CREW Blue Ribbon Awards Program Book 2024

Community Mental Health Affiliates New Britain, C T

Owner : Community Mental Health Affiliates Project Size : 28,000 SF Project Team: BHV Integrated Services, Colburn & Guyette Consulting Partners, Inc., Tomasso Brothers, Shepley Bulfinch Mindful of the residents’ well-being, our team prioritized considerate alterations during the renovation and design process. Repetition of door colors fostered a sense of calm continuity throughout the space, emulating a quiet neighborhood feel. Gathering areas, centered around thought-provoking art, encouraged connection and a sense of community. Aligning with the client’s mission, the design team focused on improving spatial quality through spaces that transcended functionality to become true homes for residents at this pivotal stage in their lives. The Community Mental Health Affiliates (CMHA) facility in New Britain, Connecticut stands as a testament to the transformative power of architecture. The project renovated a former nursing home, creating a residential space that fosters well-being for clients transitioning back into the community. CMHA, a nonprofit mental healthcare services provider, has offered 24/7 residential care to some of Connecticut’s most vulnerable individuals for two decades. Recognizing the potential of the former Andrew House convalescence home, CMHA partnered with Shepley Bulfinch to transform the facility into a home for two residential programs serving 35 individuals with chronic mental and medical health issues. While the existing nursing home layout offered a solid foundation for apartment-style living, the outdated infrastructure presented significant architectural challenges. As a constant community resource, the group home is designed to empower residents with the skills necessary to live as independently as possible. The design team provided a partial interior renovation, a brand-new MEP system, a new roof, and a relocated commercial kitchen that engages the new large multi-purpose gathering room. The goal of the design was to create personalized spaces that feel like home for the residents. Single occupancy bedrooms, which residents can personalize by selecting their accent paint color and creative signage at their bedroom door, establish ownership. Divided into intimate neighborhoods, the interior caters to both short-term and long-term residents. This thoughtful design fosters a sense of belonging while ensuring each group receives the appropriate level of staff support. The welcoming atmosphere extends beyond the threshold, with the entrance’s streetscape echoing a residential aesthetic. This holistic approach reinforces the feeling of being home from the very first moment.

12