Center for Living Mindfully
Watershed designed an addition and deep renovations to this historic office building in Fairhope’s Central Business District.
The goal of the project was to facilitate a shift in the clients’ business model from a mental health clinic to a Center that can address both the physical and the mental health of the community. The design team was asked to create a welcoming, safe and healing space to host meetings, workshops, events, and yoga classes, alongside a thriving clinical practice.
The addition was carefully sited to preserve existing trees and allow for several outdoor teaching and gathering spaces on site. The renovated and expanded Center includes a large multipurpose space, breakroom kitchen, offices, clinical rooms, and outdoor teaching deck, and restorative landscape. Biophilic design strategies including daylighting, views of nature, natural materials, and variable air speeds support occupant health.
All interior materials were screened to eliminate harmful off gassing. The structure was strengthened and inspected to earn Fortified Roof Certification, and all systems were upgraded to improve energy efficiency and meet modern codes. A dry creek bed was added to feature in the landscape while directing stormwater away from the building to a grassy infiltration zone.
The new entry and roof line have an eastern influence, inspired by the owner’s study of Buddhism, and compatible with the historic eclectic architecture in the surrounding community.
Project type: commercial new construction and historic revitalization
Location: Fairhope, AL
Certifications: FORTIFIED™ Roof, Certified Wildlife Habitat
