Airmount Woods: Creating a Safe and Home-Like Environment for Adults with Autism
Furnishing the First Facility in New Jersey Designed Specifically for Adults with Autism
Airmount Woods is a unique residence in Ramsey, NJ, built for adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The facility, operated by the Bergen County United Way, is the first of its kind in the area, focusing on creating a safe and home-like environment for its residents. The design and furnishings play a crucial role in this, with an emphasis on autism furniture for adults, aiming to provide a comforting and supportive atmosphere.
Design Philosophy Inclusive of Autism Furniture
The project included designing and furnishing the eight unit housing complex and common areas with autism furniture tailored to meet the specific needs of adults with autism. The furniture was carefully chosen to provide durability and comfort, creating an environment that feels like home.
Aesthetic and Furnishing Goals
The goal was to create a harmonious space that balances aesthetics with functionality. The autism furniture selected had to be both durable and visually appealing, ensuring it could withstand daily use while providing a calming environment for the residents. Special attention was given to sensory items for adults, incorporating pieces that aid in reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation.
Safety and Security
Safety is paramount in a residence designed for adults with autism. The furniture in each room and common area was chosen not only for its aesthetic value but also for its ability to provide a secure environment. Sturdy construction and non-toxic materials were essential in making sure the furniture met the specific safety needs of the residents.
“In addition to the aesthetics, the furniture needed to be able to withstand different behavioral and sensory concerns that effect people with Autism. The chairs and furniture needed to have security features that allow everyone in the facility to be safe.”
Sarah Poplyansky, Northern Region Director of New Horizons in Autism, Inc.
Special Needs Furniture Selection Process
The selection process for the autism furniture involved a collaborative effort with experts in the field. Each piece was chosen to ensure it met the sensory and physical needs of the residents. The furniture needed to be adaptable to various levels of sensory sensitivity, making the rooms both functional and comfortable.
“I was familiar with Norix products and knew that they produced tough
Jim Whalen, owner of the Whalen Berez Group
furniture that also had a soft feel and look. Like most facilities, Airmount didn’t want to have to replace their furniture in a couple of years, so I was interested in seeing which of the Norix products could potentially fit in this environment.”
One of the products showcased was the Norix Furniture Forté™ Series of Lounge Seating. Forté™ chairs are made of rotational molded tops and the choice of wood, metal or molded bases. The line offers both guest and lounge chair options and a variety of colors to choose from. The chairs are highly durable, easy to clean, are GreenGuard Gold certified, come with an upholstery option and can be ballasted down so they cannot be moved or picked up.
The Results
Airmount Woods opened its doors and welcomed service recipients in June of 2014. With its residential appearance, the exterior architecture of the building assists the facility in blending in with the rest of the suburban neighborhood, including shingled exterior walls, professional landscaping, the choice of soothing green exterior paint and the spacious walkway with attractive paver stones between the two buildings.
On the inside, the facility features Norix Furniture’s Forté™ Lounge and Guest chairs, Forté™ Occasional tables, Sierra bench seating and laminated-top tables. The pieces fit in well with the facility’s common area, with its cream painted walls, white trim and brown carpet, along with the kitchen area and its tiled floors and residential cabinets and appliances.
“The furniture flows very nicely with the facility. We have a lot of open space and the furniture allows us to mix and match the chairs and tables from the kitchen to living room. We can turn our living room into a movie theater using the furniture, or we can have it in a circle in another room for another purpose. Working with Norix has been a special collaboration. It was very important for us to have durable furniture in a facility like ours. If we aren’t constantly replacing furniture we can spend that money on other services for our residents. And we haven’t been disappointed with the products in our facility. They have proven to be highly durable and have assisted us in creating that sense of home that we were looking for.”
Sarah Poplyansky, Northern Region Director of New Horizons in Autism, Inc.
Sustaining a Sense of Place and Security for Autistic Adults
The facility continues to maintain its commitment to creating a home-like environment for adults with autism. The autism room designs have been praised for their thoughtful integration of sensory items for adults, contributing to the overall comfort and security of the residents.
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If you would like to learn more about our projects or need assistance selecting autism furniture for your facility, please contact us using the form below.