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A Residential Community Serves Adults with Developmental Disabilities

August 30, 2021

Several years ago, the Stepping Stone Support Center in Littleton, Colo., a nonprofit providing skills training and social events to individuals with developmental disabilities, identified a need for adult housing for the population it serves. In 2016, a group from the nonprofit assembled to create the Trailhead Community to meet that need.

With a mission to offer the opportunity for people to come together in an integrated and supportive residential community yet live independently, Trailhead will welcome adult residents with developmental disabilities, working professionals and active seniors. With an onsite concierge, state-of-the-art technology, social events and meal preparation paired with universal design features, the community promotes independence and safety for its residents.

It was important to the founders that the project look and feel good while offering safety and security, so Unscripted Interior Design was brought in to elevate the aesthetics and incorporate the acute functionality that would meet the project’s unique requirements.

The Unscripted Interiors team is certified by Wellness Within Your Walls (WWYW), as well as LEED AP, and brought these educational distinctions to the design table. Working with KGA Studio Architects, the designers created a sense of coziness and regionality with natural stones, wood tones and organic materials.

“Our focus is to create a serene living environment where residents are empowered to connect and thrive in harmony,” said Kari Armstrong, CEO and principal of Unscripted Interior Design, which is headquartered in Centennial, Colo. “Trailhead is a community that is truly the first of its kind.”

Trailhead Community


Functionality Meets Elevated Aesthetics

Integrating the community is critical at Trailhead, and communal areas were planned with gathering places for connectivity, as well as intimate nooks for individual enjoyment. Unscripted Interiors approached the communal spaces with a residential lens to create an overall softness and coziness.

“The use of natural textures and color schemes that mirror our surroundings brings harmony and tranquility to any space,” said Armstrong. “Organic elements infuse connection to our natural environments, and this is not only a wellness trend but can also be a stylish one.”

Textural notes of nature and calming hues craft a relaxing interior environment that reduces stress and overstimulation, while gracefully blending with the building’s exterior and surrounding landscape.

Trailhead Community

“Color, texture and acoustics were key considerations to designing a relaxing and welcoming community,” said Armstrong. “Soft greens, earth tones, muted patterned tiles, wood and organic textures offer a comfortable, inviting atmosphere.”

The designers used SoundPly acoustic beams enhance the peaceful, cozy environment, while also serving audio-sensitive residents and guests. In addition to sound consideration, Unscripted Interiors paid particular attention to lighting and wayfinding, catering to residents’ abilities while navigating the 80-unit apartment development and amenities.

Designing Accommodating Bathrooms and Kitchens

With six floor plans ranging from studios to two bedrooms, Trailhead Community offers both Type A and Type B ADA units. Each residence features an open, airy floor plan with an eat-in kitchen, living and sleeping areas and a bathroom. Elevated finishings are consistent throughout with neutral color palettes to echo the calming atmosphere of the communal areas, while seamlessly allowing for each resident’s personal style.

Trailhead Community

The light and bright residential bathrooms feature oversized, zero-threshold, walk-in showers with handheld showerheads and space for a shower bench. Single-lever faucets were used throughout the community.

Trailhead Community’s in-home kitchens feature Caesarstone quartz countertops, stainless-steel sinks with pull-down faucets and shaker cabinets with ceramic backsplashes. Stainless-steel appliances, including refrigerators, electric ranges, ovens and dishwashers, offer residents the opportunity to cook and bake independently.

“Functionality does not have to hinder sophisticated design,” said Armstrong. “We hope Trailhead Community’s elevated design is a model for future integrated and accessible communities to come.”

Trailhead Community

The designs will be brought to life thanks to generous partners, including Caesarstone, Daltile, Interface Inc., Mohawk Group, Mozaik Surface Concepts, Trueform Concrete and SoundPly. Trailhead Community is expected to be complete in late 2022.