baths; hearth areas combining the living room, dining room, and open kitchen; a dining table that seats all elders, staff, and two guests; a library; and a staff work area designed as a typical home office.
With its environmentally conscious design, construction, and operation, Porter Hills is the first licensed GREEN HOUSE® to earn LEED certification.
AWARDS
AIA / LeadingAge DESIGN FOR AGING Review, Published Projects
