Housing
Theodora Family Hotel
Client
Volunteers of America
Phase
Completed
Location
Denver, CO
Role
Landscape Architect
Supporting Team
Shopworks Architecture - Architect
Earthscape Play - Playground Equipment
Star Playgrounds - Playground Representative
Site Pieces - Site Furnishings
Overview
Theodora Family Hotel is a non-congregate, family shelter designed to provide stability, safety, and supportive services for families and veterans experiencing homelessness in Denver, Colorado. Through close collaboration with the consultant team, Flow Design Collaborative shaped a series of trauma-informed, welcoming outdoor spaces that support rest, play, and community connection.
The landscape creates a warm, human-scale environment for residents of all ages, using bold color and playful forms to spark joy and imagination during a critical period of transition. At the heart of the courtyard is a distinctive butterfly-shaped climbing structure, serving not only as a play element but also as a symbol of transformation and renewal, reflecting the journey of residents as they move toward their next chapter with greater healing, stability, and possibility.
A symbol of growth and transformation
CONNECTION AND COMFORT
Surrounding the central play space, carefully selected plantings provide shade, seasonal interest, and sensory engagement while reducing long-term maintenance. Outdoor areas are thoughtfully organized to balance privacy and visibility, supporting both safety and comfort while offering opportunities for recreation and informal social interaction.
Together, the landscape elements reinforce the shelter’s mission to foster stability, dignity, and a sense of home, honoring each resident’s path toward growth and renewed independence.
