Supporting the Healthy Seas Initiative: Heron’s Key Innovative and Sustainable Design

Herons Key Library Fireplace

From initial brainstorming sessions to hanging the final piece of artwork on the wall, Heron’s Key was designed with the beauty of the Gig Harbor community in mind.

The residences, restaurants and overall feel of this fishing community inspired the Heron’s Key team and Studio Six5 designers to play on the traditional nautical theme with a fresh modern look.

Studio Six5, a full-service interior design studio for senior living communities worked alongside the Heron’s Key team to fulfill their vision of a modern community that enables residents to live a life they love.

Architectural beauty is clear after taking in the impressive lobby complete with a concrete fireplace and reception desk brought to life by a local glass artist. Deep muted blues, elegant metals and of course, touches of the famous Pacific Northwest glass design are present throughout this picturesque Life Care Community.

But perhaps the most notable and innovative design feature comes from a place not typically admired — the carpet.

Heron’s Key residents and visitors walk on one of the world’s most sustainable inventions: carpet made from recycled fishing nets. Interface, the world’s largest manufacturer of modular carpet, designed this carpet as part of their quest to help reverse climate change.

The Net Effect Program takes discarded fishing nets from third world coastal communities and arranges the recycling of those fishing nets to be regenerated into nylon yarn that is used to make carpet. Discarded fishing nets represent a large proportion of solid waste and pollution. The nets cause long-term ecological damage and endanger marine life.

“Interface aims to impact the environment in a positive way,” said Karla Jackson, Design Director at Studio Six5. “That is why we incorporated their unique carpet into Heron’s Key. It fit perfectly with the mission and vision of this community.”

Heron’s Key aims to provide the highest level of services and amenities to people ages 55 and older interested in independent senior living while providing a continuum of services to support vibrant, active and engaged lifestyles. The community provides unparalleled financial and health care security with its unique Life Care program.

By incorporating an innovative and sustainable design, Heron’s Key can continue to provide residents with quality care in a place they can be proud to call home.