Richmond Senior Village – Engineered by PPX for Comfort and Care
The PPX Mandate: Plumbing for Health and Accessibility
Richmond Senior Village required a plumbing system engineered not just for capacity, but for the specialized needs of its residents. For PPX, this project was defined by the principle of Safety-First Design.
The challenge was to deliver a high-performance system that met rigorous commercial demands while incorporating necessary residential features like anti-scald technology and ADA-compliant accessibility throughout the entire campus, including residential units, medical bays, and common spaces.
Phase I: The Core Infrastructure – Reliability and Precision
The foundation of the Richmond Senior Village plumbing system was built for constant operation, temperature control, and minimized disruption.
Advanced Water Temperature Management
To prevent the risk of scalding—a critical safety concern in senior living—PPX implemented a sophisticated system:
Centralized Thermostatic Mixing Valves (TMVs)
Installation of high-volume TMVs at the water heater outlets to precisely regulate the water temperature entering the distribution system.
Point-of-Use Regulation:
Though TMVs were central, supplemental anti-scald measures were integrated at key fixture locations to ensure maximum safety redundancy.
Infection Control:
Design of a circulation system that maintains ideal temperatures throughout the hot water loop, minimizing the risk of waterborne pathogens while still protecting residents from burns.
Acoustic Comfort:
Utilized sound-dampening piping materials and careful isolation techniques during rough-in to minimize the noise of flushing and drainage between units—essential for resident rest and privacy.
Accessibility for Technicians
Designed accessible water shut-off zones and integrated service ports to allow for quick maintenance and repairs with minimal intrusion into resident areas.
Phase II: Safety-First Fixtures – Accessible and Intuitive Design
The selection and installation of every faucet, shower, and toilet was governed by ADA standards and the need for simplified, safe operation by residents.
Residential Units (Assisted & Independent Living)
Showers
Anti-Scald Pressure Balancing: Valves automatically adjust to pressure drops to prevent sudden temperature spikes. Precise installation of single-handle, easy-grip lever controls and grab bar supports (blocking and reinforcement) in all shower/tub walls.
Vanity Faucets
Touchless/Sensor Operation (in select areas) & Lever Handles:
To assist residents with limited dexterity.
Used high-spout clearance fixtures and installed lever-style handles for effortless, low-force operation.
Toilets
Comfort Height & ADA Compliance: Raised bowls for easier sitting and standing.
Installed commercial-grade, low-maintenance flush valves and ensured all unit bathrooms met required clearance and height specifications.
Common Areas and Specialized Zones
PPX extended its expertise to high-traffic and specialized medical areas:
- Commercial Kitchen: Installed industrial-grade dishwashing supply lines, grease traps, and prep sink systems designed for high-volume food service operation.
- Staff/Medical Areas: Installed specialized fixtures compliant with healthcare standards, including hands-free sinks in nurses’ stations to aid in infection control.
- Public Restrooms: Integrated motion-sensor (touchless) fixtures and durable, low-maintenance fixtures to reduce water waste and cross-contamination.
The PPX Impact at Richmond Senior Village
PPX delivered a plumbing system that actively supports the mission of the Richmond Senior Village: providing a safe, comfortable, and dignified living environment.
- Uncompromised Safety: Successful delivery of a multi-layered water temperature control system, exceeding mandated safety requirements.
- Operational Durability: All fixtures and hidden systems were selected and installed for high-cycle use, significantly lowering future replacement and maintenance costs.
- Seamless Aesthetics: Integration of safety features with clean, modern fixture designs, maintaining the high quality of the community’s interior spaces.
By focusing on the unique needs of senior living—from acoustic comfort to anti-scald protection, PPX demonstrated its capability to execute complex commercial projects with a tailored, human-centered approach.
