Retiring In Shell Knob
The residents of Shell Knob asked for a masterplan which would contain multi- levels of living. The design suggests a number of single family detacted units, high density apartment complexes and a large community / assisted living quarters at the center. Environment installations are proposed to suggest relationships between the different living sectors. The solution consists of six different interior schemes with the same exterior shell for ease of construction. Each unit provides the essential space required by the client, with some offering more entertaining space, complimentary bedrooms, or more storage, based on the individual’s wants and needs. These changes in space are issued through a multitude of kinetic panel systems, custom cabinetry and folding walls that would be initially set up by staff and changed as often as needed. At the exterior of each unit, a public and private space is provided, offering more independence and self expression through landscaping and ornamentation. Public spaces are connected not only through adjacent units, but through overall pathways that wind through the site and ultimately terminate at the main community / assisted living center. The exterior organization requires a chain of shared allocations to be successful. Unit ‘A’ would share a driveway with Unit ‘B’, which Unit ‘B’ would share a garden with Unit ‘C’. All three Units would share a front yard space, while the rear yard would be designated as a greenway space, to be shared by all Shell Knob residents. While providing a standard of living that relates directly to an independent, self-sustaining individual, each unit can be changed to meet the needs of the elderly, as required. The overall organization promotes individual sustainability, with an additional level of security through shared networking that enables all to live freely, even if levels of autonomy differ.