Landscape Design (Senior Living)

 

The landscape design should be thematically in alignment with the building design - using vegetation and hardscapes that complement the style of the building and campus.  After the architect, interior designer, developer and operator decide on the theme, style and color scheme of the campus, share that info with your landscape architect so that he can design the landscaping to complement it.

 

There are several special considerations a landscape architect must keep in mind when designing the landscape package for a senior living facility. 

 

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Smooth Walking Surfaces

Using pavers for walking pathways may look beautiful, but they are difficult to navigate for senior who use walkers or canes.  The walkers and canes can get caught up the gaps between the pavers, making a walk less pleasant, but could also provide a trip and fall hazard.  This same logic applies to stamped concrete with a cobblestone or brick pattern.  This stamped concrete application is common at the main entrance drop-offs to a facility to give it more architectural interest.  It may be OK at this location because that paving is mostly for cars, but just be mindful that residents should have a clear and smooth walking path around a stamped concrete drop-off. 

 

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Swimming Pools

Swimming pools are usually designed in concept by the landscape architect, but the final detailed design for construction usually comes from the pool sub-contractor.  I go into detail about senior living swimming pool design on this page. 

 

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BBQ Area

This is a feature that will probably get limited use, but is inexpensive and is another feature that could help lease up the facility.  Residents may have family members come to visit them and they may want to have an outdoor meal together and use a BBQ.  Remember, you are usually not only selling amenities to the resident, but to the adult children of the resident. 

 

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Dog Park

Many seniors have dogs for companionship, and having a safe enclosed dog park is a major selling point.  Have your landscape architect place and size the dog park so that it is in a convenient area and big enough for dogs to run around in and have some fun.  Because dog parks can get messy and muddy, and because after playing in the dog park, your residents are going to march their dog right into your building and down the corridors, you may want to consider artificial turf in the dog parks to help keep the dogs and your building cleaner.  Be sure your irrigation sprinkler system waters the artificial turf.  Yes, you read that right.  Sprinkling the artificial turf rinses down dog urine and some poop residue that doesn't get fully picked up. 

 

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Walking Trails/Paths

If you can work it into your design, try to establish a walking path around your campus.  Many seniors use walking as their primary exercise.  It is good to put distance markers or signs on the path so your walkers know how far they have walked.  Many seniors walk to get in their daily “steps” and a walking path is a great amenity to help them do this and get outside for a bit.  Walking outside helps to extend a resident's metal and physical health, which is the right thing to do for the residents, and it helps you keep a healthy and rent paying resident in the facility longer. 

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Landscape Lighting

Landscape lighting can really make a campus "pop" at night.  Up-lighting on buildings, trees, and features like water fountains give your campus great curb appeal, which helps with marketing and resident satisfaction.  Also, be sure to illuminate walking paths so residents can traverse them at night safely. 

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Outdoor Physical Activities

If you have the budget and room on your site, below are some outdoor activity facilities you may want to consider adding to your campus.  The landscape architect and building architect should work together to figure out the best placement for these facilities. 

• Bocce Ball Court

• Pickle Ball Courts

• Putting Greens

• Yoga Lawn

 

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Irrigation

The irrigation system is usually design-built by the landscaping sub-contractor.  The landscape architect will usually give some general guidance on the performance standards of the irrigation system, but figuring out the details of the actual design will be by the landscape subcontractor.  Be sure to remind your GC to put sleeves under paving so that the landscape sub can run his irrigation lines to hit all landscaped areas. 

 

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Fountains

Fountains are a nice touch in a courtyard or at the main entrance of a building.  They provide interest and a soothing sound.  If you are going to install a fountain - go big.  A puny fountain is a bit pathetic to look at.  A grand one will get your attention. 

 

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Fire Pits 

Similar to fountains, outdoor fire pits are a nice feature for residents and resident guests.  If you are considering a fire pit, be sure your plumbing engineer plans to run a gas line to it.  Don't put a fire pit in a memory care courtyard.  You have to protect your memory care residents from that potential hazard. 

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Next Section: Swimming Pools