Tiny Home Massive Lifestyle: Studio Apartment Transformation
Brookridge transformed unwanted studio apartments into desirable tiny homes, a concept others in the industry are looking to as an example.
At the LeadingAge North Carolina conference last week, Brookridge’s project was higlighted as a case study, highlighting how reimagining small spaces can unlock new demand and enhance the resident experience.
Presented by ThriveMore Chief Marketing Officer Jennifer Bartscht, alongside Carolyn Weaver of SFCS Architects and David Caudle of Tandem Senior Living Advisors, the project offered a fresh perspective on an old industry problem.
Studio apartments were once a standard offering in senior living, but preferences have shifted. Today’s older adults often gravitate toward larger residences or freestanding cottages, leaving smaller units harder to fill.
At Brookridge, seven studio apartments, each about 400 square feet, sat vacant. While some studios across campus had been combined into larger homes, these particular units could not be reconfigured due to their location. Over time, they became underutilized and outdated.
They sat empty and sometimes became repositories for staff.
“They become very expensive storage units for us,” Jen joked.
Beyond low demand, the apartments posed practical challenges. Prospective residents often struggled to imagine how their existing furniture would fit, and sales teams didn’t have a lot of confidence in showcasing them.
Then Jen attended a design discussion panel in 2024 at our industry conference, LeadingAge North Carolina. Someone from SFCS mentioned the trend of celebrating smaller living with the surge in popularity of tiny homes. Jen was immediately struck by the idea.
“What if we reimagine these? What if we thought about these as tiny homes or more of a boutique hotel experience?” Jen said.
She set up a meeting with SFCS soon after to explore what that could look like at Brookridge.
The studios presented a unique design challenge, one which designer Carolyn Weaver embraced fully. The redesign focused on making the most of every square foot, drawing inspiration from tiny homes, boutique hotels, and high-efficiency European apartments.
“Somehow, even under 400 square feet, they’re still living large,” Carolyn said.
Key updates included:
• Reconfigured layout to improve flow and create defined living spaces
• Smaller-scale, modern appliances to better fit the footprint
• Addition of a stackable washer and dryer — previously unavailable in the units
• Custom, space-saving furniture packages designed specifically for the floorplan
• Built-in casework with integrated storage throughout the apartment
• Multi-functional features, including a rotating TV that separates living and sleeping areas
• Additional storage integrated into beds, shelving and cabinetry
• Redesigned kitchenette with improved pantry functionality and expanded usable space
• Updated bathroom finishes, including modern shower inserts and tilework
• Removal of institutional design elements to create a more residential feel
• Upgraded lighting to replace outdated, institutional fixtures
• New flooring, refreshed ceilings, and contemporary paint selections
• Reworked door swings and added pocket doors to maximize usable square footage
• Thoughtful design choices to improve accessibility while maintaining style and independence
The design approach was intentional and resident-centered. As Carolyn Weaver described:
“Somehow, even under 400 square feet, they’re still living large.”
The outcome exceeded expectations across the board.
The marketing campaign performed so well that it was cut short. All seven apartments sold before renovations were even fully complete. In fact, final “after” photos had to be taken quickly on move-in day because residents were eager to move in immediately.
Today, the studios have a waitlist. Even current residents in larger homes have expressed interest in downsizing into the newly designed spaces.
The Brookridge studio transformation reflects ThriveMore’s commitment to innovation and responsiveness to changing resident preferences.
By listening closely to prospective residents, embracing new ideas and partnering with trusted experts, ThriveMore continues to evolve what aging well can look like. From reimagining underused spaces to enhancing the overall resident experience, the organization is consistently finding new ways to meet people where they are.