Freedom House

Freedom House Air Force Village Foundation | San Antonio, Texas

The Air Force Village Foundation has made a significant commitment to the care and treatment of residents with dementia. Freedom House, the foundation's dementia assisted living and research center, is located on the Air Force Village campus in San Antonio.

This phase has provided a residential setting for 27 people with moderate dementia, a 15-person dementia day care program and a research center.

Created in association with
RVK Architects

Photography by
Michael Connally

Freedom House Air Force Village Foundation | San Antonio, Texas

The scale, image and materials reflect Texas hill country vernacular architecture. Limestone, stucco and metal roofing are the predominant materials. Buildings are clustered around intimate courtyards with overhangs, awnings and deep porches to provide shelter from the heat of the Texas sun.

Created in association with
RVK Architects

Photography by
Michael Connally

Freedom House Air Force Village Foundation | San Antonio, Texas

Within each household the bedrooms open to the living areas. The adjacent kitchen allows participation in activities and lingering aromas of mealtime. Residential kitchen equipment has been used.

Created in association with
RVK Architects

Photography by
Michael Connally

Freedom House Air Force Village Foundation | San Antonio, Texas

Because small-scale environments are beneficial to residents with dementia, the number of people with whom a resident interacts at Freedom House is limited to household members. Each household has a front door, back door, porch and a safe, secure yard. Corridors have been eliminated.

Created in association with
RVK Architects

Photography by
Michael Connally

Freedom House Air Force Village Foundation | San Antonio, Texas

Spa Bather

Created in association with
RVK Architects

Photography by
Michael Connally

Freedom House Air Force Village Foundation | San Antonio, Texas

Open kitchen with dining.

Created in association with
RVK Architects

Photography by
Michael Connally

Freedom House Air Force Village Foundation | San Antonio, Texas

Large windows provide the residents with the benefits of natural light, improving sleep patterns and orientation.

Created in association with
RVK Architects

Photography by
Michael Connally

Freedom House Air Force Village Foundation | San Antonio, Texas

Site Plan
The Research Center is conducting a longitudinal study of the effects of environment on residents in several facilities, including Freedom House. The major goal of the foundation is to provide an environment more like a residence than a nursing home.

Created in association with
RVK Architects

Photography by
Michael Connally

Freedom House Air Force Village Foundation | San Antonio, Texas

The residents are separated from the distractions of the building entry, activity room, offices and day care by a neighborhood service core entered from the adjacent building. All utility services are conveniently located within each household.

Created in association with
RVK Architects

Photography by
Michael Connally