Situated along Mountain Avenue in Bloomfield, CT, the Penwood Residence will transform the site of existing carports and a surface parking lot into a desirable, active, independent senior living community. Both architectural and landscape features are utilized to reduce the visual impact of the 40-unit multifamily structure. The New England saltbox vernacular and horizontal lap siding further reduce the façade’s scale, lowering the front roof height while allowing for generous living spaces along the rear, foliage facing elevation.

Within the building’s design, three-season porches, eight-foot-high doors, and tall windows bring in plentiful natural lighting while reinforcing the visual connection to the bucolic scenery. Programmatic elements such as a common ground floor social space encourage physical activity and interaction with neighbors. Exterior patios with fire pits and catenary lights allow social gathering areas to extend beyond the common interior areas. At the upper levels, there is a double-story great room, a golf simulator, a movie room, and a top-floor gym encouraging interaction throughout the building. On-site, sidewalks extend to other parts of the development, and a boardwalk path, elevated to minimize its natural impact, will encourage pedestrian activity on existing boardwalks.