DESIGNWORKS 2018

Babcock Healthcare Center at Salemtowne

Winston-Salem, NC

CJMW Architecture

Kathleen Warner (Principal-in -Charge), Carol Wooley (Project Manager; Lead Designer), Taylor Ghost (Interior Designer), Carolyn Weaver (Interior Designer), Rachel Taber (Interior Designer)

Part of Salemtowne, a Moravian-founded community, Babcock Center serves two populations: long-term skilled nursing/memory care residents and short-term rehabilitation patients. Overall goals included eliminating as many institutional features as possible. Each area has its own entrance featuring natural stone, local artwork, and high ceiling. The team was charged with designing a spa-like rehab center, while the residential areas were to be like home. The rehabilitation wing is hospitality-focused, with elegant finishes and a refined color palette. Assisted bathing areas are luxurious, patterned cement tile brightening the soft color palette. In contrast, the resident wing is home-like, with households surrounding and interior ‘exterior’ with the conservatory-like central gathering space (or Saal) as focus. A plant wall and water feature bring the natural world inside. Moravian heritage and history provided context. Each household reflects an era in the Moravian history of Winston-Salem. Household entrance signage reference elements from the historic Moravian Town of Old Salem. The team worked with the Moravian archives at the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts to find meaningful art and other items. These linkages provide connective tissue to the culture and history of Salemtowne’s community. Site-reclaimed wood – walnut and oak – became furniture, mantlepieces, shelving, and wood paneling at the hands of a local craftsman. These elements are found throughout the building. Each household has its own living and activity area, spacious dining room, and sunroom, each distinct from the others. Private bedrooms and baths allow each resident their own space. Furnishings are comfortable yet sophisticated.

(Kathleen Warner)

Judges Comments:

“Very Interesting project.  Bright palette and spacious rooms. Did a great job executing all the way through. Beautiful design with a true residential feel through the use of refined details like expansive coffered ceilings, crown moldings and wainscoting, full length draperies, etc.  It evokes a level of sophistication and comfort without being too traditional–very refreshing.”