New Haven, CT The S/L/A/M Collaborative (SLAM) and S/L/A/M Construction Services (SLAM CS) have been selected to respectively design and construct a major multi-phased, multi-year expansion and renovation of Chapel Haven’s campus. Chapel Haven is an award-winning, nationally accredited residential school and independent living facility offering a wide variety of program options which empower adults with cognitive and social disabilities to live independent and happy lives.

SLAM’s multi-disciplinary in-house team provided a unique integrated design-build delivery method which streamlined the process by bringing planning, design and construction together in the early stages, ultimately enabling Chapel Haven to fast track the project and begin the first phase in June with SLAM CS beginning construction on the first building in late July.

Phase One of the project consists of three buildings, the first to be built will be a 32,500 s/f building which will house the Residential Education at Chapel Haven (REACH) and REACH Bridge programs, providing housing and educational services for adults 18 years of age and older with mild developmental disabilities and autism.

 This first phase of construction also includes a new addition to the existing Hub Building which will serve as a welcome center. The program is intended to provide a new front door to Chapel Haven’s campus. The final 36,500 s/f building in Phase One will house both the (Schleifer Adult Independent Living) SAIL and Aging Services programs and will primarily provide housing and supervision for adults who benefit from a continuation of services from the Chapel Haven community.

 The planning and design approach led to four-story buildings organized around a series of exterior spaces for the residents. Drawing from the architecture of the surrounding neighborhood and regional campuses, the exterior character combines traditional forms and materials to give the buildings a rich texture and intimate scale. Sloped roofs and dormers combined with porches are components that help break down the scale and create a more residential feel rather than an institutional one. A generous use of windows also brings daylight and views to the interior spaces where desired.