MacKenzie Patterson Fuller, Inc.
Green Valley, Arizona

The Arroyo Gardens Assisted Living Facility is situated on a 5.5 acre site of lush, virgin desert with a prominent arroyo that divides the north and south portion of the site. The 75,000 square foot, 89-bed facility includes a dementia/Alzheimer’s ward and was designed to maintain the dramatic arroyo and much of the natural vegetation. The core section of the complex includes common functions such as the main dining room, a small movie theatre, and a wellness center with a therapy pool. The two resident wings are situated on an east-west axis to provide for predominant window exposure from the north, ambient day lighting, and controlled day lighting from the south. This building orientation reduces uncomfortable glare of the sun and prevents excessive heat gain. A solar hot water heater system is planned as another energy-saving strategy.