Taylor Plosser Davis Architecture + Design, in association with KPS Group, is very excited to share this new project – Cedar Ridge at Kirkwood by the River.
“Kirkwood, ideally located on 120 acres of forested land along the Cahaba River, began as a nonprofit created by Independent Presbyterian Church Birmingham, Alabama to offer continuing care retirement to seniors in the Birmingham area. The new independent living neighborhood, Cedar Ridge at Kirkwood, will feature charming, cottage-style homes perfectly situated in the heart of our 120-acre campus. This natural, wooded, retreat-like setting along the Cahaba River will offer the finest in “modern mountain living,” with the serenity that accompanies having a plan for any future healthcare needs. Cedar Ridge at Kirkwood is the start of a campus-wide expansion and improvement plan to better meet our community’s needs.” Kirkwood by the River, website
The Kirkwood by the River campus serves as the location for the Cedar Ridge Cottage community, and its natural setting offers a unique combination of mountain landscape coupled with a convenient suburban location. As such, the design of the cottages echoes traditional mountain communities in the southeast, incorporating natural exterior finishes, such as stone and cedar, as well as views to the extraordinary landscape through screened porches, included on each model.
Our Stay At Home survey earlier this year highlighted the need for having a place to be outside, and we are excited about how all of the units and the overall community plan prioritize our relationship to nature, and we feel like residents will greatly benefit from those opportunities to be outside.
Rendering by Mark Thompson of Thompson Placemaking
Each of the Cedar Ridge Cottages incorporates elements designed specifically for independent living, without sacrificing style or quality. As the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies has pointed out, only one percent of existing homes in the United States include elements considered important for independent senior living, including zero step entries, wider openings, owner suites on the main level, controls located within reach of sitting, and lever handles on doors and faucets. In contrast, each of the Cedar Ridge cottages features all of these elements, as well as curbless showers, graciously open living spaces, and screened porches available for each model.
Rendering by Mark Thompson of Thompson Placemaking
In selecting finishes and fixtures for the cottages, we paid lots of attention to our users. As an Aging in Place specialist, part of TPD’s training involves selections of finishes designed to provide safer, “easier to operate” homes.
As designers, we create palettes that are comfortable, elegant and stylish, inspired by the landscape and community setting. Hardwood floors are accompanied by a soft material palette that offers contrast to increase visibility of changes in surface. Bathrooms feature slip resistant tile and convertible cabinetry, as well as curbless showers with benches and convenient handshowers. Kitchens are appointed with low maintenance quartz counters, easy to use cabinet hardware, and appliances specially selected for convenience and style.
Rendering by Mark Thompson of Thompson Placemaking
We’re very excited to be a part of this project team – Kirkwood by the River, Stewart Perry, KPS Group, Schoel Engineering, and Environmental Design Studio, Inc. Also, we want to extend a very special thank you to Mark Thompson of Thompson Placemaking for these beautiful renderings.
For more information about Kirkwood by the River and this new neighborhood, Cedar Ridge, please follow this link – Cedar Ridge at Kirkwood by the River.
