Sisters of Saint Joseph of Chambery
Sedgwick Cedars Residential Care Home was originally built in 1936 in the Colonial Revival style as the novitiate wing, is the western portion of the Convent of Mary Immaculate of Sisters of St Joseph building complex comprised of four large connected buildings. The wing was later renovated into 21 apartments with a dining room, small auditorium and large gathering room.
The diminishing community of sisters decided to take the initiative to renovate the western wing of their building complex to create two floors of assisted living units and one floor of independent living units. Adaptively transforming the larger units NCA was able to create 36 living units, shared kitchenettes, living rooms on each floor, a renovated dining facility and gathering space. The opportunity to create an accessible garden patio area for the community linked to the dining room with overlooks from the covered porch was included.
Downsizing to a small wing of the complex and having to forego their large, grand chapel was very challenging for the community of sisters. NCA envisioned transforming the auditorium/stage into a chapel creating a new sacred space that created a connection of familiarity between the former and new fostering support for the community. Incorporating repurpose ornate wood trim, select portions of the artglass, historic wood altar and lectern with new custom designed wood candle stands and crucifix in a brighter interior created a new invigorated spiritual space for the sisters to worship. The redirection to the center with the altar and lectern was celebrated by light, color, shape and scale highlighted by the dome within the soffited ceiling.