Serenity Ridge Wellness Center
DENVER, CO
This project focuses on designing a newly-constructed adult inpatient behavioral treatment facility in Denver, Colorado. The goal is to provide a supportive and therapeutic environment for individuals aged eighteen and older, incorporating spaces that promote healing, intuitive wayfinding, and a sense of confidence and trust for patients and their families.
The design prioritizes safety for both patients and staff while maintaining a calm, therapeutic atmosphere enriched with positive distractions. Every element of the environment is thoughtfully considered to balance security, comfort, and dignity, ensuring a space that fosters healing and well‑being.
Samford University
Year: 2024
Professor: Lisa Herriott
Software: Revit, SketchUp, LUMION
When designing the Serenity Ridge Wellness Center, the core mission was to keep the patient’s healing process and recovery journey at the forefront. The goal was to create a safe, restorative environment that actively supports emotional and physical well‑being. Inspired by the natural beauty of Colorado, the design incorporates an earthy, nature‑based color palette, with each hue thoughtfully selected to promote healing, growth, and calm.
Throughout the facility, multiple spaces are intentionally designed to encourage healthy interaction and therapeutic engagement. The Lounge, Group Therapy Room, Dining Area, and Courtyard all support connection and community. The Courtyard, in particular, features a staff‑guided yoga area that provides patients with a peaceful setting for reflection, mindfulness, and gentle movement. Additional spaces across the center accommodate both group and individual activities, ensuring patients have a range of environments to support their therapeutic goals.
For moments requiring privacy and personal reflection, the patient rooms and quiet rooms offer serene environments for rest, grounding, and internal work. Staff and provider areas—including the Nurse’s Station, Medication Room, and Charting Room—are designed to enhance workflow efficiency, safety, and accessibility while still maintaining a calm, therapeutic atmosphere for patients.
Colorado‑inspired elements are woven throughout the project, incorporating natural textures, forms, and colors to reinforce a strong connection to the surrounding landscape. This integration of nature establishes the foundation for a welcoming, healing, and holistic environment.
Breezeway Rendering
Exterior Side Rendering
Courtyard
The Courtyard at Serenity Ridge offers a variety of seating options and includes a turfed area designed for staff‑guided yoga sessions, supporting stress reduction and promoting a sense of calm for patients. A mural by local artist Leslie Jorgensen spans the back Courtyard wall, depicting a mountain and its ridges—a meaningful visual representation of Serenity Ridge’s core values for patients, staff, and visitors alike.