The Vista at Christian Health has been honored with a 2022 Argentum Senior Living by Design Award. LAN served as the project architect for the 400,000 sf senior living community located in Wyckoff, NJ. The award is shared with Merlino Design Partnership which provided the project’s interior design. The Argentum Senior Living Awards are given out annually to honor architects, design firms, and senior living providers who create communities of quality in innovative ways.
The Vista was first conceived over 20 years ago when LAN was commissioned to draw a master plan for the 78-acre campus. Design concepts explored innovative ways to provide a quality community on the highly sloped site. All the pieces finally came together in 2021 when The Vista opened its doors to the public with over 164 independent living apartments and a campus brimming with amenities.
“The Vista was an enormous and multifaceted design and construction undertaking,” said LAN President Ken Karle. “It required the dedication of a large team of professionals that included architects, surveyors, land use professionals, construction administrators and civil, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and environmental engineers – and that is just the LAN team. It’s an honor to have our hard work recognized, but I would be remiss if I did not mention the dedication of the quality team at Christian Health, the beautiful interior design work by our friends at Merlino Design Partnership, and Hord Coplan Macht Architects who collaborated throughout the project. This was truly a team effort, and we thank everyone involved.”
The design of The Vista evokes a contemporary, yet historic, feel with a touch of mountain lodge design. The aesthetic complements and enhances the mood set by the location’s calming natural environment. The Vista was constructed in a secluded area carved apart from the surrounding suburban landscape. Residents are treated to views of the Ramapo Mountains in the distance from the 78-acre grounds, which offer streams, paved walking trails, and gardens.
Judges made special mention of the project’s “rustic, fantastic design” which starts with the warm pastoral materials and detailing used to create a façade with an historic charm. The exterior is complemented by the interior’s more contemporary refined finishes. Oversized windows provide natural light to the interior where stunning views were prioritized to support wellness. A combination of wood tones, stonework, ironwork, and glass provide rich textures and architectural detailing.
The design goal of the three-story main facility was to ensure residents have everything they need to live a full and active life. This is apparent from the moment you step into the welcoming lobby which guides guests to a concierge desk. Once inside, residents and their guests are welcome to take advantage of all The Vista has to offer. The building was designed with underground parking and includes an impressive mix of amenities including a variety of restaurants, a pool, a gym, a spa, a theater, and more.
Argentum is a leading national trade association that serves companies that own, operate, and support senior living communities. Winners of the Senior Living by Design Award are featured in the 2022 Design Report published by Argentum.
