Jewish Home Lifecare is a transformative landmark project offering long term care for the most vulnerable elders in the Upper West side. The facility will be the first high rise implementation of the Green House model and the largest elder care capital project in New York State. It is seeking LEED Gold certification.

Rising 20 stories above 97th street, JHL reimagines a former parking lot to be a lush oasis complete with extensive courtyard gardens and roof terrace. The courtyard garden is punctuated by a dense native forest canopy, helping to bring the high-rise building into scale. Understory plantings are inspired by the forest floor of New York State offeringsuccessional blooms and sensory experiences. A living therapy wall challenges residents’mobility, dexterity and agility by offering various opportunities for gardening. Gentle walking paths and gathering nodes give residents moments for quiet contemplation or group socialization.

The roof terrace offers expansive views of Manhattan, framed by ornamental flowering trees. The terrace creates three distinct zones to accommodate elder eyesight. A coveredporch provides respite from the bright sunlight while also creating opportunity for eyes toadjust. Residents transition through the dappled light of deciduous trees and into the fullsun therapy garden area. Comfortable seating and activity areas create opportunities forart projects and concerts.

The design creates a series of therapeutic and sustainable design and maintenance guidelines for incorporating nature into elder care facilities