Hospice of Central Iowa - The Kavanagh House
Des Moines, Iowa

The building is located on a two-and-one-half acre wooded site in a residential neighborhood. The building’s segments respond to the topography with the guest wings and support functions radiating off an active central day area that is anchored by a fireplace, which creates a “warm” central hearth for the building and residents.

The design enables caregivers to sustain necessary visual contact and physical proximity to the guestrooms. Highlighting the organization, an arching masonry wall traces the primary circulation path and follows the natural slope of the land while externally suggesting a secure environment for its inhabitants.

This project has been awarded with honors from both the State and Regional components of the AIA.