Kaas Wilson Architects

Seasons at Apple Valley Construction Progress

ckaas — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 19:39:21 +0000

Construction at Seasons at Apple Valley continues to progress.

Collin Kaas Honored

Jennifer Krause — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 22:30:58 +0000

Collin Kaas is among the 2010 young entrepreneurs being honored by the Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal tonight at an awards reception!

Grocery Remodels

ckaas — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 17:14:53 +0000

Holtkötter Showroom

ckaas — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 16:27:39 +0000

The Holtkötter Showroom is a remodel of an existing retail space. The space was renovated to best showcase the design of Holtkötter lighting products.

Aging in Place

Jennifer Krause — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:25:19 +0000

Design today for tomorrow’s needs

The AARP has found that more than 80% of older Americans want to stay in their homes as they age. Simple changes in the home can make this dream a reality.

Improve visibility with higher wattage bulbs and task lighting

Lighting

use higher wattage bulbs
add new fixtures at strategic locations
use down lights and non-glare lights

Circulation

create pathways through rooms
attend to uneven sidewalk-to-driveway joints
make sure interior flooring transitions do not pose a trip hazard
remove exposed cords, area rugs, mats

Inside or out, hand railings make mobility safer

Outside

well-lit entries and exterior stairs
hand rails for all stairs
lights on motion sensors
easy access to mailboxes
removal of slippery surfaces

General

Simple changes
- phone in every room
- sturdy, easy-to-use furniture (with solid arms)‏
- lever type door knobs
- contrasting colors between floors and walls
- increased volume on phone, doorbell, smoke/CO detectors
- light switches and electrical outlets easy to reach
- hand rails for all stairs
Moderate changes
- laundry on main level
- front-loading washer and dryer elevated on bases
Significant changes
- visual or physical alerts on smoke / CO and burglar alarms (strobe / vibrate)‏
- all major functional spaces have a medical alert button, or resident wears a medial alert pendant

Grab bars in the bathroom can do double duty as towel bars

Bathrooms

Simple changes
- anti-slip surface in bath tubs and showers
- lever faucets, anti-scald valves
- hand-held shower nozzle
- grab bars that look like towel bars
Moderate changes
- elevated “comfort-height” toilet
- 36″ high counter and vanity
- seat in tub or shower
- grab bars in bath and shower
- telephone in the bathroom
Significant changes
- knee spaces or roll-under vanities
- roll-in shower with seat and grab bars
- transfer space for walker or wheelchair outside shower
- installation of a pull cord for to “life line”

Closet hardware can be moved to make items more easily accessible

Bedrooms

Simple changes
- get rid of the clutter and potential fall hazards from around the bed
- create pathways from bed to bathroom
Moderate changes
- use main level bedroom for sleeping
- closet rods at comfort level
- night-lights to bathroom
Significant changes
- adjustable beds
- direct access and clear path to bathroom
- light controls within reach
- closet shelves 48″ high, maximum

Roll-out shelves make reaching items in cabinets much easier

Kitchen

Simple changes
- good task lighting and general lighting
- appliances with front controls
- easy-to-grip drawer and door pulls
- lever-handled faucets
Moderate changes
- contrasting colors and rounded edges on counters
- raised appliances: dishwasher, wall ovens
- microwave no higher than 48″
- roll-out shelves for better access
Significant changes
- knee space or roll under counter at sink
- lower counter surface to 34″
- upper cabinets lowered to 44–48″ above floor

The Cascades Senior Living

ckaas — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 22:48:56 +0000

This 105-unit catered living building will be owned and managed by Southview Senior Living. The project is sited on the edge of an affluent suburb and will be marketed both to affluent and middle income residents alike. The building, therefore, is a balance between cost-effective structure and layout, the long-term vision of lasting materials and efficient mechanical systems, coupled with high-end interiors at the main lobby for great curb appeal.

This site has seen four previous housing schemes by various developers, one of which was approved through the city council. The goal of the entire catered-living development team was to retain the footprint and vertical outline of the previous condominium development but to completely change the use and the image of the building. The development team worked with the neighbors, who originally opposed any development on the site, to create a project that was responsive to their concerns while meeting the needs of its clients and developer.

Seasons at Apple Valley

ckaas — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 22:19:39 +0000

Project description coming soon.

Seasons at Maplewood

ckaas — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 22:07:09 +0000

Project description coming soon.

Minnesota Veterans Home Adult Day Care

ckaas — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 21:50:31 +0000

With an existing extensive waiting list for skilled nursing care on campus and no immediate way to meet such a need, the Minnesota Veterans Home staff turned to the idea of creating an adult day care on campus as a stop-gap measure and broadening of the services offered on campus, in a building that could not accommodate skilled nursing care. Building 4 was originally built in 1890 as a dormitory for veterans, and as such lent itself to creating a home-like environment for adult day services.

From the outset, the entire design team has worked closely with the Minnesota Veterans Home staff to create the home-like environment for their adult day services, while interfacing with the State Historic Preservation Office, Minnehaha Watershed District, and Federal Veterans Administration to ensure that all requirements are met in an efficient, aesthetically pleasing, and cost-effective manner.

All Seasons Preschool

ckaas — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 21:04:17 +0000

All Seasons Preschool provides a model early learning experience that meets children’s developmental needs while fostering meaningful relationships with senior adults from the senior living community it is located within. The school provides an intergenerational program with a nature-based and art-centered curriculum.

All Season Preschool has attained LEED certification. It shares a campus with Inver Glen Senior Living.