Inside The Colonnade's Gold-Winning Dining Renovation by Thoma-Holec Design

Transforming senior living spaces into vibrant, functional environments that enhance quality of life is at the heart of our mission. The Colonnade in Surprise, AZ, a sprawling 40-acre Life Plan Community, recently underwent a significant dining area renovation that elevated the resident experience and earned the Gold award at the Environments for Aging (EFA) Remodel/Renovation competition. This blog delves into the meticulous redesign of these communal spaces, illustrating how strategic design can profoundly enrich community life.

The Challenge

The Colonnade's dining area—including the main dining room, private dining room, and bistro—were due for an innovative overhaul. Challenges included a domed ceiling that disrupted acoustics by amplifying noises across the space, making it difficult for residents to enjoy conversations. The outdated aesthetic, characterized by dark carpeting, heavy draperies, and ornate columns, no longer reflected the vibrant community it served, signaling the clear need for a comprehensive and thoughtful redesign. 

The Design Process

Understanding the core needs of The Colonnade's residents was crucial. Our design team embarked on a meticulous redesign to enhance the dining areas' functionality and aesthetics. Key objectives included expanding the capacity to accommodate over 300 people, adding a centralized bar area, a private dining room, and a bistro, along with improving acoustics and modernizing the decor..

Acoustic and Aesthetic Enhancement

By replacing the domed ceiling with cove ceiling details, sound absorbing ceiling treatment and introducing wall panels and custom carpets, we significantly improved the acoustic quality of the space. This allowed residents to engage more comfortably in conversations without the intrusion of distant noises.

Operational Efficiency and Resident Engagement

A new, centrally located bar now serves as a lively focal point for staff and resident interaction, streamlining service and enhancing the dining experience. The main bistro and market were redesigned to offer various dining options—from quick grab-and-go meals to leisurely breakfasts or coffee sessions with friends and family and quickly became a vibrant casual dining experience for the residents.

Design Aesthetic: "New West"

Our "New West" design aesthetic breathes fresh life into the space with a color palette inspired by the local southwest landscape. Sand tones, muted yellows, and vibrant teals create a warm and inviting environment, while medium-toned millwork adds a touch of elegance. Biophilic elements, reflecting the desert surroundings, are woven throughout the design in art selections, carpet patterns, and divider panels.

Community Involvement

A key to our successful redesign was the active involvement of The Colonnade's residents. Through town hall meetings and regular updates, we ensured their voices were heard and integrated into the project. Photorealistic renderings placed in the lobby allowed residents and visitors a visual interpretation of the construction to be completed. This collaborative approach not only enhanced the design outcome but also fostered a sense of ownership and satisfaction among the residents

Conclusion

The dining renovation at The Colonnade's is more than a mere aesthetic upgrade; it represents a profound enhancement of the daily experiences of its residents. By focusing on functionality and modern design, we created an environment where social interactions flourish and dining becomes a highlight of the day.

The gold award from the Environments for Aging (EFA) Remodel/Renovation competition underscores our dedication to excellence and innovation in senior living design. Through projects like this, Thoma-Holec Design continues to push the boundaries of design in senior living, ensuring every project we undertake is a step towards a more engaging, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing future for all residents. As we celebrate this achievement, we reaffirm our commitment to enhancing life through design, one project at a time

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