YWCA Hanover

Project Overview:

YWCA Hanover provides child development programs for families with children ages 1 to 12. SAAarchitects worked with YWCA staff for design feedback and material selection.

• 53,234 total square feet
• The scope involved demolition and renovations to existing facility and design of three story addition to meet future capacity and functional needs for the YWCA.
• The new facility will accommodate an additional 12 classrooms, meeting rooms, offices, large commercial kitchen, community space, large activity space, sensory room, storage and support spaces.
• The main lobby connecting the new addition to the existing building features a double height space with a grand staircase and ‘honeycomb’ reading nooks. This area uses acoustic panels playfully designed to look like leaves creating the visual of a tree that grows within the space.
• Wavy acoustic panels at the ceiling coupled with accent painting on the walls embody movement of the wind. These elements aimed to create an outdoor experience paired with natural daylighting via spacious storefront windows.