Cornerstone of Weymouth: A Nurturing Coastal Retreat Designed for Sophistication, Comfort and Community

A Coastal-Inspired Vision for Independent Living

Cornerstone of Weymouth, a premier independent senior living community on Massachusetts’ South Shore, was created with a deep commitment to providing residents with a sense of warmth, security, and belonging. Designed by Meyer, the vision for this community was a hospitality-driven aesthetic with the comforts of home, ensuring that every space is as inviting as it is functional. Inspired by the surrounding coastal landscape, the interiors reflect a nautical influence, incorporating contrasting materials, a variety of textures and finishes, and a thoughtful color palette that encourages engagement and connection.

A Design Philosophy Rooted in Comfort and Choice 

“A fundamental philosophy of this project was to design a vibrant community that embraced the evolving needs of its residents, allowing them to maintain independence while ensuring that their environment could adapt to them over time,” said Meyer Principal Shannon Remaley, NCIDQ, EDAC, IIDA, WELL AP, LEED Green Associate.  The designers sought to provide an atmosphere that offered both elegance and practicality, ensuring that every element contributed to a sense of ease and well-being. The goal was for residents to feel comfortable whether they are enjoying a quiet moment in their apartment, sharing a meal with friends, or participating in community events. Every decision, from furniture selection to layout planning, was made with their experience in mind.

The Role of Kwalu in Weymouth’s Vision

Selecting the right furnishings was crucial to maintaining the high design standards of the project while ensuring long-term durability. In high-traffic areas such as the dining spaces, the project team needed furniture that could stand up to daily use while still looking beautiful years down the road. Kwalu emerged as the ideal solution when evaluating durability, longevity and cost. The Protea™ finish, named after the resilient South African flower, offered a non-porous, high-performance surface that resists moisture, scratches, and bacteria. Unlike traditional wood, Kwalu provides the warmth and texture of natural materials while delivering superior durability, making it an ideal choice for independent living environments.

“Cornerstone of Weymouth is thrilled with the elegant design and comfort of our fine dining room, café and casual pub,” said Jean Norte, executive director at Cornerstone of Weymouth. “Luxury and style come together to create a space where residents can relax and enjoy their culinary experiences, while feeling proud to show off the fresh style of their new home to friends and family.”

Dining plays a vital role in fostering a sense of community, and at Cornerstone of Weymouth, special attention was given to creating a dining experience that offered both variety and sophistication. The main dining room, a grand and inviting space, features soaring ceilings, elegant drapery, and a stunning double-sided fireplace that serves as a warm focal point. The space was designed to be flexible, supporting both intimate dining and larger social gatherings. Residents enjoy their meals while sitting in Kwalu’s Altavilla chairs, which provide exceptional comfort with their tall, tapered backs and tufted upholstery, enhancing both support and style. Miranda chairs, with their elegant yet durable design, complement the overall aesthetic, ensuring that residents dine in a setting that is as comfortable as it is beautiful.

For a more casual experience, the pub offers an inviting atmosphere where residents can gather for a morning coffee, a light meal, or socializing with friends. The pub features a stylish bar area furnished with Kwalu’s Novara bar stools, perfectly blending durability with modern elegance. Matching Novara lounge chairs complete the look, creating a seamless and sophisticated setting that encourages connection and engagement. “With Kwalu, the furniture’s look and aesthetic were uncompromised, blending style and elegance seamlessly to the entire project, said Meyer Project Manager Min Yi Park, NCIDQ. The ability to integrate Kwalu seamlessly with natural wood elements helped to reinforce the community’s coastal theme while ensuring lasting performance. Kwalu’s furniture was also chosen for its ease of maintenance, allowing staff to keep spaces looking fresh and inviting without the intensive upkeep required by traditional wood furnishings.

“With Kwalu, the furniture’s look and aesthetic were uncompromised,
blending style and elegance seamlessly to the entire project”

– Min Yi Park, Meyer Project Manager

Designed for Today and Tomorrow

As the average age of independent living residents continues to rise, Cornerstone of Weymouth was designed with future needs in mind. The layout and furnishings were selected to ensure accessibility and ease of movement, allowing residents to live comfortably as their mobility and care needs evolve. Thoughtful design decisions—such as wide hallways, adaptable seating, and open communal areas—support a seamless transition through different stages of aging while maintaining a residential feel. Every detail was carefully considered to ensure that the community remains welcoming and functional, regardless of residents’ changing physical abilities.

Entertainment and social engagement are also at the heart of Cornerstone of Weymouth’s design, with spaces like the community theater offering a retreat for connection. The theater room was designed to emulate the experience of a traditional movie theater, featuring step-down level seating that enhances sightlines and creates an immersive viewing experience. This thoughtful design ensures that residents can enjoy movies, lectures, and performances in a space that feels both sophisticated and comfortable, further enriching their daily lives.

Meyer and Kwalu partnered to create a community that is more than just a place to live, it is a place to thrive. Through inspired design, high-performance materials, and a focus on resident well-being, Cornerstone of Weymouth sets a new standard for independent living, proving that comfort, elegance, and durability can coexist in perfect harmony.

All photos © Jeffrey Totaro, 2025