For over a century, The Virginia Home has been a community pillar of support for individuals with irreversible physical disabilities. As the organization outgrew its original Baskervill-designed facility, it sought a new space that could support its vital mission for the next 100 years. Collaborating directly with the The Virginia Home and its many long-time residents, Baskervill designed a transformative campus that goes beyond comfort to empower independence, foster long-term well-being, and allow for the legacy of The Virginia Home to continue to impact lives for generations to come.
Situated on an idyllic 70-acre campus, the 190,000-square-foot facility will increase resident capacity by 20% while adhering to principles of resilience and community. The campus is organized into a series of “neighborhoods” designed to maximize the organization’s signature home life atmosphere. Each of the two, bifurcated resident wings flanking the main support building—connected by a 930-foot-long “main street”—features thoughtfully paired rooms, shared bathrooms, and central support spaces that allow for autonomy while remaining fully accessible. Ample access to nature through trails and courtyards invites residents to engage with each other, their families and friends, volunteers, and the outdoors, all while enhancing the sense of belonging within a fun community.
Functional design details incorporate elements of local nature, with textures, colors, and materials reflective of Virginia’s diverse topography—whether through the warm tones of native stone or the inviting expansiveness of the surrounding countryside. Safety is woven into every detail, from intuitive layouts that enhance mobility to cutting-edge technology that empowers residents. One such detail is an integrated smart phone and tablet app that allows residents to control their environment and easily contact support staff, further elevating their independence and allowing optimized personalization with ease and dignity.
Designed to nurture both body and mind, the greater facility offers a full spectrum of therapeutic spaces, including a therapy pool, adaptive gaming lounge, and dedicated physical therapy areas—opening doors to new partnerships, hands-on learning with interns, and meaningful volunteer engagement. Inclusive plans for future additions, including independent living units and family accommodations, make certain that The Virginia Home can adapt and pivot to meet evolving needs for many years to come.
