The STAR Center, located on Skagit County’s Crisis Stabilization Campus in Washington State, was created to expand access to mental health and addiction recovery services while helping reduce the stigma often associated with treatment. Serving a largely rural community, the 22,500-square-foot facility provides 48 voluntary inpatient beds across crisis stabilization, detoxification, and longer-term recovery programs.
The design prioritises a trauma-informed approach, creating a welcoming and therapeutic environment that supports both patients and staff. Bright communal spaces, clear circulation routes, dedicated therapy areas, and flexible nursing stations encourage comfort, independence, and positive engagement. Throughout these spaces, Pineapple’s robust and thoughtfully designed furniture contributes to both safety and functionality. Ryno® Dining Chairs and a variety of Ryno® Combo Table configurations have been used within communal dining and activity areas, providing durable, anti-ligature solutions that support social interaction while maintaining a warm, non-institutional aesthetic.
Within patient bedrooms, Acumen Nightstand complement the residential design intent, offering practical storage while enhancing the welcoming and familiar atmosphere. Their clean, contemporary appearance helps create a more comfortable environment for service users during their recovery journey.
Staff wellbeing is also a key consideration, with adaptable workspaces and dedicated indoor and outdoor respite areas designed to promote retention and workplace satisfaction.
A strong connection to nature is woven throughout the facility. Large windows, abundant daylight, outdoor access, and views of the surrounding landscape help reinforce natural daily rhythms and provide a calming setting for recovery. The building’s residential-inspired materials and architecture reflect the character of the Skagit Valley, helping it blend into the local community and move away from traditional institutional healthcare aesthetics.
The project was delivered through the collaborative efforts of the North Star initiative, bringing together local government, healthcare providers, emergency services, housing organisations, and community leaders to address regional mental health needs. The result is a forward-thinking behavioural health facility that demonstrates how thoughtful design, therapeutic environments, and carefully selected furnishings can work together to support recovery, dignity, and long-term wellbeing.
