Enhancing Outdoor Living for Lenbrook
Lenbrook Living Community
Overview
A Vision for Wellness Through Outdoor Spaces
For more than 40 years, Lenbrook has been Atlanta’s premier in-town community for engaged senior living. Lenbrook is the first and only purpose-built, Life Plan Community in Atlanta to achieve international accreditation and an investment grade rating and is known for delivering a premier lifestyle experience to its residents, one centered on community, activity, and well-being. As part of a major campus transformation, Lenbrook set out to reimagine certain outdoor environments. The goal was ambitious: create versatile, year-round spaces where residents could gather, dine, socialize, and enjoy the outdoors comfortably and safely, regardless of weather.
Yet, despite beautifully designed landscapes and thoughtfully planned amenities, the outdoor areas were underutilized. Intense sun, unpredictable weather, and unsightly mechanical equipment compromised the resident experience. To truly bring their vision to life, Lenbrook needed more than landscaping. They needed innovation.
Scope:
- Dining & Event Patio: 1,681 sq. ft. Pivot 6 XL for shade and weather control
- Mechanical Concealment: 1,342 sq. ft. Pivot 6 XL with 328 sq. ft. vertical slat wall
- Croquet Lawn: Two 382 sq. ft. pergolas with manually operated louvered sidewalls
- Courtyard: Four traditional pergolas with fixed beams and solid covers
Client
Lenbrook Living Community
Location
Atlanta, GA
Dealer
StruXure Corporate Commercial Direct Division
Products
Pergola X Pivot 6 XL systems and custom fixed pergolas
“These pergolas don’t just add shade, they enhance lives.”
- Project team
The Challenge:
Beautiful Spaces Limited by the Elements
Before StruXure, some of Lenbrook’s outdoor areas, though beautifully designed, were constrained by weather conditions. The rooftop amenity was often too hot for comfortable use on sunny afternoons; the Croquet Lawn, meant to be a hub of activity, saw reduced activity under the Georgia sun; and even the intimate courtyard was less inviting in less-than-perfect weather.
The problems extended beyond comfort. The mechanical equipment on the second floor, critical to the building’s operations, remained exposed and visually distracting from dining and residential vantage points. Without proper screening, it detracted from the tranquil ambiance Lenbrook sought to create.
Adding to the complexity, two of the large pergolas needed to be installed on rooftops. That meant engineering solutions had to meet stringent safety and structural standards, while maintaining the aesthetic vision.
For Lenbrook, solving these challenges wasn’t optional. Outdoor spaces are essential to resident well-being, encouraging social interaction, physical activity, and a deeper connection to nature. To bring their plans to life, they needed a solution that was as durable and functional as it was beautiful.
Why Lenbrook Chose StruXure
From the earliest stages of design, Lenbrook’s architect understood that shade structures would be key to unlocking the potential of the outdoor spaces. After exploring multiple options, StruXure’s Pergola X system emerged as the clear choice.
What set StruXure apart was more than product quality, though the powder-coated aluminum construction and refined aesthetic certainly impressed. It was the customizability of the system, the ability to tailor solutions to each distinct space, and the collaborative partnership offered by StruXure’s Commercial Direct Division.
The team brought deep experience managing large-scale projects, providing design guidance, engineering documentation, and on-site support. Stamped and signed engineering drawings ensured code compliance, while close coordination with the architect and general contractor helped keep the project on schedule and on budget. A prior Lunch & Learn presentation had already introduced the architectural firm to StruXure’s capabilities — a connection that would prove invaluable as the project moved forward.
The StruXure Solution:
Tailored Design for Every Space
No two areas of Lenbrook’s campus had the same needs, and StruXure approached each space with a fresh solution.
All-Weather Dining and Events
The rooftop amenity used for dining and events received a 1,681 sq. ft. Pergola X Pivot 6 XL system, transforming it into a year-round gathering space. Motorized louvers allow associates to adjust shade and airflow at the touch of a button, providing cooling breezes on warm days or sealing out rain when weather turns. Residents now enjoy meals, celebrations, and live entertainment outdoors, without worrying about the forecast.
Concealing Mechanicals with Form and Function
On the rooftop, a 1,342 sq. ft. Pivot 6 XL pergola was paired with 328 sq. ft. of vertical slat walls to hide mechanical equipment from view while maintaining proper airflow and easy access. The result is a functional structure that enhances rather than detracts from the resident experience.
Custom Comfort on the Croquet Lawn
Two smaller pergolas, each about 382 sq. ft., were installed along the Croquet Lawn, built with Pivot 6 XL materials and featuring manually operated louvered sidewalls. This thoughtful detail addressed a unique challenge: late-afternoon sun from the west that landscaping alone couldn’t block. Residents can now adjust louvers based on the time of day, creating a more comfortable playing environment.
Inviting Courtyard Retreats
In quieter corners of the property, four traditional pergolas with fixed beams and solid coverings offer shaded, intimate spaces for reading, conversation, or quiet reflection — vital components of a vibrant senior living environment.
Collaboration in Action:
Meeting New Needs After Installation
The StruXure team’s involvement didn’t end when installation was complete. After observing that afternoon sun still penetrated parts of the Croquet Lawn pergolas, StruXure Commercial Direct worked directly with Lenbrook management and the architect to add adjustable louvered sidewalls. This responsive approach ensured the final solution truly served residents’ needs, a testament to StruXure’s commitment to partnership and long-term satisfaction.
Results:
Outdoor Spaces Residents Love
Today, Lenbrook’s residents and their guests make full use of the community’s outdoor amenities. The rooftop amenity serves as a lively hub of activity for social gatherings and events throughout the year. The Croquet Lawn buzzes with games even on hot afternoons, while the courtyard pergolas provide shaded retreats for conversation and connection.
The new structures have also enhanced Lenbrook’s visual appeal. The mechanical concealment pergola blends seamlessly into the architecture, and cohesive design across all outdoor spaces reinforces the community’s luxury positioning.
Most importantly, these spaces are helping residents stay active, engaged, and connected — all key components of quality of life in a senior living environment.
Reflections from the team
For StruXure’s Commercial Direct Division, the Lenbrook project represents more than a successful installation — it’s a demonstration of how thoughtful design can transform daily life.
“Visiting the property and seeing residents enjoying these spaces is deeply rewarding,” said the project team. “Working with an architect who entrusted such a significant and beautiful project to StruXure was an honor. These pergolas don’t just add shade, they enhance lives.”
The Takeaway
Lenbrook’s outdoor transformation illustrates the power of StruXure’s approach: customized solutions, collaborative partnerships, and unmatched engineering expertise.
With adaptable designs tailored to each unique space, the community has redefined what outdoor living can mean for its residents — creating beautiful, functional, and welcoming environments that enrich daily life.
Discover StruXure
Experience the ultimate in outdoor living with StruXure—the industry leader in smart pergola systems. Our adjustable louvered roofs are designed to adapt to the weather, giving you control over sunlight, shade, and rain protection at the touch of a button. Crafted for both luxury and durability, StruXure transforms any outdoor space into a year-round retreat for relaxation and entertaining.
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